Tea is something that will warm us up if we’re cold, cool us down if we’re too hot, and bring us joy if we’re depressed (plus, it contains multiple benefits). Tea is the second most consumed drink in the world, followed by water and apparently it has the solution to all ills. From the times of the ancient Chinese dynasty to the present day, tea has shown us its power and the fact that it has a lot to do with relaxing and sacred rituals. This article is for those who love to travel and still think that a cup of tea is more than a drink.
1. India: the land of Chai tea
India produces and consumes more tea than any other country in the world. Chai is the national drink in India and is served on literally every street corner, especially at busy train stations, where you can see people selling it at all hours of the day and night. If you happen to be invited to an Indian home (remember that guests can drop by at any time without warning) be prepared to taste a sweet and slightly spicy milk tea.
If you get a chance to visit wonderful India, visit the Tea Museum in Munnar. Here you will learn about traditional tea production.
Japan: the matcha ceremony
In Japan, tea is an important part of food culture. Although the diversity of teas here is quite large, when someone mentions the word “tea” without specifying the type, they are referring to green tea (green and Chinese tea are also among the most popular). The tea ceremony here is known as matchawhich involves serving green tea to a small group of people in one of those famous tea houses.
For those who want to live the real tea experience, take a I fly to Tokyo and don’t miss the chance to visit one of the famous tea rooms.
Morocco: mint tea, the heart of culture
It’s almost impossible to spend 24 hours in a Moroccan city and not be served hot tea. Tuareg teaor Moroccan mint tea is literally the heart of their culture. Strongly linked to the act of hospitality, mint tea is served to guests three times and each glass means a different thing: life, love and death. Of course they must all be drunk.
New Zealand: the “tea break”
According to historians, New Zealand imported significant quantities of tea in the 19th century, with the arrival of British missionaries. Today people experiment with other types of teas such as Japanese green tea, blends such as Earl Grey, and Chinese teas such as oolong. As in America, interest in this drink stems from the tea’s reputation and its health benefits.
New Zealand’s only commercial tea plantation is called Zealong, which launched its first products in 2009.
USA: The tea explosion
Whether cold or hot, in the morning or in the evening, tea is one of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks in the States in 2014. Here you can find green, red and also the oolong tea, traditional Chinese tea. In this sense, the type of tea does not matter, as they are all part of the healthy diet of North Americans. Today we can say that coffee is still preferred for the morning ritual, iced tea is often consumed for lunch and in the evening all types of tea are drunk.
Thailand: a very trendy tea
Who hasn’t tried a Thai tea? This is also one of the most popular teas in the world. It is made with strongly brewed red tea which usually contains anise, red and yellow food colorings, and sometimes other spices as well. Thai tea is consumed mostly in Southeast Asia and in many American and European restaurants serving Vietnamese and Thai food.
Thai tea found its roots in the midst of a war, but a civil war, rather than a colonial one as in most countries.
Great Britain: classic afternoon tea
We all know that Britain is the place on Earth where people can drink a cup of tea even before going to bed. Yes, the English cannot live without this ancient drink, brought from India in the days when Britain was an empire. Despite the coffee-fueled culture, tea is still the first hot drink of choice for the British population.
If you have the chance to visit London, don’t hesitate to spend an afternoon at Orangerya classic tea lover’s paradise in the heart of fashionable West London.
Russia: Welder for guests
There are two things that Russians love most: vodka and tea. The history of this country tells us that it was precisely on the occasion of the victory of the Bolsheviks in the Civil War that soldiers and industrial workers began to have free tea, which until then was considered a product of the upper class. Today most Russians like what they call Welder, a very strong tea brewed in a separate teapot that allows hosts to serve guests in multiple rounds.
If you ever go to Russia, don’t hesitate to have tea with a slice of cake, as it is considered rather rude to serve tea “naked”.
China: The Tea Dynasty
For the Chinese, tea is synonymous with life. They were the first to discover the tea leaf and have not stopped drinking it since. Due to the geographic climate, many locations in the country grow different types of tea. The art of making tea is called “Cha dao”, which was soon accepted as one of the most important cultures that Japan learned from China.
The only national museum in China is located in Hangzhou, where the historical development of tea culture in China is described in detail.
Argentine: The company experience
It is often said that to know Argentina well you have to try its meat, its wine and its people company. Companion herb it is the national drink of one of the most amazing countries in South America and the truth is that it is more than just a drink. It’s also a lifestyle. Although it’s not really tea (it grows on a bush) travelers to this country will find that people drink it at any time of day. The more you drink it, the stronger the aftertaste will be.
(Information source: https://worldteanews.com/tea-industry-news-and-features/10-tea-traditions-around-world)
