Cuppa culture
Tea (not gossip you get from your BFF, but the kind you drink) is one of the oldest hot beverages. It dates back to 2737 BC when a dead leaf fell into Chinese emperor Shennong’s boiled water. He found the drink refreshing, and so tea came into being. Here are five countries that do tea differently.
China
Chinese neighbourhoods and CBDs are full of tea houses where it’s served in formal and casual set-ups. Each type of tea requires the water to be at a particular temperature. Offering someone a cup of tea can also be a sign of respect for elders or an apology, and it’s also enjoyed when celebrating a family gathering or wedding.India
India is the second largest producer of tea in the world after China. People make tea at home quite often, but it’s outdoors where the culture really comes alive. On most streets, you’ll find stalls where tea is brewed and sold. It’s served with milk and sugar, which are actually boiled and brewed along with the tea leaves.Japan
The ancient Japanese tea ceremony involves the preparation and serving of powdered green tea (matcha). Tea gatherings can also be formal or informal, with the former including a full-course meal and with the latter, a light meal is optional.United States
Commonly enjoyed in the southern US during summer, sweet tea is made by adding sugar to a jug of freshly brewed black tea. It’s served cold with ice and flavouring, and lemon or mint is optional.Turkey
In Turkey, tea is prepared in two stacked kettles, one stacked on top of the other. Water is boiled in the larger bottom kettle and some is used to fill the smaller top kettle and infused with tea leaves, this makes a very strong tasting tea. Served in a glass; the drinker can dilute with the remaining water to their personal taste.Feel like a cup of tea?
We have a brand new range of caffeine-free flavour-infused teas that contain real fruit pieces and spices. They’re blended and packed locally, the packaging is made from 70% recycled paper and the tea bags themselves are compostable.