On January 12 we celebrate, national hot tea day a perfect day to enjoy hot tea in cold weather, however hot tea is ideal for all age groups of people whether it is black tea, milk tea or herbal tea. Did you know that, Tea has been in our cups since the 2nd century B.C. it originated in China, and tea has grown to become the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water.
History of National Hot Tea Day
Did you know that, tea has been consumed for almost 5,000 years? In the year 2737 B.C., during the Tang Dynasty, legend has it that some tea leaves fell into a pot of water that was being boiled for Chinese emperor Shen Nung. After that, he drank the brew and found it delicious and relaxing.
Also, later on in 2016, the earliest known physical evidence of tea was discovered in the mausoleum of Emperor Jing of Han in Xi’an, indicating that tea, from the genus Camellia, was drunk by Han dynasty emperors, as early as the 2nd century B.C. However, the Han dynasty work, “The Contract for a Youth,” written in 59 B.C., contains the first known reference to boiling tea. So it was the first record of tea cultivation is also dated to this period, during which tea was cultivated on Meng Mountain.
However, did you know that tea was first introduced to Western priests and merchants in China during the 16th century? The first recorded shipment of tea by a European nation was in 1607 when the Dutch East India Company moved a cargo of tea from Macao to Java. Tea was sold in a coffee house in London in 1657, Samuel Pepys tasted tea in 1660, and Catherine of Braganza took the tea-drinking habit to the English court when she married Charles II in 1662.
Later on, tea was smuggled in the 18th century to the public. The British government removed the tax on tea, thereby eliminating the smuggling trade, in 1785. The popularity of tea played a role in historical events — the Tea Act of 1773 provoked the Boston Tea Party which escalated into the American Revolution. Likewise, by the late 19th century, tea had become an everyday beverage for every social society.
Similarly, the Tea Council of the U.S.A. was founded in 1950, and National Hot Tea Day was created by the council in 2016.
| 2737 B.C. (The Accidental Brew) | Tea leaves fall into a pot of water being boiled for Chinese emperor Shen Nung. |
| 59 B.C. (Boiling Tea) | The Han dynasty work, “The Contract for a Youth,” contains the first known reference to boiling tea. |
| 1607 (Tea Goes West) | The Dutch East India Company records the first shipment of tea to Europe. |
| 1773 (The Boston Tea Party) | The Sons of Liberty destroy an entire shipment of tea sent by the East India Company, in opposition to the violation of rights in the Townshend Act |
Spiced English Breakfast Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 English Breakfast tea bag
- 1-2 whole cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1-2 cardamom pods (slightly crushed)
- 1-2 slices of fresh ginger
- Honey or sugar (to taste)
- Milk (optional)
How to make:
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Once boiling, add the cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and ginger slices to the water. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavours.
- Add the English Breakfast tea bag to the spiced water. Continue to simmer for another 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- Remove the tea bag and spices. Stir in honey or sugar to taste.
- If you prefer your tea with milk, add a splash of milk and stir.
- Pour the tea into your favourite mug.
What are the health benefits of drinking tea?
Tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals in the body. Similarly, different types of tea offer various health benefits: green tea is known for its metabolism-boosting properties, black tea can improve heart health, and herbal teas like chamomile can promote relaxation and aid digestion.
5 Interesting Facts About Tea
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There are 3,000 different types- Did you know that, the flavour of teas depends on where they grow as well as the type of bush, and are sometimes made up of different blends?
- It’s great for your health- Among other things, it contains polyphenols, that help our bodies fight off cardiovascular diseases, cancers, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, and other maladies.
- Don’t use boiling water to make it- Things that should need to be considered is that, you should never use boiling water for tea because you’ll burn the leaf.
- They weren’t always in bags- Likewise, Teabags were invented in the early 1900s.
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There used to be a tea auction- The London Tea Auction ran for 300 years, and according to the B.B.C., by the 1950s a third of all the world’s tea was bought through the auction.
5 Activities for National Hot Tea Day
1. Tea Tasting Party:
- Host a tea-tasting party with friends or family.
- How: Prepare different teas (black, green, herbal, etc.) and set up a tasting station. Also, Provide small cups for sampling and some light snacks like scones or finger sandwiches. Encourage guests to compare flavours and share their favourites.
2. DIY Tea Blending:
- Create your custom tea blends.
- How: Gather a variety of loose-leaf teas and herbs (like chamomile, mint, rose petals, etc.). Experiment with mixing different ingredients to create unique flavours. Package your blends in decorative jars and share them as gifts.
3. Tea-Themed Crafts:
- Engage in tea-themed craft projects.
- How: Try making tea cozies, decorating tea cups, or creating tea-themed art. Moreover, you could also design your tea infuser using simple materials or upcycle old tea tins into decorative storage containers.
4. Tea and Book Pairing:
- Enjoy a relaxing tea time with a good book.
- How: Choose a cozy spot, brew your favourite tea, and pick a book that complements the tea’s flavour. For instance, a rich black tea pairs well with a classic novel, while a calming herbal tea might be perfect for a mystery or romance.
5. Tea Yoga or Meditation Session:
- Combine tea enjoyment with mindfulness.
- How: Prepare a calming herbal tea, find a peaceful space, and engage in a short yoga or meditation session. Likewise, focus on the sensory experience of sipping the tea, and use it as a moment for relaxation and reflection.
FAQs
Can I reuse tea leaves or tea bags?
Some tea leaves and bags can be reused for a second steeping, though the flavour may be lighter. Moreover, For loose-leaf tea, you can often get multiple infusions from the same leaves, especially with high-quality teas.
What are some popular tea pairings?
Some other popular tea pairings are,
- Black tea: Pairs well with hearty foods like breakfast pastries, scones, and savoury dishes.
- Green tea: Complements lighter fare such as salads, seafood, and citrus-based desserts.
- Herbal tea: Goes well with fruits, nuts, and light snacks, or can be enjoyed on its own before bedtime.
Also, read more about National Keto Day – January 5, 2025
