International Tea Day

Next Tuesday, 21 May 2024

International tea day is an annual celebration on May 21. It is coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

International tea day is a new event, introduced in a resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 19 December 2019 and first celebrated in 2020. 

International Tea Day

Discovery of Tea

China is credited with the discovery of tea. People have been drinking tea for thousands of years. Archeological evidence indicates that the discovery and consumption of tea dates back to around 5000 years ago.

In old Folk stories Shen Nung, a Chinese Emperor, is claimed to be the first person to taste tea. These stories say that in 2732 BC, he was sitting under a tree with a cup of hot water when a leaf fell from the tree into his cup. He liked the pleasing smell of the drink and immediately tried it.

The Emperor named the drink "ch'a" meaning to check or inquire. This led to the discovery of tea which then spread around the globe. 

An important mission

International tea day has a bigger mission than simply promoting tea. According to the original resolution, the day also champions the "sustainable production and consumption of tea and raise[s] awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty".  

Economically speaking, the tea industry is extremely important in some of the world’s poorest countries, but consumption is fairly low in many of the countries where it is grown. In addition, tea consumption is declining in countries that traditionally imported a lot of tea.

This presents problems for the countries which depend economically on this cash crop. International tea day was started to raise awareness of the dilemmas and challenges that are faced by these countries that produce tea. 

International tea day raises awareness of the importance of this crop and promotes sustainable tea growing through a number of initiatives across the globe. To educate people on the vital role of the tea industry, the Food and Agriculture Organization has created publications and hosted online ceremonies where people can learn and celebrate together.

Health Benefits of tea

  • Tea contains oxidants called polyphenols. It can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  • According to certain studies, tea contains a type of polyphenol called caffeine and catechins which helps with weight loss.
  • It has also been found that people who drink green tea or black tea have lower chances of heart issues. 
  • Herbal teas such as chamomile help maintain the health of your digestive system. 

International Tea Day
International Tea Day

International Tea Day - Next years

Wednesday, 21 May 2025

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Friday, 21 May 2027

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