Tea is…well, hot. With traditions dating back thousands of years and properties that boast hundreds of health benefits, it’s no surprise that tea remains a go-to beverage among Americans. Pour a steaming cup and get steeped in these interesting facts.
1) Tea is Second Only to Water
Next to water, tea is the most consumed beverage. In fact, more than 159 million Americans drink tea daily.
2) It Supports Sustainability
In a world where people are actively seeking more mindful food and beverage options, tea supports sustainability in a variety of ways. Tea is derived from a renewable source, meaning that it replenishes itself. And with the tea plant being resistant to most insects, growing and processing can be done in a natural way.
3) Tea Has Flavonoids That Fight Disease
Among its many healthy qualities, tea contains flavonoids. These flavonoids have antioxidant properties that are shown to fight against inflammation, heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Fun fact: the longer tea is steeped, the more flavonoids that are present.
4) The Wind Blew and Tea Was Brewed
Nearly 5,000 years ago, Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung was credited with discovering tea. According to legends, the wind blew leaves from a tea tree into his pot of boiling water, which lead to the creation of tea as we know it today.
5) Tea Bags Were Invented On Accident
As the story goes, a New Yorker named Thomas Sullivan impacted brewing methods by accidentally inventing the modern tea bag in 1908. The bags were originally created for shipping purposes, but tea customers thought they were meant to go straight into their cups.
6) Most Teas Are Derived From the Same Plant
Black, green, oolong, dark and white teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant. The difference is in the way the leaves are processed.
7) Tea Was Once Very Elite
The next time you’re drinking tea, consider it a privilege. At one time in England, tea was so expensive it was reserved only for the wealthy and kept locked in wooden caddies.
Feeling intrigued by tea? If you’re looking for the perfect lineup of hot teas, Tazo® has an amazing selection of unexpected blends to keep the office brewing with excitement.