International Tea Day: Exploring the World’s Most Unusual Teas

Tea is the world’s most consumed drink after water, surpassing coffee and beer. May 21 is celebrated as International Tea Day by the UN, highlighting tea’s global economic and cultural significance. Believed to have originated in India, Myanmar, or China, tea dates back 5,000 years. Globally, tea is called variations of “cha” or “te.” In 2022, global tea consumption reached 6.5 million tonnes, led by China and India. Consumption is rising in Asia but declining in Europe and North America. To mark the day, unusual teas like Tibetan butter tea (made with yak butter, black tea, and salt) are highlighted.