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

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water, surpassing coffee and beer in popularity. Recognizing its global economic and cultural significance, the United Nations has designated May 21 as International Tea Day. Tea holds an important place in many societies, symbolizing hospitality and unity—from the buttery po cha of Tibet to the classic English breakfast tea.

The origins of tea are not precisely known, but it is widely believed that the drink first emerged in northeast India, northern Myanmar, and southwest China. Evidence shows that tea was being consumed in China as early as 5,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest known beverages in human history.

Globally, most languages derive their word for tea from either “cha” or “te.” The root “cha” is common in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. For example, the word for tea is “chá” in Mandarin, “shāy” in Arabic, “çay” in Turkish, and “chāi” in Hindi. On the other hand, “te” is used in many Western European languages due to trade routes between Europe and East Asia. The word “tea” entered the English language from the Chinese Hokkien dialect, where it is pronounced “te.” Other variations include “thé” in French, “té” in Spanish, and “tee” in German.

According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global tea consumption reached 6.5 million tonnes in 2022, reflecting a continuous increase in demand. China, the world’s leading tea consumer, accounted for 3 million tonnes or 46 percent of global consumption. India followed with 1.16 million tonnes, making up 18 percent. Other significant consumers included Turkiye (250,000 tonnes), Pakistan (247,000 tonnes), and Russia (133,000 tonnes). The FAO reported that tea consumption increased by 2 percent in 2022 compared to 2021 and continued to rise in 2023. However, in Europe and North America, tea consumption has seen a decline, attributed to rising competition from alternative beverages. Additionally, Russia’s tea imports have been adversely affected by the war in Ukraine.

To commemorate International Tea Day, attention is drawn to unusual teas from around the world. One such tea is Butter Tea, also known as Po Cha, commonly consumed in Tibet and Himalayan regions. This tea is unique as it is made using yak butter, black tea, and salt, giving it a broth-like texture. Culturally, there is a tradition associated with this tea: the host continually refills the guest’s cup until they decline or until the refills stop, signifying it’s time for the guest to leave.

In conclusion, tea is not only a staple beverage but also a deeply embedded cultural symbol across continents. Whether sipped from ornate Chinese teapots, enjoyed in roadside Indian stalls, or served in European parlors, tea continues to connect people globally. International Tea Day celebrates not just the drink itself, but the traditions, histories, and social bonds it helps sustain.