Tea and Tea Culture
Tea plays an important role in the lives of many across the world. In many countries, it plays an important role and is part of several social customs, ceremonies, and festivities. Tea ceremonies are common in China, Japan, and Korea – each preparation is different from the other and consumed in different settings. The British custom of Afternoon tea has spread extensively across its territories and regions including Australia and New Zealand which did not have their own tea customs.
Different regions prefer their teas differently – from different varieties to different flavorings including herbs, spices, milk, sugar, and honey. The strength and temperature choices also vary widely. India is the second-largest producer and exporter of tea after China. The famous Assam and Darjeeling Tea are produced from the leaves harvested from the shrub, Camellia sinensis. Tea was initially brought to Australia aboard the first fleet in 1788. And today it is an integral part of the Australian culture and Australians enjoy their morning and afternoon tea every day.
Recent research indicates that 50% of Australians drink at least one cup of tea every week rising from around 38% a decade or so ago. Global tea consumption and production are expected to increase over the next decade driven by robust demand for the world’s most popular beverage. Australians are now keen to explore their options when it comes to choosing their cup of tea because they realise that there is a tea to suit everyone’s taste, mood, and moment.
Tea culture revolves around the process of brewing and consuming tea and the manner in which people interact with tea. The unique culture, sometimes hundreds of years old make drinking tea an ideal component of several cultural and traditional festivals. Therefore, it is common to see tea being drunk in small gatherings, private tea parties to large public events. Besides, the traditional tearooms in the Asian countries like China and Japan, many modern teahouses and tea rooms have now popped-up in countries including the US, Canada, Ireland, and other Commonwealth countries.
Celebrating with a cup of tea is indeed part of many traditions, new and old. From Asia to Europe to Australia and NZ in the Pacific region, tea adds a touch of flavour, wellness and extends the community spirit to the festive season. At WellTea, we have put together an assortment of blends that families, friends, and loved ones can enjoy together during the holiday season and make meaningful memories together to last a lifetime.
WellTea – wellness in a cup. Pour yourself a cup of WellTea