December 15th is International Tea Day #TeaDay. I don’t know about you but I’m a avid #Tea drinker and have a glass of Tea at least once a day. Although unlike David and Charlie I don’t like flavored Tea’s I want Plain Tea or English Breakfast Tea and it can be hot or cold. Sweet or Un-Sweetened but my favorite it Sweetened Tea. What about you?
I believe I got my love of Tea from my mom’s parents who used to sit outside at night with a glass of Tea.. As I got older and we would walk in my grandmothers house there was always a picture of Tea. In my parents home I only remember pictures of Tea during the #Holidays or parties my parents held.
In my home I used to always have a picture of Sweet Tea even when Suzzane was little. Now I keep a gallon of Milo’s Sweet Tea in the Ice Box at all times and everyone knows its mine and stays out of it. Unless my sister is visiting and she gets a glass or two. Did you know I can make a gallon of Tea last a week from Thursday to Thursday and sometimes longer and sometimes not as long depending on who has drank my Tea. Could you do that?
Step aside, Coffee and Coca Cola, as well as all Soda’s and Juices for International Tea Day on December 15th. People will drink the most popular beverage in the world. Which is Tea. Did you know Tea was the most popular beverage because I didn’t know that.
International Tea Day mainly seeks to raise awareness on the impact the Tea trade has on farmers and workers but International Tea Day is also celebrated by Tea lovers worldwide. Now, I have a question for you.
Did you know that the origins of Tea have been traced back to China when Tea was mostly used for medicinal purposes until the 17th Century when Tea made its way to the United Kingdom. The main types of Tea include black, green, white, herbal, Oolong, and Pu’erh.
While International Tea Day has been observed since 2005, in 2019 the United Nations introduced a new International Tea Day on May 21. Now that I know this of course, my family will celebrate both, because who doesn’t want double Tea? Which Holiday or both would you celebrate and why?
There is no better way to start our day than with the pleasant taste and aroma of Tea. Legend has it that Tea was first discovered over 4000 years ago in China by Emperor Nun Shen. On one of his visits to a remote region, the leaves of a nearby Tree blew into a pot of boiling Water which his servants had placed over a fire. The refreshing aroma invited the Emperor to taste the beverage, and the first cup of Tea was born.
In the 16th Century, Tea made its way across the globe to Europe by Dutch traders, where Tea became a widely traded commodity thanks to the establishment of the East India Company in England. The rest, as they say, is history.
Other than Tea’s taste and benefits, Tea’s contributions to culture and socioeconomic development are just as relevant. Grown in over 35 Countries, the cultivation of Tea supports the livelihoods of over 13 million people.
Started by trade unions in 2005, International Tea Day celebrates the health benefits, economic importance, and cultural heritage of Tea, all the while ensuring a more sustainable production from fields to our cups.
Bringing together civil society organizations and small Tea growers and businesses, International Tea Day aims to regulate uneven competition, safety regulations, land occupation, social security, living wages, and women’s rights for all Tea workers.
Seminars, public campaigns, and presentations are traditionally held. The goal is to strengthen the regulations for Tea growers’ associations. Other than recognizing Tea as a big export crop for Countries that produce it, Tea culture is also celebrated by enthusiasts.
How To Celebrate International Tea Day
- From Mint to Apple, to a whole fusion of assorted ingredients, try a new Tea flavor today!
- If you have the means and the opportunity round up the gang and host a Tea party! You can prepare different blends of Tea or even have a theme like a vintage English Tea Party.
- It’s good to learn about how your favorite Tea blend is sourced and produced. If a company’s policies are not fair to their workers, you may want to switch to a different brand.
Facts About Tea
- With over 20,000 different varieties of Tea around the world, it is truly amazing that the actual Tea Plant from which the leaves are derived from Camellia sinensis, has only 6 varieties.
- At $1.2 million per kilogram, China’s ‘The Big Red Robe’ is the most expensive Tea in the world
- In 1908, an accident involving samples of Tea packed into silk bags led to the creation of the first Tea-bags.
- As of now, the most popular Tea in China is Bubble Tea or Tapioca, whereas it’s Chai in Pakistan and Sweet Iced Tea in the US.
- You’d think that the British would consume the most Tea, but it is actually the people of Turkey who drink more Tea than anyone else. That is surprising isn’t it?
Why International Tea Day is Important
- Did you know every region in the world has its own way of drinking Tea? I didn’t that but can’t wait to look up other Countries to see what they do. If you were #Homeschooling your children they could do the same thing.
- Originating 4000 years ago, the traditions and culture surrounding Tea are truly timeless, and with Tea come special ingredients and techniques that should be celebrated.
- Tea is great to consume, but its production and extraction are labor-intensive. In many Countries, a large working population relies on the Tea industry for their livelihoods. Awareness of this and campaigning for the fair treatment of workers is truly important for reduced social impact and a sustained future of Tea.
- Nost people are all for female empowerment and the Tea industry is a testimony to the courageous and brave workforce of women who continue to produce this brew for connoisseurs worldwide. Unfortunately, these women are often not provided ideal work conditions and do not have access to basic education. Donating and supporting causes for the betterment of these women is crucial.
Recipe: English Tea Cucumber Sandwiches
Prep Time: 15 mins Additional Time: 10 mins Total Time: 25 mins
Ingredients
Yields 12 Sandwiches/ Servings
- 1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion salt
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (1 pound) loaf sliced bread, crusts removed
- 1 pinch lemon pepper (Optional)
Directions
Stack the other half of the bread slices spread-side down over cucumber to make sandwiches; slice into triangles.
Gather the ingredients.
Place cucumber slices between 2 paper towels set in a colander. Allow liquid to drain, about 10 minutes.
Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion salt, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl until smooth.
Spread cream cheese mixture evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Divide cucumber slices over half of the bread slices; sprinkle lemon pepper on cucumber.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
