The most British day of the year is just around the corner: I hope you’ve heard of National Tea Day! Did you know that tea has been the drink of choice for the past 200 years in the United Kingdom?! We might just be one of the biggest tea drinkers in the world! I’m not the only one saying it, in fact, according to the World Population Review, the United Kingdom has the third spot in the whole world for how much tea is consumed by a country, positioning itself just after Ireland and Turkey.
A BIT OF A HISTORY LESSON
The impact of tea on the history and culture of our country often gets overlooked. Tea played a pivotal role in shaping social traditions, aiding the growth of the British Empire, and fuelling the Industrial Revolution.
Although tea has been enjoyed worldwide for centuries, its introduction to the UK was relatively late. Tea was first sold in London coffeehouses in 1657, featuring green tea from China, accompanied by an explanatory pamphlet. Initially a luxury, tea was pricier than coffee and as such, was favoured by the upper classes.
In 1706, Thomas Twining opened London’s first tea shop. By the 1720s, black tea gained popularity with the addition of milk and sugar, something that had never been done in China. This shift made black tea more popular than green tea, so the rising demand led to increased imports, lowering prices and making tea more accessible by 1750.
As tea became more affordable, it gained popularity among Britain’s middle classes, who used it to enhance their social standing. Adopting upper-class customs, the middle class contributed to tea’s image as a British tradition.
By the early 19th century, tea had become a staple for labourers, factory workers, and the working class, offering warmth, comfort, and energy during long industrial shifts.
Tea consumption also helped combat diseases linked to urban life, as boiling water for tea eliminated waterborne illnesses like dysentery and cholera.
Today, tea remains Great Britain’s national drink, treasured across the nation. While tea rituals have evolved, a sense of tradition and ritual still surrounds tea consumption. Whether enjoyed at home or as a mid-day treat, tea remains deeply rooted in British culture and is likely to endure for generations – especially with the surge of afternoon tea treats that come with it!
ABOUT NATIONAL TEA DAY
Every year, on April 21st, the United Kingdom commemorates National Tea Day, a tradition embraced for two centuries now. This special day in Britain honours the enduring bond with tea, with an astonishing consumption of over 60 billion cups annually (that’s more than 165 million cups daily!).
The UK’s fascination with tea continues to flourish, boasting a wide array of tea types, each serving a distinct purpose from kickstarting the day to winding down at night. It’s no surprise that tea remains a beloved national treasure, with the UK’s enthusiasm showing no signs of waning.
Annually, Britons come together for their “Fes-Tea-Val” to introduce new teas, indulge in the quintessential afternoon tea experience, and revel in the diverse flavours this beverage offers. While tea is a global favourite, the UK stands out for their unparalleled celebration of this beloved drink.
Of course, you don’t have to be in the UK (or from the UK) to join in the National Tea Day festivities. Take just 10 minutes to relax with a cup of tea, whether alone or with friends. Grab your tea, and a few scones, and share your experience on social media using #BritishNationalTeaDay or #NationalTeaDay. You’ll see just how many people will be joining you in this celebration. My plans are to book in a great afternoon tea experience, and enjoy the festivities to the fullest this year!
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TEA
Tea is created by steeping the young leaves and leaf buds of the Camellia Sinensis plant in freshly boiled water. The main types of tea are black, green, white, and oolong, each offering a distinct flavour based on the leaves’ origins and processing methods, including fermentation (black), non-fermentation (green and white tea), or semi-fermentation (oolong tea).
Herbal and rooibos infusions, although often referred to as ‘teas’, are made from different plants and do not provide the same health benefits as traditional tea. When I talk about the myriad of health benefits that ‘tea’ offers, herbal and rooibos are not included – only the main tea types listed above.
Tea leaves undergo stages of withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying to bring out their unique properties.
The level of fermentation distinguishes the tea types – from least in white tea to most in black tea – as this affects the polyphenols in tea, making them more concentrated and complex, resulting in darker colours and richer flavours.
Another characteristic to not for this drink is that they all contain caffeine, with the amount varying based on processing, brew time, water temperature, and steeping duration. So, remember to consume responsibly!
Tea provides a variety of health advantages – it’s a soothing beverage that enhances focus and attention, promotes heart health, supports gut health, and may aid in blood sugar management. If you’re seeking a tasty, low-calorie, unsweetened hot drink with lower caffeine content than coffee, tea is the choice for you. Although if you’re here and made it this far into this article, you probably already know that!
Rich in protective plant compounds
Teas such as black, white, green, and oolong are packed with protective plant compounds known as polyphenols. These polyphenols, when consumed regularly, can shield the body’s cells from harm, potentially lowering the chances of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Can improve blood pressure
Tea consumption could potentially enhance blood pressure by improving the function of blood vessels and reducing blood pressure. This is achieved by boosting the presence of nitric oxide, a compound that aids in relaxing the inner muscles of blood vessels, promoting smoother blood flow.
Can improve cardiovascular wellbeing
Studies indicate that consuming tea regularly can potentially lower the chances of heart disease, primarily attributed to its polyphenol content. In particular, catechins, abundant in green tea, have been shown to have a beneficial impact on various cardiovascular aspects.
Can regulate the glycemic response and reduce the risk of diabetes
The presence of tea polyphenols can influence how our body reacts to carbohydrates by slowing down digestion and absorption while promoting insulin release. Among various teas, green tea seems to be the most potent also in this aspect.
Tea polyphenols have the potential to reduce the risk of diabetes. Studies suggest that these polyphenols can hinder digestive enzymes like lactase and slow down the absorption of glucose in the intestines. Some research indicates that regularly consuming dietary polyphenols throughout one’s life could be as beneficial as certain medications in lowering the chances of developing diabetes.
It improves gut health
Several polyphenols in the diet, like those found in tea, remain unabsorbed and travel to the large intestine. There, gut bacteria break them down, serving as a fuel source for beneficial gut bacteria. This process supports their growth and diversity, ultimately enhancing gut function and influencing the immune system.
Can reduce the risk of cancer
Tea’s polyphenols might collaborate with various elements to hinder the progression of specific cancer types. Currently, strong evidence primarily supports the effectiveness against oral cancer, while there are indications for other types like liver, breast, and colon cancer. Of course, these findings need more studies to be confirmed, and there are always other influencing factors when it comes to cancer. But in the meantime, it surely doesn’t hurt to drink an extra cup!
Can reduce stress and anxiety
In contrast to coffee, known for its energising properties, tea is commonly viewed as a calming beverage. While both beverages contain caffeine, only tea has the amino acid l-theanine, which promotes relaxation by boosting alpha brain waves.
Can improve attention levels
Drinks that combine caffeine and l-theanine seem to have the most significant effect on our attention and focus levels. Green tea, which contains 25mg of l-theanine, is linked to less cognitive dysfunction and can enhance concentration and focus. These benefits are not just for green tea only though. In fact, research on black tea consumption has shown improved performance speed, memory, and reduced errors too!
It supports bone health
There is evidence indicating that choosing tea, particularly green tea, could assist in preserving bone density, potentially lowering the risk of fractures. This protective benefit is also believed to be linked to the polyphenols found in tea.
a word of warning
Although tea seems to have an incredible amount of health benefits, there is some conflicting evidence regarding the impact of adding milk and sugar to black tea. These additions might hinder the absorption of beneficial polyphenols and potentially impact the drink’s health benefits. So, the answer might just be in the middle here and try not to add too much sugar and milk, or alternate between the two, so that we can all enjoy these countless health benefits of this drink.
It is also important to acknowledge that we shouldn’t overconsume tea, as the optimal number of cups per day varies based on the individual and the type of tea. For the average person not sensitive to caffeine, up to three to four cups of black tea may be suitable, whereas green tea drinkers might be able to have more.
However, for those sensitive to caffeine, it is recommended to limit overall caffeinated beverage intake, including tea, to avoid potential sleep disturbances and increased anxiety. It is advisable to reduce consumption and have the last caffeinated drink around noon.
Pregnant women and individuals with iron-deficiency anaemia should also restrict their caffeine intake. Notably, tea contains tannins that can hinder iron absorption, so individuals with iron deficiency anaemia should avoid drinking tea with meals and wait at least an hour after eating before having a cup.
Related – Decaf Teabags – What’s in Them? The Decaffination Process Explained (Instagram) @suz_stainable
MY FAVOURITE TEA COMPANIES
I’m a big tea drinker myself and I absolutely loved bringing you all this information today. But as you already know, my articles wouldn’t be finished if I’m not also bringing you some brand recommendations. When it comes to tea, we all have a favourite kind and today, I’m giving you a few suggestions for companies that are currently selling some pretty amazing selection of teas to choose from!
New English Teas
New English Teas is an independent company has been taking care of the best tea gift bundles since 1985. From wonderfully packaged teabags to greatly decorated caddies, if you’re looking for a gift for a tea-lover friend of yours, this is the place to go. Plus, they have a 15% discount code when you first sign up for their newsletter and free delivery when ordering over £20 value. If you’ve never bought from them before, you’d be saving lots on your first purchase!
When you navigate to their collections section, you’ll be able to see caddies decorated to everyone’s liking – from Sports to Alice In Wonderland themes, from The Royal Family to European Cities collection, there’s something for everyone. My favourite? Their Vintage Collections!
The WEE Tea Co
The Wee Tea Company, a wholesale tea supplier located in Scotland, takes pride in supplying premium loose-leaf tea and biodegradable teabags to top hotels, cafes, and brands worldwide. Additionally, they operate an online store for individuals to enjoy these luxurious teas at home. Since 2012, the Wee Tea Company has been dedicated to offering customers exceptional quality teas and tisanes, meticulously sourced and crafted to provide truly memorable tea-drinking moments.
From black to white teas, oolong and green, and fruit and herbal fusions, you’ll be able to find everything you’re looking for in this online shop. The best part is that the Wee Tea Company offers their customers VIP members club access too. This membership has lots of perks and if you are a tea drinker like me, you might want to consider joining: From discounts up to 40% off, VIP events and gifts, there are lots of perks that come with being part of the Wee Tea Company family!
The Wee Tea VIP Club offers exclusive benefits to its members, including discounted prices on various products and special offers. In April 2024, VIP members can enjoy an extra 10% off on loose leaf tea boxes, big bags, tea storage caddies, and Wee Hot Chocolate 250g pouches. Additionally, there’s an exclusive offer of 40% off on luxury gift selection boxes.
Wee Tea VIP Membership is free to join and includes perks such as a welcome discount on the first purchase, access to VIP prices, special rewards, members-only offers, early access to new tea blends, invitations to VIP events like tastings, and a birthday gift.
John Watt Coffee and Tea
John Watt & Son is an independent coffee roaster and tea blender, that was established in 1865 and is located in the heart of Carlisle. Their foundation lies in closely guarded recipes passed down over 150 years, aiming to deliver the freshest, highest quality coffee and tea in Cumbria.
Besides their focus on crafting exceptional teas and coffees, they manage several small cafes in Carlisle and collaborate with various businesses as dependable caterers. All of their food is locally sourced within a 50-mile radius of their outlets, reducing their carbon footprint and supporting local businesses.
The company is committed to sustainability by using eco-friendly and recyclable packaging wherever possible, utilising Vegware in their cafes, and minimising waste in general.
They proudly hold Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance Accreditation to ensure fair treatment for the producers they partner with. Although their tea selection might be on the pricey side, some of the tea flavours can honestly not be found anywhere else. Especially when it comes down to their fruit tea selection, from black cherry, to apricot and blood orange – I never know which ones to pick!
This gift set celebrates the partnership between John Watt & Son and Carlisle United Football Club (CUFC). It includes 250g of The Brunton Blend, an official CUFC beanie, a Lake District Tea Company drum, 4 official CUFC coasters, and one JW & Son mug. The Brunton Blend was specifically crafted for match-days at the CUFC ground, Brunton Park, to keep enthusiasm high among the Blue Army fans. This hamper is an ideal Christmas treat for any supporter, whether at home or away.
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