Tea is the second most consumed drink on the planet after water. It is grown at high altitudes as the plant requires certain favourable conditions to get the right quality. The climate, moisture, altitude, soil and many other factors contribute to the best yield. It is grown in few countries like India, China, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Kenya, etc. The two leaves and the bud of the plant are gently and carefully plucked by plantation workers, dried and processed to produce some of the best tea in the world. Some teas that are famous are the Ceylon Black Tea, Japanese Hojicha, Chinese Pu’Erh, and Darjeeling Green Tea.  The African Rooibos is a tea that is increasingly gaining popularity although it is made from the grass unlike from the tea plant.

It is interesting to note that various ceremonies and rituals surrounding tea are deeply embedded in many cultures. The English Earl Grey for Hi teas, Japanese tea ceremony, Moroccan mint tea served during gatherings, and Buddhists tea ceremonies to name a few. Tea brewing and drinking is an art in itself. There are tea Sommeliers and Master Blenders, tea tasters etc. who have mastered the art to test quality and craft fine teas. New recipes are made to introduce interesting teas keeping the consumer preferences in mind and working to bring out the best blends.

Teas are of different types mainly black, green, white, yellow, oolong, rooibos, and herbal tisanes. Blended teas consist of various ingredients like spices, fruits, flowers, seeds, etc. Some teas are less caffeinated and some are caffeine-free which makes it a healthy choice. Different teas require different brewing and steeping time to get the best flavours. Some teas are notable for their aromas and some for the taste. Teas are also consumed at different times of the day, some for health and some for simple pleasures and some for special occasions. Brewing tea is also a highly personalized experience and differs from person to person depending on their state of being and lifestyle.

Tea can never be summarised in a nutshell given the sheer magnitude of production and consumption. Simply put, tea is a drink that weaves magic in every cup!