Many people would be surprised to know that after water, tea is the most consumed drink in the entire world. In every country, tea brings along with it benefits and customs that differ from region to region. While some enjoy it as a way to warm them up on a cold day or as an alternative to coffee, others take part in actual tea ceremonies or tea times that break the day up in between breakfast and dinner.
In many cultures, tea has a far more sacred meaning than just that of soothing the soul and aiding in holistic health. For some, this tea-drinking tradition is rooted in centuries of practice and combines the tradition of growing delicate tea leaves as well as the perfect art of brewing tea. Each type of tea plant calls for certain brewing instructions, correct water temperatures, and different seeping times, and this is only one aspect of tea-drinking... Here's what the special beverage looks like around the world.
Japan
In Japan, matcha ceremonies are more abundant than anything else. Green tea is the most popular in this country and also the default cup of tea that one will get if they don't specify another type. Matcha refers to a type of tea as well as the way in which the tea is brewed.
The ceremony is quiet and serene, usually involves a small group of people, and requires special matcha set in order to brew the tea as it should be brewed. The tool used to mix the matcha powder with hot water is similar to a whisk but much smaller, and the entire process is a beautiful tradition that has been in place for centuries.
India
India is often associated with chai tea and this wouldn't be wrong. However, India is also the largest producer and consumer of tea out of any other country in the world.
With that being said, chai is its national drink and it's seen in such abundance that it's even sold by street vendors, therefore, locals and visitors are never without ways to find this spiced cup of tea. There's no specific time that chai tea can be brewed or drank in India - it's popular throughout the day, every day.
New Zealand
It's rumored that New Zealand was once one of the largest tea importers during the 19th century but that has since ceased. New Zealand is home to one tea plantation which grows Zealong, a plant native to the country.
Outside of that, tea time is very casual and was likely started with the country was under British influence and is a tradition that's kept up to this day. Green tea from Japan is quite common, along with oolong and Earl Grey.
Morocco
In Morocco, mint tea is everything. Similar to how India is known for chai tea, Morocco is known for using mint in both its traditional drinks and its dishes.
For visitors who have stayed in Morocco, they might be familiar with the custom of being served mint tea three separate times - these cups of mint tea are meant to represent life, love, and death. It's customary in Moroccan hospitality to serve these cups of tea, and it's customary of the visitor to drink each one.
Britain
Britain's strong tea culture was actually borrowed from India, and it's so popular that it's the number one drink chosen, even over a cup of coffee.
Tea time is still just as proper as it is traditional in British culture, with many people opting for at least one cup before the day is over. Tea time is popular in restaurants and cafes as well where the tradition has earned its own menu in some places.
China
China is another country that has a history deeply rooted in tea culture. So much so that there's actually a museum in Hangzhou with an exhibit that has a detailed history of the evolution of tea-drinking in the country.
One of the most popular types of tea grown in China - of which, there are plenty thanks to the country's diverse climate - is green tea, along with oolong and Puerh.
Argentina
When visiting Argentina, it's not likely that travelers leave without at least knowing about mate. Yerba mate is the national drink of the country and it's similar to coffee but is considered to be a tea. Mate is much stronger than most teas and is a huge part of Argentine culture, in which it's customary to drink mate any time of the day, not just in the morning or afternoon.