International Tea Day

The tea industry provides millions of people around the world with cups of tea in the morning. One of the biggest producers of tea, India, recognizes the importance of tea in its communities and as a commodity for commerce.

However, much of the working conditions for those within the tea industry still need much improvement. If you thought this holiday was about drinking tea, well think again! International Tea Day is all about the tea workers and bringing civil rights into action. Let’s see how this holiday came to pass.

Do you love a good cup of tea? While International Tea Day can certainly involve paying homage to tea, we should pay homage to those working in the tea industry. The best way to do this is by helping to raise awareness regarding their working conditions so they can be improved.

How to Celebrate International Tea Day

Learn About Your Favorite Tea Companies

If you’re a lover of tea, then do some research about some of your favorite companies. Try looking up tea brands that support fair trade, and possibly switch to those brands to make a difference in the way you buy products such as tea. Use the day’s hashtag to help recognize it as an official holiday and educate others about the tea industry if you’re interested.

Try a New Kind of Tea

You could also use International Tea Day to try a variety of tea you have never had before. Whether it is Rooibos tea from South Africa or an herbal tea blend from some other part of the world, get excited about this day by leaning into some new tastes in brewed tea.

Bake with Tea

Why not make some delicious baked green tea treats on International Tea Day and have a bake sale to raise money and awareness regarding working conditions in the tea industry? Green tea recipes are available in their abundance. People are actively searching for different ways to enjoy green tea. While green tea is delicious when simply mixed with hot water, there is nothing wrong with switching it up from time to time, especially on International Tea Day!

History of International Tea Day

The history of Tea Day dates back to actions taken by folks in New Dehli in 2005. The event was started to raise awareness about the needs of those working in the tea industry, and it was celebrated on December 15 of that year. The following years saw national Tea Day events grow into other places like Sri Lanka, Nepal and additional tea-producing countries, happening alongside the growth of GlobalTea Conferences initiated by trade unions.

International Tea Day was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2019, and an even larger celebration took place on an international level the following May. Its purposes were in alignment with different UN sustainability goals, such as the reduction of extreme poverty, the empowerment of women and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Bonus: Learn About Matcha Tea

Matcha is highly popular as of late. You need to shop with care, though! The first thing you need to take a look at is how the Matcha has been produced and sourced. Ensure that all veins and stalks have been removed so that there is not any bitterness and only the finest leaves should be used.

Secondly, the color of the matcha powder is a significant factor. The greener the color is, the better. This is because the leaves are forced to overproduce chlorophyll because Matcha is shade-grown, which causes the vibrant green shade.

If the Matcha is yellow or brown in color, this is a sign that the leaves have not been properly shaded or that branches and stalks have been included. The price is the third factor to consider. Like most things, if you want quality, you can expect to pay a little bit more. If something seems too good to be true, the chances are that it is.

The feel of Matcha is also important. It should be a fine powder that is very silky. Last but not least, the taste is obviously a crucial attribute when it comes to quality. It should have a clean and naturally sweet taste!

Ideas for Baking with Tea

An easy and delicious recipe is Matcha Meringue Kisses. To make this you will need Matcha, sugar, egg whites, and powdered sugar. Begin by sifting together the Matcha and the powder sugar, and then whip the egg whites until they have soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar and whip until stiff peaks. Gently fold the Matcha into this mixture and then transfer to a pastry bag. Pipe the mixture into small kisses onto a baking tray and then bake for around an hour.

Or, why not make Green Tea Donuts? For this, you need green tea, honey, melted butter, milk, egg, salt, baking powder, sugar, and cake flour. You whisk the green tea, salt, baking powder, sugar, and flour. Add the honey, melted butter, milk, and egg, and then whisk. Use a pastry bag to pipe the batter into the mould. Then, simply bake the donuts for eight minutes. You can make your own glaze to go on the top – chocolate goes well!

Other delicious baked treats to try include green tea muffins, brownies and shortbread!