Did you know that tea was once used as currency? Or that green tea and black tea come from the same plant? If you’re a fan of this ancient beverage, get ready to be surprised by some curiosities that show how tea goes far beyond a simple herbal infusion.
In this post, we’ve gathered 10 curious facts about tea that reveal stories, traditions, and unusual details you probably never heard of. Let’s dive in!
- Tea was once used as money in China
In ancient China, during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), tea was so valuable that it began to be used as currency. Leaves pressed into block form were traded for goods and services, especially in the regions of Tibet and Mongolia. These blocks were also easier to transport and store.
- Not all “tea” is actually tea
Have you noticed that we call any beverage made with plants in hot water “tea”? But technically, only beverages made with the Camellia sinensis plant are considered true tea — from which green, black, white, and oolong teas come. Drinks made with other herbs, like chamomile, mint, or fennel, are actually infusions or tisanes.
- The world’s most expensive tea can cost thousands of dollars
Yes, there’s a tea that costs more than a new smartphone! We’re talking about Da Hong Pao, an oolong tea grown in a mountainous region of China. Some rare versions, harvested from century-old bushes, have been sold for more than $1 million per kilogram!
- The tea ceremony in Japan is a true ritual
Much more than preparing and drinking, the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) is an art with rules, symbolism, and values like respect, harmony, and tranquility. Each movement, utensil, and gesture has a purpose — and the complete ceremony can last up to four hours.
- The British fell in love with tea thanks to the Portuguese
Did you think tea was exclusively a British tradition? Actually, the custom came to England through the influence of Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, who married King Charles II in the 17th century. She brought her tea-drinking habit to the English court — and the rest is history.
- Green tea and black tea come from the same plant
Many people believe they’re different herbs, but the truth is that both green and black tea are produced from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. What changes is the oxidation process. Black tea is more oxidized, which gives it its dark color and more intense flavor, while green tea is minimally oxidized, preserving a lighter and fresher profile.
- Buddhist monks used tea to maintain focus during meditation
Tea has always had a strong connection with spiritual practices in the East. Legend says that Buddhist monks drank tea to stay awake and alert during long periods of meditation. Since many tea varieties contain caffeine (and L-theanine, which helps with concentration), the beverage was the perfect ally for these moments.
- There are tea preparation championships in China
Yes, preparing tea can also be a sport! In China, there are competitions that evaluate not only the taste of the beverage, but also technique, posture, harmony, and aesthetics during preparation. These tournaments value the artistic and traditional aspect of tea culture.
- India is one of the world’s largest tea producers and consumers
India holds a prominent position in global tea culture. Regions like Assam and Darjeeling are famous for their extensive plantations, and traditional Indian chai, made with milk, spices, and sugar, is consumed daily by millions of people. The country also exports tons of the beverage worldwide.
- Brazil has its own tea culture
Although coffee is more famous here, Brazil has a rich tradition in consuming infusions and herbs. Mate tea, for example, is popular in the south and southeast. In the north, the use of medicinal plants for teas is part of folk wisdom. In recent years, interest in natural and functional teas has grown among those seeking more health and balance.
What do these curiosities show us?
These curious facts about tea reveal how rich this beverage is in history, culture, and tradition. More than just a way to warm up or relax, tea connects people around the world, promotes wellness rituals, and teaches us that there’s beauty in the small moments of the day.
💬 What about you?
Did you already know any of these tea curiosities? Tell us in the comments which one was the most surprising for you! If this content inspired you, share it with that friend who loves a good cup of tea! 🍵✨
