National Tea Day 2024: There is nothing more quintessentially British than afternoon tea, making National Tea Day, April 21, a tremendously popular occasion in the United States. This affection for tea dates back centuries and appears to be growing stronger with time. National Tea Day’s slogan is “Brew More. Do More.”
The vision is to inspire unique tea experiences. They aim to bring together tea drinkers, tea servers, and the complete tea industry by collaborating with a variety of partner companies throughout the year. Therefore, grab a cup of tea and settle in for a read on how to celebrate this genuinely fantastic holiday. If you want to celebrate in elegance, take a look at our gift guide for tea enthusiasts.
The Background of National Tea Day
National Tea Day is more than just an ordinary holiday. It is a movement that provides future generations of tea consumers with opportunities to comprehend and appreciate the world of tea. The organisation was founded on April 21, 2016, because it is also Queen Elizabeth’s birthday! The day could not be more British.
Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese woman, popularised tea in England. It is common knowledge that the Chinese invented tea, but Catherine of Braganza popularised the beverage in England. Catherine wedded King Charles II in 1662. Her dowry included a number of containers of loose leaf tea, which she continued to consume daily in the United Kingdom. The royal court, including aristocrats, soon adopted the tea-drinking custom.
While the purpose of National Tea Day is to encourage more tea consumption throughout the year, we can’t help but think of the traditional British afternoon tea. “tea” is both a beverage and a supper. Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford, introduced afternoon tea in the late 1840s due to her hunger between the two daily meals, which she shared with her companions.
Different types of tea:
There are numerous types of tea around the globe. Green tea is popular in countries such as China and Japan, whereas ‘chai’ is commonly prepared in South Asia with seasonings, milk, and water. Even a pink tea, commonly known as ‘Kashmiri tea,’ is served at nuptials during the winter months in the Himalayan regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the United Kingdom, the ideal cup of tea is typically a blend of black tea with heating water and a dash of milk.
The author and nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature Henry James once remarked, “There are few hours more pleasant than the hour devoted to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” National Tea Day commemorates the world’s second-favorite beverage, second only to water, so that each of us can learn about and enjoy the tea drinking experience!
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL TEA DAY
Attend or host an afternoon tea.
Share your love and knowledge of tea with your peers, especially those who are unfamiliar with the vast variety and rich culture of tea. You could even join the monthly #VirtualParTea for National Tea Day.
Visit the Festival
The architects of National Tea Day host an annual “Fes-Tea-Val” that brings together the finest of the tea industry. The popular gathering features the newest concoctions, the “experTeas” master mixologists, and the newest tea making and serving tools.
Learn tea decorum
You want to be prepared in case you are ever invited to afternoon tea with the Queen of England. Tea drinking, which is steeped in tradition, has its own set of norms. Don’t fear, we’ve provided you with a few tips below.
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Five Tea Etiquette Tips
Dispensing the tea
The host should pour the tea for each guest and leave the teapot on the table with the spout facing the individual who poured.
To dunk or not to dunk, that is the question.
Unless in an informal context, dunking a biscuit into tea is inappropriate.
Food arrangement
A tiered cake stand must be utilised when serving cuisine with tea. The upper tier is typically filled with scones, the middle with sandwiches, and the bottom with treats and pastries. Don’t neglect the eating sequence, which is sandwiches, scones, and then desserts.
Observe the serviette
To the left of the plate, napkins are positioned with the folded edge on the left and the open edge closest to the plate. Place the napkin to the left of the plate, never on the chair, when departing the table momentarily.
How to blend tea
Beginning at the 12 o’clock position in the cup, fold the tea with a spatula from 12 to 6 approximately two to three times. When not in use, the utensil should be placed on the saucer to the right of the cup.
WHY WE APPRECIATE NATIONAL TEA DAY
The options are limitless
There are an infinite number of tea blends, but they typically fall into three primary categories: black, green, and white, all derived from the same plant. Variations in these teas are a result of the processing of the leaf as well as the climate and topography where the plant is grown. In addition, there is herbal tea, which is essentially an infusion of plants such as peppermint or chamomile. Attempting to sample these numerous tea varieties is anything but dull!
People are social creatures.
Tea is as much a cultural practise or an experience as it is a beverage. One of the reasons for tea’s popularity and our affection for it is that it is best enjoyed in the company of friends and family.
Tea provides numerous health benefits.
Black and green tea are heart-healthy, according to research. This is due to the fact that tea can reduce levels of bad cholesterol and enhance blood vessel function. Additionally, the popular beverage is hydrating because 90% of tea is water. Additionally, it contains antioxidants and vitamin H, which boost the immune system!
NATIONAL TEA DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 21 | Friday |
| 2024 | April 21 | Sunday |
| 2025 | April 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 21 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 21 | Wednesday |
