The cost of food overall has risen during this decade so have the prices of tea. Albeit the production cost of this leaf has not risen sharply but the marketing expenses involved and the social cost of production makes a major dent in the price chart.
What is the social cost?
Well, this is a payment made besides the wages for labor welfare vis a vis education of children and the health of the workers. This rising cultivation cost has kept many gardens away from making a profit.
India consumes almost 1000 million kgs of this product yearly. It has to import the leaves from countries like Kenya and Sri Lanka. But home production is riding very fast making it imperative to increase consumption here as well as increase exports in order to ride much above the break-even mark.
The Tea Board of India is planning a series of advertisements in order to boost the storeable cold form or iced tea. The advantage this form offers is its attraction to a younger audience as well as the attractive packing.
Another advantage is that it is instant and does not require any preparation unlike
Though tea and coffee are wonder brews consuming beyond the limit can be harmful. The hot beverages come along with plethora of health benefits. This accrues when the consumption is under the recommended limitation.
Tea does not contain caffeine in the same quantity as coffee does hence its consumption is advisable up to four and five cups a day. Consumption greater than this may cause loss of sleep, acidity and possible increase in heart beat. Higher levels of bad cholesterol results from drinking unfiltered coffee in excess.
Tea is a winner as far as beneficial aspect are concerned thanks to it variants and less quantity of caffeine. But this does not mean one should consume it in excess. Heavy caffeine consumption is linked to many ailments in our body.
As per reports coffee contains as much as 180 mg of caffeine whilst in the other it is up to 70 mg maximum. Hence the preference is obvious. The consumption of coffee is more per person as compered to tea making the latter a better choice in obtaining the health benefits.
Though tea consumption is rising fast globally yet it rates as poor second whence compared to coffee. Coffee is still the preferred mode of drink but in countries like India, China, Sri Lanka which are major producing countries per capita consumption is very high.
There are more than 120 countries where the hot beverage is consumed. The taste for the hot brew is rising fast keeping in the the appealing flavors as well as the health benefits. In India consumption became a lifestyle after massive campaigns during the British Rule. In order to compete with the Chinese cultivation seeds and technology were both introduced from China.
Besides the countries mentioned a lot of tea is consumed in Britain. The brew also finds patrons in Europe and North America. With innovations in packing as well as development of iced and bottled tea the trend in coffee drinking countries is changing fast. More and more people are attracted to these products. Similarly the rising popularity of green leaf is also contributing to the growth.
Some of the main buying markets are Russia, USA, Canada, Pakistan, Morocco, Egypt, Iran and UK. In countries like USA the maximum consumption is that of iced tea now sold in bottles and vending machines.
Per Capita consumption patterns of tea drinking countries.
Turkey 6 + Kg Morocco 4 + Kg Ireland 3 + Kg Mauritania 3 + Kg United Kingdom 2 + Kg
Though green tea consumption is increasingly attracting coffee drinkers it is the black tea that finds phenomenally large number of tea lovers.
Tea was introduced in UK after the seventeenth century by Catherine of Braganza who was spouse of Charles II. The popularity spread fast and tea houses sprung up in UK. It was mr. Twining who first opened a tea house solely for ladies. He then went on to create more tea house to form a chain.
Earlier the coffee house used to sell ale and gin but soon the hot brew took over. it began to sell more than the ale and gin. The government chose to tax ale and gin but nit tea further boosting its sales. This was a good move because most of the common populace through out drinks from their lifestyle.
The popular afternoon or high tea was popularized by Duchess of Bedford Anna Russel. Not forgetting to mention East India Tea Company was ordained monopoly over whole of Britain in the year 1832. Earl Gray Tea by Twinnings is the most popular blend in England now.
Today the British are one of the largest consumer of this hot beverage in Europe. The brew overtook coffee sales in private coffee houses. The government tried to discourage consumption by taxing tea which however caused smuggling of the product.
So you’re a tea drinker with a good idea of the immense anti-oxidant properties. This ancient brew has cheers for you. It is woderful having this hot beverage to relax yourself at any point of day?
As science confirms many ancient beliefs about tea and the exact nature of anti-oxidants in the leaf. The leaf began its sojourn along the track of human civilization as a modest infusion. Initially prepared from leaves of Camelia sinensis by Chinese and other Asian natives the brew has gained an enormous appeal. As a beverage of choice amid consumers worldwide they are increasing year by year.. It remains challenged in popularity only by coffee that still remains a favorite in US. But with entry into sections like canned options of iced-tea and combination with liquor continues to gain new flavors with time.
Tea: How It Is Sold
Tea is often sold in packages in different varieties- green, black, white, oolong, pu-erh, etc. You also find variations like organically grown blends, sweetened teas, ready-to-drink versions, canned beverage and leaves sold in loose form.
The most popular tea in terms of high sales is black, followed closely by green leaf. England and India are the biggest consumers of black tea, followed closely by Europe, Japan, China and US, though China has its own variants that have lighter textures and unique flavors. North America has registered some of the highest growth in iced-tea drinking. This definitely indicates a sure consumer shift and heightened consumer interest in non-carbonated drinks.
Indian or Chinese?
Undoubtedly Indian and Chinese blends holds sway over a majority of global sales volumes. The Lapsang Souchong of China is the most famed amid the numerous other Chinese brands in use. Yunnan is another, grown and plucked from the Yunnan province.
The Indian tea considered best in quality and aroma is one grown in Darjeeling. It is liked for its light and delicate flavor. In contrast the Ceylon leaf is strong with a sharp aroma. Assam tea is strong and shows readiness to blending with other flavors. You find many Assam variants in market in India and elsewhere.
Darjeeling Orange Pekoe and Ceylon broken-orange Pekoe are highly in demand in England. China alone is reported to produce world’s 18 percent production. Parts of Asia like Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia also grow tea as does Kenya and other countries.
Popular Tea Blends
Earl Gray is a blend that combines a black tea with flavor of bergamot. It is smoky and aromatic with just the slightest touch of citrus. Usually Earl Gray is a blend of Indian with Ceylon leaves. Breakfast tea is stronger than Darjeeling and popular blends in this category are the English breakfast, Irish and Scottish Breakfast blends. If you like the aroma of jasmine try Jasmine tea which has a delicate flavor added of green leaf.
Tea, as we all know is the most widely consumed drink across the globe. Everyday there has been a noticeable rise in the consumption of tea by people. When we have a look inside any normal household anywhere around the world, we see that the day starts off by having tea.
People have tea during their breakfast and also before and after. They consume during the long and tiring working hours at the office and also in the middle of regular household chores. So undoubtedly the discovery of this beverage from a consumable plant was the greatest of all times.
We all know that every discovery has been made by chance. Earlier human being inhabiting this planet was a nomad and he did not know what all was available. And finally after finding out that there were quite a number of things which were available naturally that would help him to survive.
And once this process was initiated he also started discovering more and more things that was available all around him. And one is very sure that it was a search of this kind which lead to the discovery of the tea plant and that is how man started consuming it.
But nevertheless the point here remains that from the beginning of time man has done things which he didn’t really intend to do. Later on he went ahead to find out how useful his uselessness was. And that happens to be one of the reasons why now man is also bringing up the question what are the health benefits of having tea?
Because everything that he has found out for himself has turned out to be better than he has expected. These were the hidden benefits which were slowly discovered. Since this has happened all the time men are sure that tea which is a part of their daily lives will also some health benefits. These benefits will give people even more reasons to stay addicted to the drink they already love.
What are the health benefits of having tea is one question that the experts have already begin to answer?
Tea has natural anti oxidants which helps to strengthen the immunity system of the body and thus help the body to fight germs and other harmful elements. Research will lead us to better understanding of this wonder brew. There are many other chemicals waiting to be discovered which help the body. The beverage has been a part of every other household in many countries. It is known for having that refreshing feeling that no other beverage can give. With consumption of tea on a rise, along with its production, no one will deny the above mentioned facts.
This magical hot beverage is just not only a breakfast item. The consumption is based much on our lifestyle and eating habits. While drinking tea in the morning and afternoon is a regular affair some people consume it during odd hours.
In many countries the brew is offered to visiting businessmen anytime the meeting takes place. Similarly it is offered to house guests any time of the day. Tea is also instrumental in cementing relationship. This could be between friends and relatives, lovers and acquaintances and during important meetings.
Tea is consumed most during wedding ceremonies, business meets, seminars, product launches, sporting events and what not.
The consumption usually depends upon the availability of the hot brew. In India chai or spiced tea is available in all urban and rural surroundings hence ordering hot tea is a matter of minutes. The widespread availability of ready chai increases consumption many times.This is thanks to chai wallahs all over the country.
In countries where tea is available only in selected places the consumption declines. This happens in most Western Countries where coffee is more popular. In these countries the brew is not a part of social or ritualistic occasions. Hence the consumption is strongly motivated by personal like. The usage is growing in these countries due to easy availability in malls, market places and online. The product availability online means one can buy any type of leaf from world over. The health benefits are another reason for increased usage in non tea drinking Nations.
Ritualistic consumption of the hot brew is more popular in the Oriental Realm. In Western Countries like UK English Tea Rooms or Tea Parties invite consumption. While traditional ceremonies in China and Japan make green leaf very popular. Certain premium leaves like Darjeeling from India are very popular ceremonial accompaniments in the tea parties.
India is among the major tea producer in the World. The unique leaf known as Darjeeling Tea is grown in the Indian state of West Bengal. Some black leaves from Assam also fall into the premium category.
The blending has become an art form with availabilities of many varieties. Hence major companies employ master tea taster to create the finest blends.
Globally tea consumption is a recent phenomenon. Well the brew was quite popular since ages in countries like China, some parts of India and rest of Asia. The habit started with consumption for health as a medicine in China.With the rising popularity it entered the domain of Chinese culture. Following greater consumption the beverage became a consumer product.
This happened in India as well whence the British popularized it and spread its consumption all over their territory. In most of the Asian countries tea has become part of daily lifestyle. For masses it has become a daily habit and addiction. The beverage has become a ritualistic aspect of daily living an inseparable part of life.
In spite of its popularity the brew faces tough competition from coffee as well as fancy cocktails that have recently flooded the market. Coffee rules the roost globally but tea consumption is rising as well. It is making in roads into the adversaries domain.
With maddening varieties reaching the average drinker thanks to trendy packaging, tea is slowly making in roads as a lifestyle product. The trendy packaging with infusion of technology and modern blending methods has changed the paradigm. From a regular house hold product to lifestyle product the change has been brought about by innovative approach of tea houses. The gastronomic intervention introduced new recipes on lines of fancy coffee being sold in the shops.
The advent of tea lounge in the footstep
of coffee houses has brought in instant popularity amongst the younger
generation.Tea drinking has suddenly become an "In Thing". The modern lounges have revolutionized rest and recreation concept amongst the younger lot and office goers as well as the business class. The one stop joint for business meets, social gatherings, for hot tea beverages and yummy snacks with offerings of jet set ambiance...what more does one wish for. The drink that cheers now offers much more, not ignoring the health benefits that far surpass coffee.
The whole world is abuzz with a wonder that is green tea. Be it health benefits, weight loss and magical cure for major diseases. This is the most talked about beverage in the World.
Though limited studies have been carried out on green tea health benefits the gains are obvious. First of all the tea itself is beneficial as it contains antioxidants and other healthy chemicals. It cheers what can be more healthy?
Constant research is yielding positive results about the gains from drinking green tea. If we take this beverage and compare it with black tea which is consumed the most all over the World then green tea comes out to be the winner.
The process in case of green tea is much short which helps preserve antioxidants and other healthy chemicals. This is not so in the case of black leaf where processing is longer with greater exposure to sun.
The magic chemical is catechin which prevents damage from free radicals. These free radicals cause cancer and damage the free radical.
How much green tea to drink?
Well I personally believe that consumption of this hot beverage should be as a matter to routine. Consume it as an when you like to drink tea in your daily life. Normally people consume this hot beverage during the morning and evening that would amount to four cups. I would also suggest to drink it before night sleep. This would clear the whole oral cavity besides relaxing your nerves to augur sound sleep.
There are many brands of green tea available in the market. Most of these are affordable but organic tea brands are costlier. The tea exporters process. blend and pack green tea in countries like India and China.
TOFT Award Winner earlier worked as Sr. Naturalist at Kanha Tiger Reserve in Central India. Also a birding guide.
I also provide Internet Marketing (SEO) Services and website content writing in English. At present, he provides SEO and Content Writing Services to Above the Fold Agency in Mumbai.
