Today, Friday, May 21st, is International Tea Day. The United Nations General Assembly officially approved the celebration of this day in 2019. However, in tea-producing countries such as China, Sri Lanka, India, and Kenya, it has been celebrated for several years, specifically since 2005. The main objective of this celebration is to promote the production and consumption of this wonderful plant, supporting all small farmers, who are responsible for producing 60% of the tea consumed worldwide.
What is the origin of tea?
There's no exact date or event for the creation of tea, but there is a beautiful legend surrounding this exquisite beverage. It is said that in 2737 BC, Emperor Shen Nung was standing under a tree heating boiling water for health reasons. Just at that moment, a wind blew, and a few leaves fell into the water. The emperor was fascinated by how the leaves colored the liquid, but what he liked most was the flavor and aroma these tiny leaves added to his drink.
What are the benefits of drinking tea?
This beverage can provide multiple benefits to our body. There are countless types of tea: red, black, white, green, and blue, and each variety provides different benefits. However, they are all made from the same Camellia sinensis leaf , so most of the benefits are shared.
- First of all, it's worth highlighting its great antioxidant power due to its high amount of polyphenols, which act against aging, help strengthen capillaries, and possess anti-inflammatory and antibiotic qualities.
- Another of tea's qualities is that it helps prevent cardiovascular disease thanks to its flavonoids. These substances reduce the risk of cancer and delay aging, being much more effective than vitamin C and 25% more effective than vitamin E.
- If you're one of those people with slightly high cholesterol, the astringent effect of tea is also of interest to you. The tannins in tea provide healing and anti-diarrheal properties and help inhibit cholesterol absorption.
Finally, it's worth noting that tea provides several types of nutrients and vitamins to the body. Among the former, calcium, iron, fluoride, magnesium, and potassium are particularly important. As for vitamins, these depend on the type of tea, but generally vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, and C are always present.
What is the best teapot?
There are countless models of teapots made from different materials on the market. We've chosen our favorites:
Iron teapot
We start with this beautiful cast iron teapot with a stainless steel filter. It has a 50 cl capacity and keeps the beverage hot, so you can enjoy tea at its optimal temperature in every cup. It's compatible with all stovetops : ceramic, gas, electric, and induction. Hand washing is recommended to prolong the product's lifespan, and drying it with a paper towel after each use. Cast iron
Beautiful teapot made of cast iron with a stainless steel filter.
Borosilicate glass teapot
If you prefer transparent teapots, this model made of high-quality borosilicate glass is perfect for you. This teapot measures 16 cm high and 13 cm wide and is suitable for electric and gas stoves. It has a capacity of 950 ml, equivalent to about four cups of tea. It features a fine-mesh stainless steel filter in the center , allowing the tea leaves to fully absorb their flavor without leaving any residue in the water. Both the teapot and filter are dishwasher-safe and easy to wash by hand. Borosilicate glass
Teapot made of high-quality borosilicate glass with a capacity of 950 ml.
Stainless steel teapot
Moving on to this magnificent French press teapot , made of stainless steel, that can keep your beverage hot for up to 60 minutes. This highly versatile product can be used for both tea and coffee, and features a simple, elegant design with soft lines. It has a 1L capacity, which translates to 8 cups of tea or coffee. All the filters are removable and easy to clean, as they can be put in the dishwasher with the teapot. Stainless steel
French press teapot capable of keeping drinks hot for 60 minutes.
Ceramic teapot
Another option for enjoying a truly English tea is this Oxford ceramic teapot with a drip-free spout. It's made of high-quality ceramic and hand-glazed. It includes a filter with a handle to prevent burns when removing it and a stainless steel tea strainer. It has a 1.2-liter capacity and all parts are dishwasher-safe. It's available in three colors, so you can choose the one that best suits your kitchen. Ceramic teapot
Classic English teapot made from high-quality ceramic and hand-glazed.
Tea thermos
If you're one of those people who runs everywhere and doesn't have a minute to enjoy a cup of tea in peace, this option is the perfect one. It's a thermos bottle made of BPA-free borosilicate glass and features a double wall to keep your drink hot for two hours. Thanks to the filter on the top, you can enjoy freshly brewed tea anytime. This filter can also be used to fill fruit or removed to fill the bottle with your favorite juice or smoothie. Tea thermos
Thermos bottle made of borosilicate glass, BPA-free, so you can enjoy tea anytime.
