Tea – the magical elixir that perfectly complements a moment of relaxation after a hard day, a reliable ally for boosting the immune system, or a simple yet delicious beverage always at hand when you need a moment of indulgence. Besides its great taste and health benefits, tea harbors a multitude of secrets and curiosities, and we want to share a small part of them with you.

Tea Facts:

1. Ice tea was invented during a heatwave. In 1904, at an exhibition in St. Louis, a merchant named Richard Blechynden poured a bucket of ice into the tea he was presenting to convince people to try it. The drink quickly became popular and is still highly appreciated today, especially during the warm season.
2. Ever wondered which country consumes the most tea? According to www.worldpopulationreview.com, Turkey tops the list, with each resident consuming 3.6 kg of tea annually. Tea is a significant element of Turkish culture, with black tea being the most popular variety, followed by currant tea and linden tea.
3. Tea is as hydrating as water. You may have heard that caffeinated beverages are not considered when it comes to hydration. In reality, tea is composed of over 99% water, so its hydrating qualities counterbalance any diuretic effects.
4. Many popular types of tea come from the same plant. Both black and green tea, as well as oolong, originate from the Camellia sinensis or "tea tree." The difference lies in the processing method of the plant. For example, black tea comes from leaves that are exposed to air for a longer period than green tea.
5. Tea bags appeared by accident in 1908 in the USA. A tea merchant in New York sent sealed samples of his product in silk bags to restaurants and cafes in the city. Over time, he discovered that establishments were brewing the tea directly in the delivered form, and this method quickly became popular.

Tea is an encyclopedia in itself and never ceases to amaze with the fascinating information it reveals at every turn. Whether it's about its history, the variety of flavors, health benefits, or how it's prepared and served in different cultures, there's always something new to discover about this beverage.