International Tea Day

Tea holds a significant importance for many cultures in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Pakistan. It is the most consumed drink on the planet after water that’s why its production and processing contribute to four Sustainable Development Goals that is the reduction of extreme poverty. To honour the significance of the international tea trade and the stake holders involved in tea production, from the plantation to the finished product, many countries that produce tea celebrate International Tea Day every 15 December since 2005.

Pakistan produces its own limited tea in Chinkiari (KP) farms; however, it ranks as the third largest importer of tea in the world. According to a report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the, Pakistan is among the seven countries where per capita consumption of tea has been increased. Currently, black tea consumption in Pakistan has been estimated at 1,72,911 tonnes which is expected to increase to 2,50,755 tonnes in 2027, the FAO report projects. This showed in next 10 years, tea consumption will increase by 77,844 tonnes.

The origin of the tea culture in the subcontinent may be traced back to the world’s most renowned civilization of tea-drinkers; The British Empire. By the mid-1700s, it had realized the exorbitant costs of its gentry’s addiction to tea. Pakistani Tea is not quite the same as that of the British. ‘Chai’ in the subcontinent is generally stronger, creamier, sweeter and often served in handle-less glasses at the tea shops.

Japan, China, India, Thailand, Britain, Turkey, Morocco and Russia are some of the countries where tea is consumed in large amount and they had their own specialty in serving them. Tea or Chai is not just a drink for Pakistani people that they drink every morning. It is basically an obsession. It is a common beverage served to guests from family to official gatherings and almost everyone welcomes to take at least a cup of it whole-heartedly. The consumption of tea is not limited to it as it has become a mandatory part of the daily life of almost every household in the country. Pakistani people spend one-third of their overall household expenditure on tea consumption. All types of tea are common, but black tea and green tea are some of the most popular varieties among the masses.

Here in Pakistan, some people prefer chai without milk which is known as kahva or black tea, some prefer a good cup of doodh patti which has a good amount of milk and is boiled till it turns thick. Cardamom tea is another favorite amongst the chai consumers. Kashmiri tea, however, is considered a delicacy, which is prepared overnight with a variety of nuts to top it off. Adrak chai or ginger tea is more commonly known as the cure to everything. For those on a strict diet and aiming to be fit, green tea works wonders. And for the very few among us who actually don’t like to drink chai, iced tea is still something almost everyone appreciates.

Some people consider chai to be something that gives them peace of mind. Whether you have headache or need some time to think, work on your writing, or art, having a cup of tea will help your brain function more effectively. It’s safe to say that chai is worthy of being qualified as the national drink of Pakistan.

 

by: Abeer Arshad

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