Sun Bingo’s guide to International Tea Day and our rooms’ favourite brews
INTERNATIONAL Tea Day is marked annually on 21st May.
“Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea! How did it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea.” The words ring as true now as when Sydney Smith originally noted them down in 1855.
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Fortunately for him, seeing as the drink produced from the Camellia sinensis plant can be dated back 5,000 years, he was unlikely to have faced a world without tea.
His sentiments are echoed around the world, with tea being the second most consumed drink globally.
Water takes the top spot, which makes sense when it is essential to life (although there’s an argument to be made that the same is true of tea).
Us Brits alone drink approximately 100 million cups a day. Yet, our tea-drinking culture is in its infancy compared to regions of India and China.
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Whereas tea only made its way to Europe in the 17th century (believed to have been introduced by Dutch merchants), the Eastern culture of tea-drinking traces back thousands of years.
To this day, tea production is integral to many areas, with an estimated 13 million people relying on the industry for their livelihood.
The process is the main source of income and export revenue for some of the poorest countries. The true purpose of International Tea Day, as well as offering an excellent excuse for a brew, is to shine a spotlight on the role that the tea production process plays within such communities.
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This awareness day dates back to New Delhi in 2005. Its purpose was to highlight the workers and their needs within the industry.
At first it was celebrated on 15th December. However, when the United Nations General Assembly officially recognised the event in 2019, they moved it to 21st May to better align it with the start of the tea leaf harvest.
The day celebrates and recognises the history, health benefits and economic importance of the drink. It re-enforces the principles of eco-friendly production processes and social responsibility towards ensuring fair and safe working conditions for those employed within the sector.
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What cuppa would Sun Bingo’s rooms enjoy?
Learning about International Tea Day is thirsty work! It got me thinking, if Sun Bingo's rooms were to have a favourite brew, what would it be?
- Winning Headlines - English Breakfast
This is a meeting of two British staples: The Sun and English Breakfast tea. You can imagine sitting back and catching up on the latest headlines while sipping on a classic brew. This room would enjoy this quintessentially British tea.
- Heart Room - Chamomile Tea
A tea for this room to enjoy would have to have a lot of heart. Chamomile tea is a soothing, mellow flavour that is known for its calming effect.
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In addition, BBC Good Food a number of potential health benefits to chamomile tea, including the fact that it’s rich in antioxidants, which are known to benefit heart health.
- Mystic Meg - Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea
The Mystic Meg room would need to have a tea with a spiritual connection.
The practice of reading tea leaves (tasseography) has been around for thousands of years, and is said to offer an insight into the past, present and future of the person receiving the reading.
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Technically, any loose leaf tea would work so I selected an iconic black tea that would make an excellent cuppa before your fortunes are revealed.
- Age of the Gods - Lapsang Souchong
The gods that live in this room have plenty of fiery power so they need a tea that can keep up. Enter Lapsang Souchong. This is a classic, smoky black tea.
It’s a speciality of the Fujian Province in China, and is smoke-dried over pinewood to give its flavour a powerful, smoky hit.
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- Clover Rollover - Irish Breakfast Tea
Our bingo room that’s inspired by Irish luck symbols deserves to have a tea that also honours the Emerald Isle. Also known as Irish Tea, this option is very popular overseas.
A specific Irish tea blend was first developed in the early 19th century. While similar to an English Breakfast, the Irish-named black tea is said to have a much stronger, more intense flavour and darker colour.
- Candy Room - Bubble Tea
The newest kid on the block when it comes to the tea scene is bubble tea. This is a sweet, cold option that usually consists of a smooth, creamy tea base and chewy tapioca pearls (boba).
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The drink traditionally includes tea, milk, sugar and flavouring. It’s the flavouring element that makes it a perfect option for the Candy Room because often the drink will be sweetened.
You can have fruit options such as honeydew and white peach or sweeter tastes such as vanilla and taro.
- Glamour Room - Rose Tea
To match the glamorous image of this room, the tea choice needs to make you go “ooh” and that’s exactly what a rose tea will do.
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With a pretty pink colour and sweet, floral taste, rose tea is the perfect mix of comfort and fabulous. It’s a light and refreshing option that can also glamourise your baking by adding that iconic rose flavour.
- Cabaret - Vanilla Jazz
This room is all about the jazz and there was no way that its perfect cup of tea could be anything else. Vanilla jazz is a caffeine-free option with notes of fresh vanilla and a sweet, floral taste.
It’s usually a flavoured a rooibos tea, which is known for being low in tannins and rich in antioxidants.
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- Fluffy Favourites - Oolong Tea
What’s the right tea to serve at the teddy bear picnics you can imagine happening in the Fluffy Favourites room?
Well, it would have to be one that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Teas are typically characterised as either warming or cooling, with oolong considered a classic warming option.
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It sits between a green tea and a black tea (semi-oxidised) and in traditional Chinese medicine, this makes it perfect for warming the body.
It’s got vitamin C and B, and can help with blood circulation.
You can get a vast array of flavour options, including floral, nutty and even chocolatey.
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About the author
Katrina Vasey - Bingo Editor, The Sun
After graduating from Southampton University with a degree in English Literature, Katrina Vasey worked as a Content Editor for Law Business Research's publication the International Law Office. Katrina joined The Sun in 2022 as the Bingo Editor, covering the four gaming platforms: Sun Bingo, Fabulous Bingo, Sun Vegas and Fabulous Vegas.