10 Fun Facts About Tea You Have Never Heard Of

Life is rough, and we all need a little laughter to get through the week. Here are some fun facts about tea that you ought to know—if you haven't already!

1. Chai is a Word for Tea, Not a Drink

“Chai” actually means “tea” in Hindi, so when you ask for "chai tea," you're basically saying "tea tea!"

2. Tea Bags Were a Happy Accident

The first tea bags were created when a tea merchant accidentally sent tea samples in silk bags. Customers thought the bags were part of the deal, and it caught on!

2. Glow-In-The-Dark Teas

Some rare, fermented teas—especially those from specific regions—glow slightly when you shine a UV light on them, thanks to compounds called polyphenols.

7. Tea Was Once So Valuable, People Used It as Currency

Back in ancient China, tea was so important that it was sometimes used as a form of payment, like money!

8. The Chinese Have Been Drinking Tea for Over 5,000 Years

Tea's history stretches all the way back to 2737 B.C., making it older than many civilizations. It’s literally ancient wisdom in a cup.

9. The First Tea Bags Were Made of Silk

While most tea bags today are made of paper, the first ones were made from silk! Those bags were actually meant to be samples, but customers loved them so much, they started brewing them.

10. Tea Has Its Own Time Zone

In Japan, there’s a concept called “chaji,” a four-hour tea ceremony that’s more of a meditative experience than just a quick sip.

Last Not-So-Fun Tea Fact

Tea itself can be as fascinating as the facts listed above. After all, tea has a long history that is yet to be uncovered. Want to discover more fun facts? Leave a comment below and let us know!