Everyone knows British people love their tea. Whether it's a classy Twinings blend with a splash of milk, a fragrant Earl Grey with a hint of lemon, or a strong 'builder's tea' with two sugars, they can't start their day without it.

The British consume around 100 million cups daily, totaling nearly 36 billion cups a year. But what's behind this deep-seated love?

The British Empire played a crucial role in spreading tea from China to India. By the 18th century, it had become a staple in elite circles in Great Britain. Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles II, introduced the tea-drinking ritual to the English Royal Court, and despite its initial high cost, it quickly caught on among the aristocracy. Tea shops sprung up across the UK, democratizing this once-exclusive beverage— and the rest, as they say, is history!

And here are a couple of surprising tea facts for you!

1. Twinings created its logo in 1787, making it possibly the world’s oldest continuously used logo to this day!

2. It takes about 2,000 tiny leaves to produce just one pound of finished tea.

3. Originally, milk was added not for flavor, but to prevent thin china cups and saucers from cracking under the heat of boiling water.

4. Tea bags weren’t invented in the UK! Thomas Sullivan in the United States gave samples of his tea in small silk pouches to customers. They unwittingly put these pouches directly into boiling water, thus accidentally inventing the tea bag!

5. Bubble tea originated in Taiwan, originally made with black tea, tapioca pearls, condensed milk, and honey.

6. Teapots can be made from either metal or porcelain. While metal keeps tea hotter longer, porcelain supposedly preserves the flavor better without any metallic tainting.

7. While you might assume the British drink the most tea, it's actually the Turkish!

8. Hot or cold? In America, iced tea is much more popular.

9. According to numerous studies, tea offers health benefits! Drinking more tea has been linked to a reduced risk of kidney disease, depression, strokes, and diabetes.

Now that you've learned some fascinating facts about tea and why it holds such a special place in British culture, we'd love to hear from you! Do you have any quirky tea facts of your own to share? What are your thoughts after reading about the history and surprising details of this beloved beverage?

If you're a true tea aficionado or curious to explore more, why not treat yourself to a delightful cup from tea? Share your tea stories and join us in celebrating this wonderful tradition!