January is National Hot Tea Month

Next time you enjoy a cup of hot tea, you can thank the wind and a Chinese emperor.

Have you ever wondered who the first person to put leaves in hot water for flavor was? According to legend, a Chinese emperor was sitting under a tree in 2737 BC while his servant boiled water for drinking when some leaves blew into the pot. The emperor happened to be a renowned herbalist and decided to taste the infusion made by accident. He loved it, and people have been drinking tea ever since.

Tea has many benefits. It is packed with antioxidants and has less effect on your nervous system than coffee. Tea has 50% less caffeine on average, with many blends even being caffeine-free. Research shows a correlation between tea and heart health. People who drink tea have a 20% less chance of having a stroke or heart attack than those who don’t. Tea can help people lose weight, especially when paired with a well-balanced diet and exercise. Tea is an immune system booster too. Studies show that tea helps immune cells reach their targets more quickly.

The Tea Council of the USA was founded in 1950 and recognizes National Hot Tea Month every January.

Need a great way to celebrate National Tea Month? Donate tea today!

We always need tea, coffee and other beverages. We accept food donations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.