Growth in the US Tea Market
The past number of years has seen remarkable growth in the United States loose leaf tea market. Over ten to fifteen years ago, it could be a challenge to find much variety of tea outside of bagged black or green tea. Today, however, we are overwhelmed with choices—from white teas, wu-long/oolong teas, herbal tisanes, along with green and black teas, all from hundreds of different growing regions around the world. And more and more people are ditching the tea bags and switching to loose leaf tea.
What is fueling this surge of tea popularity within the US? One factor is the numerous studies that have been done on the positive health effects of tea (with an emphasis on green and white tea in particular). Another major factor is the increase in information that is available via the internet about different cultures and the different teas that people enjoy from around the world. Along with that is the the ability to order via the internet several of these teas and tisanes from around the world. More and more people are learning that not all tea is bitter and that different regions, growing conditions, processing styles, and brewing methods lead to vastly different flavors and health benefits. As a greater number of people in the US become more knowledgeable about teas and tisanes, they are more likely to pass that information along to their friends and family.
Finally, I think there has been a growing alteration of the US tea market according to the preferences of a majority of US consumers, namely I think that brewing tools have been made that are easier to use, brew tea more quickly, and are easier to clean.
Today we see all sorts of modern brewing tools, from gravity filters, to filter tea cups, to all in one electric tea kettles. Companies have never tried harder to invent new and simple methods of brewing tea. The results have allowed consumers to more easily switch from tea bags to loose leaf tea and enjoy a fuller flavor and more health benefits without having to spend that much extra time brewing the tea.
I don’t want to overlook the idea of tea being a cotemplative drink, though. Tea can be a great drink for relaxation, stimulating conversation, and for heightened awareness. Essentially, in my humble opinion, tea is more than just a healthy drink and more than just a quick fix. So even though I’m constantly trying out new brewing tools and techniques, I also try to take some time every day or every other day to focus more on the process of making tea. I try to use slower brewing tools that give me time to appreciate how the leaves dance in the hot water, to enjoy the aroma and subtle nuances of the tea that I am drinking, and to enjoy the side of tea that gives me the calm and relaxation that I need to help cope with the stresses of life.
So regardless of how you brew your tea, do not forgot to enjoy tea as a beverage and not just as a medicinal drink, and I think that you will enjoy it even more!
