Marking International Tea Day on 21 May, Emirates has revealed that it brews more than 33 million cups of tea for passengers and in its airport lounges, each year. Tea consumption onboard Emirates flights has increased by 10% in recent years, as passengers embrace a wellness lifestyle. Tea has a myriad of health benefits and healing properties, as well as providing a ritualistic moment that many find enhances comfort and calm. Emirates offers a selection of 12 gourmet blends; from the energy boosting Original Earl Grey, to a mellow and stomach-settling Pure Chamomile Flowers and the Emirates Signature Blend – an exclusive master-crafted tea composed of marigold, safflower, rose, and notes of almond and ginger to represent the flavours of the UAE.
Popular choices in First, Business and Economy Class
Onboard Emirates, the most popular tea in First Class is Moroccan Mint Green Tea, while Business Class passengers are enjoying a lot of both Moroccan Mint Green Tea and Chamomile Tea and the popular choice in Economy Class is traditional Ceylon Black Tea.
Emirates partners exclusively with Dilmah Tea, who explain that healthy, natural teas, especially green and black tea, contain polyphenols such as catechins and flavonoids, which act as antioxidants, protecting the body against free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases. Tea contains caffeine, which can enhance mental alertness, focus, and concentration but as the caffeine content in tea is generally lower than coffee, it provides a more moderate and sustained energy boost without causing jitteriness, ideal for passengers travelling through time zones. Chamomile tea has a mildly sedative quality, which can support passengers who need to sleep on long haul journeys. Certain herbal teas, such as peppermint, can also aid digestion and alleviate symptoms like bloating and nausea – another challenge some experience when their normal routine is changed due to travelling.
Tea pairings
Emirates considers the serving of tea to be a ritual that requires thought and care. Emirates Cabin Crew receive a specialised tea learning experience, where they discover the sustainable origins of Dilmah tea, are introduced to the unique flavours, learn how to brew the perfect cup, and further enhance flavour with an array of accoutrements- from fresh mint, to honey and lemon.
Cabin crew also learn about tea and food pairing, where key recommendations for passengers can include pairing seafood, soft cheeses and sushi with green tea, beef and game, sweet desserts, or hard cheeses with black tea, or combining floral teas such as Chamomile with dishes that have a citrus or tart flavour profile – like Emirates new vegan dish – Zucchini tart.
Tips for a perfect brew at home
- Select a high-quality tea such as Dilmah made in the traditional artisanal way, as a tea packed at source will retain its freshness and purity.
- To protect the fresh taste and natural goodness, transfer content into a clean, dry, airtight and odour free container and store in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate if possible.
- Use a kettle that is free of limescale or sediment, and fill to the required level with filtered or spring water. Boil the fresh water to 100°C. Never re-boil water because the carbon dioxide gas that is present in water affects the acidity, which plays a critical role in the ionization of tea polyphenols and will affect the taste and caffeine content.
- Brew the tea between 2-5 minutes and stir to allow the flavour to infuse.
- If you enjoy sweetened tea, use honey as a natural sweetener. Fresh mint leaves, ginger, lemon, lemongrass, cardamom are natural enhancements to tea, alongside warm milk. White tea, green tea and oolong tea are best enjoyed without milk or sugar.
The History of Tea
The origins of tea can be traced back thousands of years to ancient China. According to legend and historical accounts, the story of tea begins with the Chinese Emperor Shennong, who reigned around 2737 BCE. One day, as he was sitting beneath a tree, leaves from the tree fell into a pot of boiling water, creating a fragrant infusion. Intrigued by the aroma, the emperor decided to taste the brew and found it refreshing and delightful. This serendipitous discovery is often considered the mythical origin of tea.
