Did you know that tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, second only to water? It's so deeply woven into everyday life that we often use the word "tea" to refer to almost any warm or comforting drink we share during a chat or take to wind down for a moment. But the true meaning of tea is more specific—and far more fascinating.


At its core, tea refers to the infusion made by steeping the leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Drinks made from other plants—like herbs, flowers, or fruit—are technically called infusions or tisanes. For instance, what many call “herbal tea” is more accurately described as a herbal infusion. In fact, in some countries, the word “tea” is legally reserved for beverages made only from the tea plant itself.

So what exactly is this plant we call Camellia sinensis? It's a tropical and subtropical evergreen shrub native to China. As an evergreen, the tea bush grows year-round but naturally slows down in colder seasons. In regions with warm temperatures and high rainfall—like Sri Lanka, just eight degrees north of the equator—tea bushes can grow continuously, producing fresh new leaves every couple of months.

There are two main varieties of the tea plant commonly used in tea production. Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, also known as the China variety, has smaller leaves and is widely grown in China, Taiwan, and Japan. On the other hand, Camellia sinensis var. assamica, or the Assam variety, has larger leaves and greater hardiness, making it ideal for cultivation in India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya—particularly for producing bold, full-bodied black teas.

Today, tea is cultivated all over the world and continues to be one of the most cherished agricultural products. Its appeal lies not just in its rich diversity of flavours, but in the traditions, craft, and care that go into every leaf.