Tea consumption in India

• Tea plants were introduced to India by British colonialists about three centuries ago.
• Tea plants with thicker leaves thrived in Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Uttaranchal and U.P. have also started growing tea.
• India has the largest total consumption of tea (540,000 metric tonnes of tea, or 620 grams per capita).
• India is the world’s fourth largest exporter of tea and generates about $800 million.
• According to the National Sample Survey Organization, India consumes 15 times more tea than coffee.
• Tea leaves are rich in aroma, vitamins, and protective compounds that improve blood pressure, cardiovascular health, reduce diabetes risk, and improve gut health.
• Tea scores better than coffee due to less caffeine, a nervous system stimulant.
• The aroma of tea leaves is due to the presence of carotenoids like lycopene, lutein, and Jasmonate.
• The Central Food Technology and Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) in India is studying antioxidants, polyphenols, and other health-promoting molecules in Indian food.