“Emirates Airlines Celebrates International Tea Day with Dilmah Tea – Serving 33 Million Cups Per Year”

Emirates Airlines celebrates International Tea Day, which falls on May 21 of each year, highlighting the healing properties of tea and the distinguished tea service on its flights to 140 destinations around the world, at a time when its consumption of tea has grown by more than 10% over the past decade.

Each year, Emirates Airlines prepares more than 33 million cups of tea for passengers on board, in addition to serving tea in Emirates lounges around the world. Tea consumption on board has risen steadily, growing by more than 10% over the past decade, as more passengers adopt a healthy lifestyle. Tea contains a large number of health benefits and therapeutic properties, in addition to the rituals of drinking it, which enhance a sense of comfort and calm for many.

Emirates offers its passengers a selection of 10 delicious blends, from the energy-boosting Earl Gray, to the stomach-soothing pure chamomile flowers, the healthy and antioxidant Sencha Green Extra Special to Breakfast in Paradise, the anti-inflammatory turmeric tea, and the coconut tea. Vanilla, Premium Ceylon Tea, Natural Green Tea, Black Ceylon Tea, Digestive Moroccan Mint Tea, Energizing Breakfast Tea, and Emirates Airline Premium Tea, an exclusive blend of marigold, safflower, rose, almond and ginger notes, representing the flavors of the UAE.

Healthy tea, especially green and black tea, contains polyphenols, such as catechins and flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and protect the body from free radicals, which may cause cell damage and chronic diseases. Scientific research indicates that drinking tea regularly may help reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as improve blood vessel functions, lower blood pressure, and lower harmful cholesterol. Tea also contains caffeine, which promotes mental alertness and focus, but as the caffeine content of tea is generally lower than coffee, tea gives a moderate and sustained energy boost without causing jitters, and is ideal for time zone travelers. Chamomile tea has a somewhat calming power that may help long-haul passengers get some sleep. Some herbal teas, such as peppermint or ginger, also aid digestion and relieve symptoms such as bloating or nausea, which some may experience when their normal routine is altered by travel.

Moroccan green tea with mint is one of the most popular types in first class on Emirates flights, while most business class passengers prefer English breakfast tea. The preferred option in Economy Class is traditional Ceylon black tea.

Special training

For Emirates Airlines, serving tea is a ritual that requires thought and care. The Emirates staff receives specially trained tea making, where they learn about the sustainable sourcing of Dilmah tea, taste the unique flavours, learn how to brew the perfect cup, and enhance the flavor with a range of ingredients, from fresh mint leaves to honey and lemon. In the first class, “April” honey, an Emirati brand, is offered to passengers wishing to sweeten their tea. First and Business class passengers enjoy tea in Royal Doulton fine china.

Nature’s gift

More than three decades ago, Emirates chose to partner with Dilmah Tea, the family-run Sri Lankan company founded in 1985. It is the world’s first producer-owned tea brand, where tea is grown, hand-picked and packaged, preserving its natural quality. It guarantees him a reputation as one of the best teas in the world.

Dilmah tea plantations are located in the midst of a picturesque landscape of hills and waterfalls, which produces high quality Ceylon tea. Ceylon tea is made from the finest tea leaves in the pristine regions at the highest altitude, and the tea gets its unique properties and flavor from the rich biodiversity. The tea leaves are hand picked in the central hills of Sri Lanka. Thanks to the purity of Dilmah tea, founder Mireille Fernando called it “a gift of the good nature”.

The history of tea

The origins of tea go back to ancient China thousands of years ago. Legend and historical accounts begin with the Chinese Emperor Shennong, who ruled around 2737 BC. He was sitting under a tree one day, and it happened that the leaves of the tree fell into a pot of boiling water, and the fragrance spread. The emperor was mesmerized by the aroma, and decided to taste the drink, finding it refreshing and pleasant.

The cultivation and consumption of tea gradually spread to neighboring countries, gaining popularity due to its medicinal properties and energizing effects. Tea then made its way to other parts of the world through trade and exploration. Arab traders brought tea to the Middle East and North Africa, where it became very popular. From there, tea traveled to Europe via trade routes, gaining popularity among European aristocrats in the 17th century. The British East India Company played an important role in supplying tea to the western world, making it a staple drink in many countries.