Every year on the 21st of May, it's International Tea Day – a grand excuse to celebrate and chinwag about the history and proper cultural significance of tea the world over. It's also about being fair to the folks who graft away in the tea trade. With deep-rooted traditions and a profound appreciation for tea, both China and Japan are major players in the global tea landscape, from production to consumption and cultural significance. The countries that grow our lovely tea also include Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Believe it or not, after water, tea's the most supped beverage on the planet! And it's not just a tasty cuppa; it's got some good bits in it too, like antioxidants, helping with the old weight loss, and keeping inflammation at bay.

You can spread the word about Tea Day by simply enjoying your favourite brew in your best mug or tea set. Or, if you're feeling techy, share your tea-related facts online with #InternationalTeaDay.

Now, here at SQ Professional we're right chuffed to celebrate this fine day by having a look at some of the most popular types of tea. You might have tried some, but there could be a few here that tickle your fancy for the future!

Black Tea

This one's got a proper strong whiff and a good, robust flavour. It's oxidised for longer than green tea, which is what gives it that dark colour – hence the name, see?

With about half the caffeine of coffee, black tea is the nation's favourite here in the UK.

We often have it with a splash of milk and a spoonful of sugar, or maybe a squeeze of lemon. There's nothing quite like a good cuppa to really hit the spot and give you that warm and fuzzy feeling.

Good for you: Can help keep your blood pressure in check, gives your immune system a bit of a boost, and might even help with losing a few pounds.

Cracking types: Assam, Darjeeling, Ceylon, English Breakfast, Earl Grey.

White Tea

A bit gentler on the caffeine front compared to the darker stuff, white tea's also the mildest in flavour of all the teas and doesn't go through much processing at all. And as the name suggests, it's ever so light in colour.

It's best enjoyed on its own, without any additions, so you can really appreciate its delicate flavour.

Good for you: Packed with antioxidants and anti-ageing bits, and can help keep your heart healthy.

Cracking types: White Peony, Silver Needle, Long Life Eyebrow, Tribute Eyebrow, Ceylon White, African White.

Green Tea

This tea doesn't get oxidised and is processed in a way that keeps lots of those good antioxidants in. You can spot it by its yellow or greenish-yellow colour, and it's got a mild, grassy flavour. It's a big hit in East Asian countries. Green tea, especially matcha, often pops up in puds like cakes, ice cream, and chocolate.

Green tea's lovely on its own or with a dash of lemon or honey.

Good for you: Might lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, can help with weight loss, and it's full of antioxidants.

Cracking types: Sencha, Hojicha, Gyokuro, Tencha, Matcha, Bancha, Shincha, Jasmine.

Flower Tea

These are made from dried whole flowers or just the petals. Just the smell and sight of the petals or whole flowers in your freshly brewed cup can feel a bit whimsical, can't it?

Floral tea can help you relax and unwind. Try it with a drizzle of honey and/or some fruit.

If you're feeling a bit adventurous, have a go at Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea. It's made from dried blue pea flowers and lemongrass, and the colour is a proper stunning blue! Add a bit of lemon, and it magically turns purple!

Good for you: May help keep blood sugar levels down, full of antioxidants, and can ease joint pain.

Cracking types: Lavender, Chamomile, Butterfly pea, Rose, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Chrysanthemum, Lemongrass.

Fruit Tea

Now, this isn't technically tea as it doesn't come from the actual tea plant (camellia sinensis). Instead, it's made with unprocessed dried fruits. Sometimes, they chuck in a bit of tisane to boost the flavour.

Fruit tea's spot on for those who aren't too keen on the earthy or slightly bitter taste of regular tea. It's also a much better shout than those shop-bought fruit juices and fizzy drinks. It's best served with a bit of ginger, honey, or even some real chunks of fruit.

Good for you: On its own, fruit tea is caffeine-free and doesn't have a massive amount of health benefits. But, if you infuse it with herbs or add things like cinnamon, real fruit pieces, honey, or ginger, it can give you a good health boost.

Cracking types: Apple, Raspberries, Orange peel, Linden Blossom, Blackberries, Elderberries, Strawberries, Peach, Ginger and Lemon.

To make sure you've got absolutely everything you need for that perfect cuppa, from tea infusers, strainers, and teaspoons right through to your new favourite mug, have a proper browse of our catalogues (SQ Professional or Durane) for our full range of brilliant products.

We hope this has given you a bit of inspiration to try some teas you might not have heard of before, or just encourages you to brew up more often and enjoy it in your favourite mug or cup.

Cheers to that!