Millions of people across the world wake up every morning to the warm, soothing aroma of tea being prepared in their kitchens. For Indians, tea is a comforting companion, a brain relaxer, and a fuel to a tired body. 

Tea and India go back a long way as it is believed that the beverage was brought into the nation from China in the 1800s. It is now consumed in about 64 percent of homes, making India the largest tea-consuming nation in the world. 

On the occasion of International Tea Day, which is observed annually on May 21, let’s look at the world’s most expensive teas and the reasons behind their sky-high rates. 

1. Da Hong Pao —

Also known as Big Red Robe tea, Da Hong Pao is one of the priciest black teas in the world, with its roots tracing back to the Ming Dynasty. The tea is valued at around a whopping $1.2 million per kg and is grown in the Wuyi mountains of Fujian province of China. The tea is expensive as the leaves are gathered from trees that have been growing in the mountains for over 300 years. 

2. Panda Dung Tea — 

As the name suggests, the tea leaves are fertilized using the dung of panda bears, which is believed to have a myriad of health benefits. Produced in small quantities by wildlife experts in the Sichuan Province of China, the tea is sold at approximately $70,000 per kg.

Also Read: International Tea Day 2020: History and significance

3. Yellow Gold Tea Buds —

Yellow gold tea buds are harvested once a year using gold shears. They are then sun-dried before being sprayed with edible 24-karat gold flakes. Known as the tea of the emperors of China, Yellow gold tea buds are known for anti-ageing and other health benefits. Currently sold only in Singapore, it is priced at around $7,800 for one kilogram of tea leaves.