Saint Valentine of Rome may have died in the 3rd century but his legacy of love lives on… in tea.

Whether you believe Saint Valentine was a martyr because he performed outlawed marriages in secret, helped separated lovers exchange messages or simply died at the right time – around the Feast of Lupercalia, the pagan festival of love – it’s undeniable that the 14th of February has become a day to celebrate love.

But there’s more to Valentine’s Day than roses and chocolate and heart-shaped everything. The most Valentine of all gifts is tea – and here’s why.

While roses steal the spotlight as the flower of love, camellias are no less deserving of the title. Throughout the ages, camellias have been used to represent everything from desire to steadfast love across different cultures. In Victorian England, receiving a camellia meant the sender thought you were adorable, whereas in Korea, camellias are wedding flowers that symbolise faithfulness and longevity.

Pink camellias are supposed to indicate longing and red camellias passion or desire, whereas a combination of red and pink camellias expresses romantic love.

Enough about the flower, what about the leaves we all brew and love? Some of you may have heard of the five languages of love, which can all be expressed through tea:

Words of affirmation: Instead of ‘going for coffee’, ask someone on a date by saying “Let’s share some tea”. Or, if you’re happily partnered, offering tea or praising a good cuppa is just as loving.

Acts of service: Making someone a cup of tea, need I say more?

Gifting: Give tea or teaware. You can go the extra mile by finding something personal – a rare tea, a custom blend, a special accessory.

Quality time: Tea up an extra long sipping session with your loved one. You know it’s not just about the tea but time you share.

Physical touch: They say a cup of tea is like a hug so if your love is long distance, tea is a potential substitute. (If you’re hugging in real life though, don’t do it with a hot cup of tea in your hands.)

If all else fails, you could always send Hunan dark rose tea and cover all your bases?

This article originally appeared in AUSTCS enews 5 February 2019.