English Tea

Britain is a tea-drinking nation Britain is a tea-drinking nation. Every day they drink 165 million cups and each year around 144 thousand tons of tea are imported.

Tea in Britain is traditionally brewed in a warmed china teapot, adding one spoonful of tea per person and one for the pot. Most Britons like their tea strong and dark, but with a lot of milk. Interesting Fact Years ago, the milk was poured into the cup first, so as not to crack the porcelain.

The traditional way of making tea is: 1. Boil some fresh cold water. 2. Put some hot water into the teapot to make it warm. 3. Pour the water away 4.Put one teaspoon of tea-leaves per person, and one extra tea-spoon, into the pot. 5.Pour boiling water onto the tea. 6.Leave for a few minutes. 7.Serve

Did you know? If someone asks you if you 'would like a cuppa', they are asking if you would like a cup of tea. If someone says 'let me be mother' or 'shall I be mother', they are offering to pour out the tea from the teapot.

Which Tea? There are currently almost 1,500 different teas in Britain. They all vary in style, taste and color. Indian Teas India is one of the main growers exporting 12% of the world’s teas. The three main types popular in the UK are: Darjeeling which comes from Northern India and is a light delicate tea – perfect for Afternoon Teas. Ceylon Tea is slightly stronger than Darjeeling. It is aromatic with a slightly sharp taste. Assam is a strong tea which stands up well to being blended. Other teas found in Britain and Ireland are Darjeeling Orange Pekoe, or Ceylon Broken Orange Pekoe. This tea is not orange in flavor, but describes the size of leaf. China Teas The birthplace of tea China produces 18% of the world’s tea . Two favorite types are: Lapsang Souchong is perhaps the most famous of china teas, the best coming from the hills in north Fujian. It has a smoky aroma and flavor. Yunnan is a black tea from the province of Yunnan. The rich, earthy flavor is similar to Assam and makes a great breakfast tea. There are many other varieties from both India and China and other country’s which include green teas, white teas and aromatics.

Etiquette when attending a tea party Greeting/handshake After sitting down — put purse on lap or behind you against chair back Napkin placement — unfold napkin on your lap, if you must leave temporarily place napkin on chair. Sugar/lemon — sugar is placed in cup first, then thinly sliced lemon and never milk and lemon together. Milk goes in after. The habit of putting milk in tea came from the French. “To put milk in your tea before sugar is to cross the path of love, perhaps never to marry.” (Tea superstition)

The correct order when eating on a tea tray is to eat savories first, scones next and sweets last. We have changed our order somewhat. We like guests to eat the scones first while they are hot, then move to savories, then sweets. Scones — split horizontally with knife, curd and cream is placed on plate. Use the knife to put cream on each bite. Eat with fingers neatly. .

Proper placement of spoon — the spoon always goes behind cup, also don’t leave the spoon in the cup. Proper holding of cup — do not put your pinky “up”, this is not correct. A guest should look into the teacup when drinking — never over it

Tea Words and phrases Tea break, High tea, tea time, tea party, tea towel and many more terms have derived from the tradition of drinking tea. Tea breaks are when tea and biscuits are served. The traditional time for tea breaks are at 11:00 am (Elevensee) and 4 pm in the afternoon. If something is not quite to your taste, it’s probably 'not your cup of tea'. e.g. Windsurfing is not my cup of tea.