British+Tea

**Why is tea so popular in the British Isles? ** Visiting a home in England or Ireland, the first thing the host may ask is "Do you want a cuppa?" or "let me put a kettle on, it will only take a minute."

Tea was introduced into England in the late-1600s when they began tea trade with the far east (Asia and India). Taking tea became a trend among the wealthier classes and tea soon became the "beverage of choice."

High Tea became popular among working classes in the 17th century as a meal upon returning home after a long, tiring day of work.

Afternoon tea as a social outing became popular throughout England in the 1800s. Sharing a cup of tea with others in their homes or when out together is still a common, everyday occurrence in England and other parts of the world (Australia and Canada) that have been influenced by British culture.



**2 Types of Teas**



//(In America is often mistakenly used to describe afternoon tea because it sounds grander"//
 * 1. High tea** or "meat tea" is dinner and tends to be a bit on the heavy side.

"English High Tea usually involved a mug of tea, bread, vegetables, cheese and occasionally meat. Variations on high tea could include the addition of pies, potatoes and crackers." //** (from History of Afternoon Tea) **//

Usually served in the late afternoon (between 4-7 pm) in a sitting room with low coffee tables placed near the sofas and chairs to serve tea on.
 * 2.** **Afternoon tea** or "low tea". Served as a "bridge" between meals because dinner was so late.

**3 Basic Types of Afternoon Tea:** **Cream Tea** - Tea, scones, jam and cream  **Light Tea** - Tea, scones and sweets   **Full Tea** - Tea, savories, scones, sweets and dessert ** WE WILL BE SERVING FULL AFTERNOON TEA WITH ALL 3 COURSES LISTED BELOW ** Most tea rooms today serve tea from three to five o'clock. Menu serves 3 courses, in the following order: **Savories** - Tiny sandwiches or appetizers **Scones** - Served with jam and Devonshire or clotted cream **Pastries** - Cakes, cookies, shortbread and sweets

Serving/Taking Afternoon Tea 1. Hold the handle of the tea cup between your thumb and first 2 fingers with your pinkie up for balance.
 * NEVER** lace your fingers through the handle or wrap your hands around the tea cup.

2. After allowing tea bag to steep, gently dip several times and remove to a small serving plate.
 * DO NOT** wrap the tea bag around a spoon or press the bag against the side

3. To stir, gently move your spoon back and forth from the 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock position several times. Then place your spoon on the edge of your plate or ask your server to remove it.
 * DO NOT** swirl your spoon around in the tea cup.
 * DO NOT** drink with your spoon still inside your tea cup

4. Serve the tea with sugar and milk or slices of lemon.
 * DO NOT** use cream, which is to heavy for the flavor of the tea
 * DO NOT** use milk and lemon, the lemon will cause the milk to curdle and ruin the tea
 * DO NOT** use lemon wedges

Tea Etiquette



//Resources:// http://www.afternoontea.co.uk/information/what-is-high-tea/

http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/HighTeaHistory.htm