Did you know that British people drink more than 60 billion cups of tea a year? What is so important about it? Did you ever hear about the 5 p.m. or high tea? How is tea made? Do British people add milk to their teacups? These are only a few of the questions for which you can find the answers if you keep reading this article. So, pick up and enjoy your teacup!
How is the tea made?
The country that drinks most tea is Turkey and tea isn’t even from Britain, but without any doubt, tea has become a part of the British people’s lifestyle, having various flavors and intensities. There is a specific way in which to grow, process, and brew it, beginning with the light. Tea bushes are grown in terraces in many corners of the world, and, in some cases, they are shaded with nets or mats, because they produce more chlorophyll and fewer polyphenols when there is less sun. Tea is cooked or heat-treated because while the tea is drying, there are some enzymes, native to the tea plant, which release a complex mix of flavors.
Why is tea so important for the Brits?
For the British people tea is not just a drink, but a way of socializing and connecting with others. When dealing with difficult situations, tea is the first answer that comes to mind. They would get a cup of tea before discussing or planning any serious issue. They believe that there’s no task, from studying to cooking or putting up a shelf, that can be done without a cup of tea, and the way in which they drink it indicates their social class and personality.
What does milk have to do with tea?
Milk plays an important role in the British tea tradition. A long time ago, most people couldn’t afford other cups besides the ones that would shatter under the heat of the tea. So, they would put milk first, to cool the drink and prevent the cups from breaking. Many people grew to like the taste, although some prefer their tea with sugar and lemon instead. Even though there is a whole debate going on about whether milk should be put before or after the tea, it has been scientifically proven that milk should be poured first into the cup as it prevents the tea from changing its texture.
Afternoon tea or high tea?
Some people like to call the afternoon tea ‘high tea’ because it sounds fancy and regal, but it is wrong. The five o’clock tea is actually the ‘low tea’ because it is usually served in a room with low tables, while high tea used to be the preserve of the rich during the 19th century and it was served with other dishes, such as cheese on toast. High tea is served at the table, sitting on high back dining chairs, after work.
To sum up, the British consider tea to solve all problems no matter its flavor or intensity. Whether tea is or not one of your favorite beverages, I’m pretty sure that you found some of these traditions interesting and you’re willing to try and have your own 5 o’clock tea.
Editor
Andreea Necula
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