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Read about how tea started to spread across the world in part 2
Tea is a wonderful beverage that has been around for thousands of years. It was first served by Buddhist monks in ancient China, and it soon became popular throughout Asia. Tea eventually spread to Europe during the 17th century when it was introduced to England. The British loved tea so much that they made it their national drink!
Tea was first introduced in the UK by the East India Company in the 17th century. This company was a British trading corporation that also controlled much of Asia. The East India Company set up factories in China to trade textiles, spices, and other goods with the Chinese for silk, tea, and porcelain.
Tea began as an expensive luxury good because it had to be shipped from Asia by boat. It was transported along routes across land or sea known as “tea roads” by merchants. These merchants were willing to take on the risk of being attacked during transport in order to earn large profits by selling their goods once they arrived at their destination. This is why many people did not drink tea until 1840, when it became more affordable due to railway developments which made transportation safer.
It is still very popular in the United Kingdom, where teatime or “afternoon tea” has become a beloved tradition. People meet with friends over cups of hot tea and small cakes known as scones, which are often topped with jam and clotted cream.
Teatime in the United Kingdom started to become popular in the early 1800s. The tradition began with Anna, Duchess of Bedford, who would get hungry in the afternoon, so she asked for a cup of tea and a light snack. Soon after that, other people started to enjoy their own cups of tea later in the day and it became known as “afternoon” or “low” tea, since dinner wasn't served until later.
The same trend also spread throughout Europe, where teatime is now part of many different cultures' traditions, including Sweden and France! High tea originated in England but has since been adopted by Canada and Australia too.
High tea is very similar to low tea in that high tea is very similar to low-tea in that it consists of tea, scones, cakes, and sandwiches. The main difference is that high tea usually takes place around an hour or more before dinner time, while low tea starts just after lunch.
Afternoon tea, which is also called high tea, is served between approximately four o'clock until six o'clock. Low tea includes a light supper involving snacks such as cakes, biscuits, and cold meats, which were traditionally eaten with all kinds of tea.
High Tea is generally served in the early- to mid-afternoon. Low tea can be taken at any time during daylight hours if it's not an official mealtime or occasion. Teatime isn't limited to the afternoon or evening, however!
Other tea trends in the United Kingdom include the use of tea rooms. These can be found in many cities and towns across the country, with some serving traditional high teas and others offering a light lunch or snack instead. This is often more expensive than low tea.
Popular types of tea in the UK include Earl Grey tea, English Breakfast tea, Assam tea, Lapsang souchong, and Ceylon tea. Tea is served with milk at almost all times except for, during, and after dinner, where it's more common to have cream instead.
From the first record of tea being grown in England, to its use during the Industrial Revolution as a drink for workers and then finally becoming an international favorite that can be found everywhere from your local coffee shop to the hotel lobby, it’s clear that this beverage has had quite a history.
Nowadays, there are many different ways you can enjoy drinking tea, including iced teas or different flavored blends. Do you have any go-to brands? We would love to hear about them! What is your favorite Uk tradition when it comes to drinking tea?
