What is the traditional tea in England?
Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches (including of course thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches), scones served with clotted cream and preserves. Cakes and pastries are also served.
What tea did the British prefer?
The Brits prefer robust black teas like Earl Grey or English Breakfast. And you may use either tea bags or loose tea; both are perfectly acceptable. If you choose loose tea, you’ll need a strainer for your cup or teapot.
Is tea part of British culture?
Originally an upper-class drink in Europe, tea gradually spread through all classes, eventually becoming a common drink. It is still considered an important part of the British identity and is a prominent feature of British culture and society.
Where did England steal tea from?
All the tea in the world came from China, and Britain couldn’t control the quality or the price. So around 1850, a group of British businessmen set out to create a tea industry in a place they did control: India.
Why do Brits put milk in tea?
The answer is that in the 17th and 18th centuries the china cups tea was served in were so delicate they would crack from the heat of the tea. Milk was added to cool the liquid and stop the cups from cracking. This is why, even today, many English people add milk to their cups BEFORE adding the tea!
What did Brits drink before tea?
Water, milk and small beer (which was a sort of very weak beer). And drinks like beer and cider were heated by putting a hot poker into them.
Why are the British so obsessed with tea?
Turns out, it’s all to do with taxes. Tea was first brought to Britain in the early 17th century by the East India Company and was presented to King Charles II. His Portuguese wife, Princess Catherine of Braganza, set the trend in drinking tea, which then caught on among the aristocrats of the time.
Who brought tea to the UK?
Tea was first brought to Britain in the early 17th century by the East India Company.