English Tea is quite an interesting topic to pay particular attention to considering it has been somewhat a human activity that has evolved through the ages that has gained recognition, discipline and art. Take for one the character from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and the story's sequel, Through the Looking-Glass, the Hatter, together with the March Hare, first known from the chapter "A Mad Tea-Party", always having tea and forever stuck at 6:00. Also, to make a more concrete example in the past and present day scene, in matters of the daily living, it is a true fancy to make notice of the English Tea Time. With when holding a teacup at during the afternoon with good manners; etiquette, manners and a making a good cup of tea; and, while eating, tea party manners. This is having a good drink with style.
WHAT IS IT THAT THEY REALLY DRINK?
Tea, of course. But what is this tea? Tea is a product of fermenting the Camellia sinensis. It may also mean the beverage that we're talking about here which has a strong and rich aroma with a variety of interesting tastes and flavor. It is processed from as far as China to the British mainland.
Because of its cultural, religious, science and medicinal value, tea has been consumed all over the world. Likewise, it has a true medicinal value that has undergone extensive testing processes.
Tea is used in family gatherings, workplace get-togethers, friendship and other in traditional ways; in some ritualistic symbolism of some sort; and credited for its preventive, curative and supportive means in terms of pathologic disease solutions.
The word tea alone covers a wide range of topics: types and names, the Camellia sinensis (tea plant), Consumption, Health effects, Tea processing, Tea tasting, Herbal tea and so much more.
TEA CULTURE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Tea has become the British's number one drink. In the year sixteen hundreds was it once first introduced and made popular. It is recorded that Thomas Garraway was one of the first who sold this tea for its many claims — medicinal, coming from overseas, and for those who were in high ranks — during the year 1658. Tea, then, was mostly had by those who were truly wealthy. One of the many was Samuel Pepys, Member of Parliament, known for keeping a decade long diary whilst a young man, and an English naval administrator, who was curious enough to try out the new concoction that was hitting the streets. So, fairly, was it presented to Charles II, monarch of the three kingdoms of Ireland, Scotland, and England, leader of the East India Trading Company, on the year 1659. Later the drinking of tea was introduced in the court of England on the year 1662 by Catherine of Braganza, Portuguese queen, and started to become more popular than it already was.
With many years have passed, tea was shipped over to various regions because of its convenience in preparation and its value that it could treat mild common colds. So was there "tea fleets" who specifically delivered such.
Porcelain was quite fashionable during that time and so the Europeans made an imitation and added that to the experience.
Eventually, with the British expansion, London became the core of international tea trading. Now, at present, tea still has its place and is still consumed by the high class society. Now with different types made, the tea drinking has been revolutionized.
THE EXPERIENCE OF IT
In history, Catherine of Bragança, wife of Charles II of England, brought the habit of afternoon tea drinking with her from homeland, Portugal. This is to pass hunger from after lunch to evening and is still done up to this very day.
Tea has not only been the beverage itself but also a meal time, so pointed out. That being that there is the Afternoon Tea and High Tea. It is usually in the times between early two to the late five in the afternoon, before dinner. Tea is, then, accompanied with food that ranges from meats to pastries, depending upon one's personal preference. Sandwiches, even, make addition to the act of tea time. Now it is had almost anywhere, from hotels to homes and vice versa. There are even cafés and tea shops. It acts as a means of refreshment. This is afternoon Tea. With the High Tea, it is termed as so because it is usually had on a high table. Dining table to be exact. It is five in afternoon to seven o' clock in the evening that this tea time is practiced to indicate a light dinner.
SO HOW DO THEY DRINK?
The British Tea ritual is as sophisticated as anything with class. British Tea drinkers usually take their tea on a teacup or mug, more often than not, necessarily, there is a saucer underneath. A heated kettle is brought and water is poured into the teapot, initially swirling a portion of water and then poured out. The chosen tea is then used. Now, the hot water is poured into the tea pot and an insulator called the tea cosy is placed to keep the temperature warm. It is heated for a couple of minutes but not too long as not to make the tea taste rather unpleasant to the taste buds. Milk may be added with the tea altogether, or the host of the session would ask for the guests' preference. Strainers are then used and placed on top of the cups to sift tea. Lemon is an optional addition.
TODAY
Tea is still recognized and popular, in competition with other new health beverages. Still, nothing beats the Organic Tea that brings natural beneficial effects; that which has less preservatives and other unfamiliar additives.
Still, as it is part of tradition, tea is still widely consumed; that there are even tea houses centered to the drinking of tea. Some of the structures are even still fully functional today to serve its customers up to the next generation.
This is the English Tea, a part of history.
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