Traditional British—Yorkshire Tea.
Among British customs, serving or drinking English tea is
the most well-known. However, tea was introduced to England relatively
recently, in the mid-17th century. The popularity of tea rose slowly, extending
from Asia to Europe in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, when Dutch and
Portuguese commerce ships began to routinely export tea.
In Britain, a cup of tea is more than just a drink; it is an
integral part of daily life and national identity. It is a profoundly ingrained
emblem of social connectedness, hospitality, warmth, and solace in British
society. Today, tea houses may be found
in every region of the United Kingdom.
Offering tea to people in need is a well-rooted practice
that represents comfort and emotional support. This small act serves as a
social lubricant that promotes conversation and camaraderie in settings other
than homes, such as workplaces and public areas.
Nonetheless, the British take great pride in being a
"tea-drinking nation," and this is true; the average British person
drinks about two kilograms of brewed tea annually. It's interesting to note
that the nation that consumes the most tea per person does not make its own
tea.
The British are known for their love of tea; with 60
billion cups of tea consumed annually, the UK is the world's fourth-largest tea
consumer. Why, though, do they adore it so much? Tea pairs well with biscuits
(cookies in America, biscuits in England) and has its own unique,
pleasant taste.
As a hot drink, tea also helps the British to survive the
cold weather; however, most importantly, tea is an integral part of English
culture.
The history of British tea
The East India Company introduced tea to Great Britain for
the first time in the early 17th century. Tea drinking became popular among the
aristocracy of that era thanks to Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese wife of
King Charles II. However, tea was quite costly because of high state taxes.
The fragrant leaves were therefore stored in locked, special
safes in households, and after taxes were lowered, tea became accessible
to the general public, and it soon overtook other popular beverages.
Related post: The
history of the art of tea drinking in Japanese culture
The English also created afternoon tea, which is a light
meal served between lunch and dinner that includes a little snack to help
combat the day's fall. The Duchess of Bedford is credited with making afternoon
tea popular by transforming it into a modest social gathering. Therefore, tea
not only gives warmth and food but also tells others about a person.