Guest Author - Karyn Johnson

When one thinks of tea, England almost always comes immediately to mind. After all, the British Isles have a long-standing tea tradition, and many tourists to the UK make a traditional tea part of their trip. But what exactly does a British tea entail?

The traditional teas that most people think of take place early in the afternoon. Small cakes, finger sandwiches, scones, and crumpets are generally served along with the tea. The tea is typically served in very fine china. It became quite a pleasant pastime among the upper classes during the Victorian period to get together like this and enjoy food and conversation. Teas were for showing off more than anything else. This type of tea is known as the Low tea, since it was served in the low part of the afternoon and only small bites were served, rather than a large spread.

High teas were practiced by working classes and took place at supper. A substantial meal was served along with the tea.

How the English Tea Got Started

Tea is an Asian export, which did not arrive in England until the mid-17th century. At the time, the British generally ate two meals a day - a late breakfast, and then supper. In the early 19th century, Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, decided to start an afternoon tea, as a way of socializing and having a bite to tide her over until dinner. Her teas soon became so popular, that the custom spread throughout the country and became an essential part of Victorian culture.

Having Your Own Tea

If you want to do your own English tea, it's not difficult at all. There is no set menu, so you can put out cookies, muffins, little crustless sandwiches - anything of your choosing (just make sure the sandwiches are made out of very thin bread).

As for the tea, you want to use something such as an Earl Gray or a Darjeeling. Make sure the teapot is rinsed well with warm water. Bring a kettle of water to a boil and then pour over tea leaves, allowing them to steep for three to five minutes. Generally, you would figure one heaping teaspoon of loose tea per cup, plus an additional teaspoon for the pot.

Milk is added first to each tea cup, since it was once believed that the hot tea would crack the fine porcelain. The tea is then poured, usually by the hostess, and then sugar cubes are added to the drinker's taste.

And make sure you put out your very best china!

Traditional English teas are rather antiquated now, but they're still a fun part of British culture. If you are interested in partaking in one, do some online research. British teas are done all over the world, so you don't even have to go to England to participate in one. It's a quaint and charming way to enjoy a light afternoon meal and some social time with friends.