Tea
is a quintessential part of British culture, and the country consumes copious amounts of it each year. Whether it's a refreshing cup of iced tea or a warming pot of afternoon tea, there are plenty of facts about British tea culture that may surprise you. Here are some cold, hard facts about British tea culture that might just pique your interest. 1. Tea drinking was once a luxury When tea first arrived in Britain in the 17th century, it was seen as a luxury only the wealthiest could afford. It wasn't until the 19th century that tea became an affordable everyday beverage for the masses, thanks to increased production and trade. 2. Milk first or last? In the UK, the age-old debate about whether to add milk first or last to your tea is still alive and well. The reason for this debate lies in the fact that adding milk first cools down the hot water and may prevent the tannins from properly infusing. 3. Tea bags were invented by accident In 1908, tea tycoon Thomas Sullivan sent his customers samples of tea in small silk bags, expecting them to use the bags to brew their tea as they would loose leaf. However, some of his customers simply dropped the bags in hot water and the tea bag was born. 4. The PG Tips monkeys For over a decade, British tea brand PG Tips featured a series of animated chimpanzees in their television adverts. The campaigns were so successful that the monkeys are now somewhat of a cultural icon in the UK. 5. Tea time is a cultural institution The tradition of afternoon tea is still a favourite among British society. Served with scones, clotted cream, and jam, afternoon tea is typically enjoyed between 3pm and 5pm and is seen as a way to relax and socialize. 6. The Royal Family's tea habits Queen Elizabeth II and her family members are known to have very specific tea habits. The Queen is said to enjoy Earl Grey with a few drops of milk, while Prince Charles prefers Darjeeling with a bit of honey. 7. The tea ceremony In many cultures, tea ceremonies are an important part of social and cultural traditions. In the UK, the tea ceremony is perhaps most famously associated with afternoon tea, which is a chance to enjoy a pot of tea and some delicious treats in a civilized setting. 8. Tea smuggling was once rampant During the 18th century, the British government levied high taxes on tea, making it incredibly expensive. As a result, tea smuggling became a huge industry, with smugglers hiding tea amongst other goods in their ships. 9. The perfect cuppa Making the perfect cup of tea is a science in the UK. The water temperature, brewing time, and tea-to-water ratio can all greatly affect the taste of the tea. For true tea aficionados, there is nothing more important than brewing the perfect cuppa. 10 Tea plays an important role in politics Tea has played a role in British politics for centuries. In fact, the Boston Tea Party in 1773 was a political protest against the British government's taxation on tea. Today, tea remains an important part of political and diplomatic ceremonies in the UK. In conclusion, tea has played an important role in British culture for centuries and remains an important part of daily life. Whether it's enjoyed at afternoon tea, during a political meeting, or simply as a morning pick-me-up, the humble cup of tea is truly woven into the fabric of British society.
