Tea in English

For the British, tea is more than a simple beverage. The hot brew, which first arrived in Britain in the 17th century, is not only a tradition, but an integral part of the country and a pillar of its culture. The British simply love tea, they are literally obsessed with it. From English Breakfast to the famous five o'clock, there is always a perfect time for tea!

Why do the British need tea?

It would seem that in this rather cold and rainy country, the warming properties of the tea brew would be the most important. And while these are of course not insignificant, the primary function of tea in the UK is socializing. By asking your co-workers "would you like a cup of tea?" you show them that you care, and it's also an opportunity for interaction. And how flattered you are when others remember whether you like your tea with milk, sugar, or perhaps without any additives. And then there's the conversations while making tea... According to the Tea Council, 80% office workers say they learn more about what's going on at work over a cup of tea than any other way - who needs emails and company meetings, right?
The emotional value of drinking tea is also hard to miss. Tea is the first response that comes to mind when dealing with difficult situations. Think about it, if someone approaches you a little depressed and wants to talk, don't you feel like suggesting they drink a cup of tea? Won't it make you feel better if you start your day with that hot brew in your hand? Tea is a lifesaver! If you've watched Downtown Abbey, you must have noticed that every time there was an awkward moment or some drama, in all 52 episodes, they interrupted it by saying "why don't we have a cup of tea?". The English, trying to be full of tact, believe that offering tea can be a way out of any situation.

The most tea-obsessed nation?

Although it is the British who we unquestionably associate with tea, their neighbors the Irish are the nation that drinks the most tea per capita. However, Britain, with its 100 million cups of tea drunk daily, is not far behind. Also characteristic of the British is how they serve tea - as many as 98% of them serve tea with milk.

A truly English tea

You probably looked here to find a recipe for tea in English. So how do you brew a tea that any islander will enjoy?
Recommendations say that to make the perfect cup of tea, use freshly boiled water and brew the tea for about two to five minutes, depending on personal preference. We also add milk to the tea to the tea. And this is where the dilemma begins: milk first, then tea, or tea to which we add milk? With the vast majority of English drinkers drinking tea with this addition, this is quite a key issue. Researchers from the University College of London looked into the topic and came to the following conclusions. For tea brewed in a cup, milk should be added after the water, and this should be done after waiting a few minutes, so that the milk does not interfere with the tea brewing process. On the other hand, when brewing tea in a pot, the milk should be poured into the cup first and then the already brewed tea should be added.
What kind of tea to choose? By far the most popular are good quality, classic black teas, often in the form of blends, that is, blends of several different teas that together give a unique flavor. An example of such a blend is English Breakfast, which includes black teas from different countries; as the name suggests, it is an ideal breakfast tea. Also popular is Earl Grey, which is a tea with the addition of bergamot oil, which gives the brew its characteristic aroma.