Tea. That quintessentially British beverage that warms the cockles of the heart, and the general mouth region, no matter how gloomy the weather. It's the elixir that fuels conversations, comforts souls, and, according to some legends, may even hold the secret to eternal youth. It’s no surprise, then, that National Tea Day, celebrated on the 21st of April, is a time of great merriment across the UK. Love the word merriment so so much!
So, grab your favourite mug, put the kettle on, and join us as we dive into the whimsical world of National Tea Day, exploring everything from its storied history to its curious connection with sleep. Got to keep it relevant, right?
a brief history of tea: from leaves to love
Tea’s journey to becoming the UK’s national beverage is a tale steeped in history and more plot twists than an episode of EastEnders. It all began in ancient China, where legend has it that Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea in 2737 BC when some tea leaves accidentally blew into his pot of boiling water. What are the chances?! Imagine if it hadn’t been breezy that day… Heaven forbid! Anyway, fast forward to the 17th century, when tea first made its way to Britain, courtesy of the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, who married King Charles II and brought her love of tea with her.
At first, tea was a luxury item, savoured by the aristocracy, but it quickly became a staple of British life. By the 18th century, tea had become so popular that it prompted the government to impose taxes, leading to widespread smuggling and a thriving black market (1). Today, tea is as British as queuing, rain, and apologising, with the average Briton consuming around 1,500 cups a year (2). How are we not always in the bathroom?!
the great debate: milk first or tea first?
One of the greatest debates in the world of tea isn’t whether to dunk or not to dunk, but the age-old question: milk first or tea first? This seemingly simple query has divided households and sparked heated discussions at kitchen tables up and down the country.
The milk-first camp argues that adding milk first allows it to warm gently, preventing the milk from scalding and thus preserving its flavour. The tea-first proponents, however, insist that this method allows you to control the strength of the tea more accurately, adding milk until the desired colour is achieved.
This debate has even reached the lofty halls of academia. In 1946, George Orwell weighed in with his essay “A Nice Cup of Tea,” firmly placing himself in the tea-first camp (3). But let’s be honest, whether you’re a milk-first maven or a tea-first traditionalist, the most important thing is that you enjoy your brew in peace, preferably with a biscuit or two.
a royal affair: tea and the queen
You can’t talk about British tea without mentioning the royals. Queen Elizabeth II was known for her love of a good cuppa. According to former royal chef Darren McGrady, Her Majesty started her day with a pot of Earl Grey tea, enjoyed with a splash of milk and no sugar. It’s said she favoured Assam or Darjeeling in the afternoon, accompanied by finger sandwiches and her favourite jam pennies (4).
In 2019, then Prince Charles, a staunch advocate of organic farming, launched his own brand of Highgrove tea, grown on his estate. His blend of Darjeeling and Assam tea is described as “bold, malty, and full-bodied,” no surprise that he is now the king, of all of us peasants of course, but also of tea…
tea etiquette: how to brew like a true brit
Tea etiquette might seem like a bygone relic, but knowing the proper way to brew and serve tea can elevate your tea-drinking experience to new heights. Here are a few tips to help you brew like a Brit:
- The perfect temperature: For black tea, the water should be freshly boiled. For green and white teas, allow the water to cool slightly before pouring. Steady Eddie…
- Loose leaf vs. bags: Loose leaf tea is the gold standard, offering a fuller flavour, but tea bags are a convenient alternative. Just make sure they’re good quality, OK?
- Steeping time: Patience is key. Black tea should steep for 3-5 minutes, green tea for 2-3 minutes, and herbal teas can go for 5-7 minutes. But these are just guidelines, of course. You do you!
- The stir: Gentle but firm. No need to create a whirlpool.
- Pinkies down: Contrary to popular belief, sticking your pinkie out while sipping is a no-no. It’s considered pretentious.
the tea-sleep connection: how to have a tea-rific night’s rest
Alright, listen up, tea isn’t just for daytime enjoyment while you binge yet another episode of Murder, She Wrote. Though, let’s be honest, Angela Lansbury is an absolute legend. Tea can also be your trusty sidekick when it comes to winding down and catching some ZZZs; but not all teas are created equal for this job. A strong cup of builders’ tea at bedtime will probs leave you counting sheep like it’s your new hobby. Luckily, some herbal teas are like little sleep ninjas…
Chamomile tea is probably the most famous bedtime brew, known for its chill vibes, its mild, floral taste is like a soothing prelude to snoozeland.
Valerian root tea, although it tastes a bit earthy (think of it as tea’s funky cousin), is another sleep superstar, often used to knock out insomnia. POW! Right in the kisser!
For those with a sweet tooth, honeybush tea is a top pick. It's naturally sweet and caffeine-free, making it a delightful bedtime treat. And let’s not forget lavender tea, which helps you relax while filling your room with a lovely, calming aroma.
Adding a chill tea ritual to your nightly routine can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. So, slip into your comfiest pyjamas, yes, the ones with the cute pandas on them, brew up your favourite sleepy-times tea, and drift off into a blissful night’s rest. Sweet dreams!
tea and biscuits: a dunking delight
No discussion of British tea would be complete without addressing the perfect companion to a good cup of tea: biscuits. They are so versatile! Dunking biscuits in tea is a national pastime, and there are as many opinions on the best biscuit for the job as there are tea drinkers.
The Digestive is a classic choice, its robust structure holding up well to a quick dip. The Hobnob, with its oaty goodness, is another favourite, often lauded for its superior dunkability, though it can leave some sediment behind, and is a thirsty little biscuit! It’ll drink more of your brew than you will… Rich Tea biscuits, despite their unassuming appearance, are also a popular option, offering a satisfying crunch after a brief soak in tea. But leave them in the tea for more than a nanosecond, and you’ll need a sieve. Not a pleasant experience!
Then there are the more decadent choices, like the Chocolate Digestive, which adds a layer of melted chocolate to the mix (NEVER a bad thing), and the Jammie Dodger, a jam-filled treat that takes dunking to a whole new level. A Fox’s Crunch Cream though, our personal favourite.
But beware, not all biscuits are created equal. The infamous “biscuit graveyard” phenomenon, where half your biscuit disintegrates into your tea, is a risk every dunker must face. It’s a perilous game, but one well worth playing.
the great british tea party: celebrating in style
If you’re going to do National Tea Day properly, then it wouldn’t be right without a fancy-pants tea party. Whether it’s a grand affair with friends and family, or a quiet moment of reflection, there’s no wrong way to celebrate, unless you don’t include tea, in which case you’ve missed the point entirely... Here are some ideas to make your tea party truly special:
- Set the scene: Dust off your best china, lay out a pretty tablecloth, and add some fresh flowers for a touch of elegance. Super cute guys.
- A varied selection: Offer a range of teas to suit all tastes. Include classics like Earl Grey and English Breakfast, as well as herbal options for the caffeine-conscious.
- Savoury and sweet: Balance your tea spread with an assortment of sandwiches (cucumber, of course), scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of biscuits and cakes.
- Fun and games: Try incorporating some tea-themed games like a blind tea-tasting challenge or a biscuit dunking contest.
- Share the love: Encourage you tea party guests to bring their favourite tea to share, and maybe even swap recipes for homemade tea blends. Et voila! You’re on to a winner!
tea across the UK: regional twists on a classic brew
While tea unites the nation, different regions in the UK have their own unique twists on this beloved beverage. In Yorkshire, you’ll find a strong, hearty brew that can stand up to a splash of milk and a spoonful of sugar. The famous Yorkshire Tea brand is a point of local pride, often accompanied by a slice of parkin or a fat rascal. If this is your favourite, then we’ll get on…
In Cornwall and Devon, cream tea reigns supreme. The age-old debate here isn’t about milk first or tea first, but whether the jam or cream goes on the scone first. (For the record, it’s jam first in Cornwall and cream first in Devon.) Let’s not get into the debate of whether it’s pronounced “Scon” or “Skown” though!
Scotland, with its bracing weather, favours a robust cup of tea, often accompanied by oatcakes or shortbread. And in Northern Ireland, tea is a social event, with plenty of Tayto crisps and fifteens (a no-bake traybake) to go around.
the future of tea: innovation in every cup
This place is where millennials live… As much as we love our traditional cuppa, the world of tea is ever-evolving, with new trends and innovations constantly brewing. Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder from Japan, has taken the UK by storm, touted for its health benefits and vibrant green hue. Bubble tea, with its chewy tapioca pearls, has also found a following, particularly among younger tea drinkers.
Sustainability is another growing trend, with more tea companies focusing on organic farming and ethical sourcing. Reusable tea bags and biodegradable packaging are becoming more common, ensuring that our love for tea doesn’t harm the planet. Green tea, but not green… You know what we mean.
And let’s not forget the rise of tea cocktails. Creative mixologists are blending teas with spirits to create unique concoctions like Earl Grey martinis and green tea mojitos, proving that tea isn’t just for teetotallers. And before you ask, no, Long Island Iced Tea isn’t actually tea.
conclusion: raise your cup to national tea day
National Tea Day is more than just a celebration of a beverage; it’s a celebration of British culture, history, and community. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, indulge in your favourite brews, and perhaps even try something new. Whether you’re a staunch traditionalist or an adventurous tea explorer, there’s something for everyone during this tea-rific day. If you’re not an adventurous soul, then just stick to what you know, and celebrate the day with an extra cup or two of your favourite brew… Aaaaah.
So, here’s to tea, a drink that has seen us through good times and bad, brought us together, and given us countless moments of comfort and joy. May your tea be strong, your biscuits be dunk-proof, and your National Tea Day be absolutely steeped in happiness. Cheers! Until next time, eve sleep.
