What is the English Afternoon Tea
Let me tell you English Afternoon Tea Recipes
English Afternoon Tea as known to High Tea is a tea-related ritual, introduced in Britain in the early 1840s . It evolved as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal at 8 pm. It is a meal composed of sandwiches (usually cut delicately into ‘fingers’), scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. Interestingly, scones were not a common feature of early English Afternoon Tea and were only introduced in the twentieth century.
The History >>>
Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is said to have complained of “having that sinking feeling” that many of us have felt between lunch and dinner. To combat this she took to inviting friends to her manor for a pot of English Afternoon Tea, a light snack and a walk around Hyde Park. This tradition was adopted by the English upper-class and soon spread throughout the country.
How to choose the English Afternoon Tea start with bread and cake >>>
1. Taiwan Gunpowder Green Oolong Tea
Green teas aren’t nearly as popular as black teas during afternoon tea. However, Gunpowder Green Tea has a bold flavor that can stand up to select afternoon tea foods, like savory pastries, ham or chicken tea sandwiches and dishes with mint. Be sure to brew Gunpowder Green with cooler water and a shorter brew time than you’d use for black teas.
2. Assam Black Tea
Assam black tea is grown in the mountainous region of Assam, India. It is known for its robust, malty and sometimes tannic (astringent) flavor.Many people enjoy their Assam tea with a little milk and sugar. With milk and sugar, Assam teas are ideal for afternoon tea sweets. Without them, Assams can stand up to flavorful savory foods, like finger sandwiches and quiche.
3. Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey is the world’s most famous flavored black tea. It gets its citrusy flavor from the essential oil of bergamot (an orange-like fruit). The natural sweetness of Earl Grey lends itself to pairing with many afternoon tea sweets, like scones, Madeline cakes, and shortbread cookies.
4. Ceylon Black Tea
Ceylon teas or Sri Lankan Black Tea include white, green, oolong and black varieties, but Ceylon black teas are the most popular choice for afternoon tea. Famous black teas from Sri Lanka (formerly known as “Ceylon”) include:
• Orange Pekoe, which does not taste like oranges, and is actually a tea grademade in India and Sri Lanka
• Nuwara Eliya, which is floral and light
• Uva, which is sweet, woodsy and good with milk
• Dimbulla, which varies widely
They’re all great with a range of afternoon tea foods.
5. India DarJeeLing Black Tea
Darjeelings are teas from Darjeeling, India. Darjeeling black teas are a classic pairing for afternoon tea foods.
You might have a choice between spring-plucked Darjeeling First Flush and summer-plucked Darjeeling Second Flush. Darjeeling First Flush is more floral and green in flavor, while Darjeeling Second Flush has a distinctive fruity flavor. Both work well with savory afternoon tea foods, and Second Flush is also great with chocolate, fruity desserts, and pastries.
6. Lapsang Souchong
Lapsang Souchong and Russian Caravan are both popular smoked black teas. They have a strong, smoky flavor that’s ideally paired with equally strong foods. I particularly recommend them with heavy sweets, smoked salmon finger sandwiches, and flavorful quiches.
7. Chamomile Flower Herb Tea
Chamomile is an herbal infusion with a floral, apple-like flavor. Many people select it for English Afternoon Tea because it is naturally caffeine-free. It also pairs wonderfully with afternoon tea sweets, especially scones and fruity confections.
Chamomile is also a key ingredient in many tea blends, such as David Rio’s Caramel Chamomile.
Britain and Ireland drink more tea than anywhere else in the world and it’s no wonder that it’s the focus of an afternoon tea. Tea in Britain and Ireland is almost an art form. Sure, there’s the throw-the-tea-bag-in-the-cup method, but for those that really appreciate an afternoon tea, getting the drinking part of the tea right is paramount to its success.
