Antique Tea Accoutrements

I love these silver antique tea strainers. Although I usually use tea bags, I think they're beautiful. Tea strainers are made of sterling silver, stainless steele or fine china. Tea is one of the world's oldest beverages, and today is the second most popular beverage, next to water. I love that the whole process of "tea time" is so ceremonial that it requires special accoutrements. Even if one doesn't own fancy tea strainers or teapots, most people who are confirmed tea drinkers have their own special cups or mugs and a favorite "routine" of preparing and savoring tea.

It's believed that tea dates to 2737 BC in China, when it was first used for medicinal purposes. Around 780 AD, a Chinese scholar named Lu Yu documented his twenty-year research on tea, which helped elevate it, and the "art" of drinking tea was born.



Antique Chinese copper teapot

18th Century Porcelain Chinese Teapot

Tea was not introduced in England until the mid-17th century. It was actually first offered in London's coffee houses, but by 1750 it had become the favored drink of many. The custom of "afternoon tea" is said to have started with Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford. She enjoyed having tea in late afternoon between lunch and dinner, as dinner was often not served until 8:00pm or later. The custom caught on, and through the years "high tea" in the late afternoon became the main meal of the day for the working classes of England.  Today, "tea" is still the evening meal in England, which most Americans refer to as "dinner."

Vintage English teapots

Georgian Sterling Silver English Teapot

1786 George III antique silver English teapot

The British brought their love of tea with them to America and by the mid-1700s, loose-leaf tea was the most popular drink consumed in the Colonies. The tea bag was introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, and with it, an increase in the popularity of tea, most likely due to the convenience. Prior to that, a tea infuser, sometimes called a tea ball or tea egg, was another method of steeping the tea leaves in the pot or cup.

 
Until next time ~ take time out from your busy week to remember: "Tea is a cup of life!"

A Proper English Tea

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a tea drinker. First thing in the morning, give me a hot, strong cup of black tea - no coffee for this girl! However, I admit to drinking it the way of the English, with a little sugar and a splash of milk (although these days I use soy instead of cow’s milk.) I like to think it’s because of my English roots and a lifelong fascination for “all things British” that makes me love a good cuppa almost anytime of the day.

What I didn’t realize until I became friends with a proper English gentleman was that “tea” is actually a term used by the English to refer to any of several different meals of the day. Afternoon tea, also known as “low tea” is a light meal usually eaten between 3pm and 5pm. “High tea” is an early evening meal, typically eaten between 5pm and 6pm. Traditionally, the tea (drink) is served with milk and sugar (like me!) however unlike me, the British usually use loose tea brewed in a teapot (whereas I confess I use tea bags!) The tea is served with sandwiches, such as cucumber, egg and cress, scones with clotted cream and jam (which is where the term “cream tea” originates.) In modern times, it’s become customary for hotels, cafes and tea shops to serve a formal afternoon tea as a “treat,” along with biscuits or the aforementioned scones with clotted cream and jam (no calories, I’m sure!) However you take it, a warm cup of tea seems to always be the perfect comfort drink for many. Tea soothes an upset tummy, as well as the nerves, and has significant health benefits to boot!