Guest Guru: Why the Brits Love Tea

January 18, 2011    |    By +
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As a typical Brit, I am a huge tea fan. 165 million cups of tea are drunk every day in Britain, working out at over 60 billion cups a year! Many Brits stand by the idea that ‘a cup of tea solves everything’. There are even books, blogs, Facebook sites and tees dedicated it. A famous, well-loved quote about tea in Britain is that ‘If you are cold, tea will warm you.  If you are too heated, it will cool you.  If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you’ (Prime Minister Gladstone, 1865).

Despite the wide selection of coffees available today in the UK, Britain remains a tea drinking nation with just 70 million cups of coffee drunk every day in the UK. The most popular teas in Britain are English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Darjeeling, although other types such as green (Strawberry Green Tea- Harry and David) and peppermint teas are becoming increasingly popular.

Clockwise starting from left: 1) Shinzi Katoh Tea For Two Bunnie Set, 2) Inside Out Hearts’ Cup & Saucer Set, 3) Tea Infusing Travel Mug, 4) Four Cup Tea Press

Afternoon tea is also a well-loved British institution, begun in England in around 200 years ago. Tea is taken at around 3pm and includes sandwiches, scones and cakes, accompanied by a pot of tea. The event is very social and intended to last several hours.

Most people drink tea made from a tea bag today as they are quick, convenient and can be easily stored. Some traditionalists stand by the long-established method of brewing tea leaves and pouring from the teapot.To get the perfect cup of tea, experts believe that you should drink loose tea from a ceramic tea pot, but don’t forget to strain the tea first.

Besides just tasting good, tea has a great number of health benefits due to its high level of antioxidants. This builds the immune system, reduces blood pressure and even helps maintain younger looking skin. Tea contains just half of the caffeine of coffee, but still helps to wake you up in the morning, so why not stop for a “cuppa”?



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