History of British Tea Time
Aug 23, 2020
Ritual & Secrets of Mint Tea
“High Tea” or “Afternoon Tea”?
Outside the UK there is confusion between 'High Tea' and 'Afternoon Tea'.What is the “Afternoon Tea”?
Afternoon Tea, also known as Low Tea, is often confused with High Tea. This “Tea Time” is synonymous with good manners, precious lace and homemade desserts.
It is usually served in the mid-afternoon and was traditionally served on low tables - "Low Tables" - hence its name "Low Tea".
The Afternoon Tea menu is light - mini sandwiches, toast, marmalade, herb butter. And traditionally, they serve Black Teas - Earl Grey or Assam and infusions of Chamomile or Mint.
Historically, Afternoon Tea was considered a feminine occupation, and it is still quite popular among women today.
What is “High Tea”?
Traditionally, 'High Tea' was a popular meal served on a high table at the end of the working day, shortly after 5 p.m.
High Tea was a rather large meal - meat or fish accompanied by vegetables and starchy foods.
“High Tea” was considered a working class family meal.
A historical look back at “Afternoon Tea”
Legend has it that Afternoon Tea was created in the mid-19th century by the Duchess of Bedford. At that time, kerosene lamps were introduced into the wealthiest homes and late dinner became fashionable. This dinner was one of two meals a day - the other being the mid-morning Brunch.
The story goes that the Duchess was feeling weak - probably caused by hunger between meals. She decided to invite friends over for snacks over tea - a new fashionable drink at the time.
The idea of "Afternoon Tea" quickly spread to high society and became a favorite pastime of socialite women. Later, the phenomenon spread beyond the aristocracy.
Today, tea is the traditional drink of the British, on the occasion of breakfast, Brunch, Afternoon Tea and the famous Tea Time (which resembles more the traditional High Tea than Afternoon Tea).
At Maison NANA1807, we organize “ Mint Tea Time ” and “ Mint Tea Parties ” around Mint Tea recipes, tailor-made for each happy event in your life (wedding, baptism, birth, birthday, etc.).
