Afternoon Tea – It is different from “High Tea”

When looking at tea, two primary times of the day are when most people consume it, early in the morning and then again in the afternoon.  The Camellia sinensis plant produces leaves and based on the way they are processed, the result is green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea.  To make unique flavors, various flavorings are added, which would include mint, melon, vanilla, and more.  For Earl Grey tea, Bergamot oil is added, giving it a spicy flavoring.

Leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are steeped and in some cases, even the stems, twigs, and buds are brewed.  When boiled in hot water for a few minutes, the flavor of the leaves is released, producing tea that is delicious to drink.  During the processing of leaves, some types are oxidized and some have flavors added such as fruits, flowers, spices, herbs, etc.  All tea is heated and dried but this also varies depending on the type of tea being produced.

As an example, when you purchase herbal tea, you are buying one of the four types of tea to which herbs or fruits are added.  Some of the more popular choices include jiaogulan, chamomile, and rosehip.

Having Tea with Meals

In some parts of the world, tea is consumed with the main meal of the day, which is a very important ritual.  While even this regimen focuses primarily on gatherings of family and friends, it involves the meal being served with team.

Often referred to as the tea meal, this is very popular throughout Europe, especially in England where it began within English colonies.  However, we now see the tea meal being enjoyed throughout the world, which makes the meal even more enjoyable.

When talking about tea meals this is tea served with the afternoon or evening meal, again the one that the family considers the primary meal.  Then based on the type of food being served, the appropriate type of tea would be used as a compliment.

Sipping on Afternoon Tea

Now, when you hear people talking about drinking afternoon tea, this refers to tea enjoyed around 3:00 to 4:00 pm.  This tradition began in Britain where it was highly popular during the earlier British Empire.  Today, having a meal at this time of day is seldom done but tea can still be enjoyed in the afternoon.

Various types of tea would be served such as loose black tea and loose green tea, as well as others, which were typically served with cream or milk and sugar.  Then during afternoon tea, various types of finger sandwiches would be served, which traditionally included foods such as ham, egg, tuna, cucumber, eggs, and fresh smoked salmon.

Other foods served with afternoon tea included snack cakes and pastries, as well as scones that were served with jam, cream, and butter.  With the exotic tea and food placed on a low table, everyone could enjoy while having great conversation.  It was common for afternoon tea to be a part of daily life in earlier times but today, this type of tradition is seen more often in Europe at shops designed for specialty teas, hotels, and cafes.  For this, customers would have a choice of several types of tea and served cake, cookies, or pastries.