The Tea Culture in England and the Rest of Europe
In recent years, there has been a general increase in demand for quality, and we have outlined some of the European countries that have particularly embraced tea:
-
France: In France, tea is enjoyed in the afternoon, especially in tea salons, where it is served with small cakes. Asian green teas and fruit varieties are the French favorites.
-
Ireland: The Irish are also known for their love of tea and rank a strong second globally in terms of per capita consumption. They prefer a stronger and more spiced black tea that matches their taste preferences.
-
Scotland: In Scotland, they are currently experimenting with establishing tea plantations in some of the world's northernmost regions. Their tea culture is characterized by tradition and exceptional coziness, where they often enjoy cake, shortbread, along with a strong black tea.
-
Portugal: The Portuguese were pioneers of tea in Europe and still cultivate tea in the Azores. Portugal's tea culture mainly includes black tea, often served with lemon and sugar, with chamomile and mint being the favorite herbs.
-
Germany: In the northeastern part of Germany, tea plays an important role for the Frisians. Their tradition involves drinking tea with a sugar cube at the bottom, followed by a stronger tea in the middle, and whipped cream on top. The ingredients are not mixed, as it is important for the Frisians to preserve their tradition and taste experience.
-
Greece: The Greeks produce green Gunpowder tea, grown in the mountains north of Athens and to a limited extent on Crete. They sweeten their herbal tea with honey and enjoy it as a calming drink.
-
Scandinavia: In Scandinavia, interest in tea has grown, reflecting their increased interest in gourmet food and health. Tea is often drunk in Scandinavia as a cozy addition to daily life or events.
Last but not least, we have England… The English are known for being some of the world's biggest tea drinkers.
Tea's popularity in England dates back to the 1800s, when Great Britain had colonies on the Indian subcontinent. Previously, tea was introduced to the upper class by the Portuguese Catherine of Braganza, who was married to Charles II in the 1660s and 1670s. Later, tea spread throughout society, and tea dances and tea gardens emerged. After World War II, interest in tea declined as other forms of entertainment became more popular.
Today, "afternoon tea" is a well-known institution, where tea is served with cake, sandwiches, and scones after 4 PM. "High tea," on the other hand, is an evening meal served with a strong tea (often called "builder's tea"), which the working class could fortify themselves with after a long day. Tea in England is drunk with milk and sugar. In fact, the English word: tea, also became synonymous with taking a break.
Tea played a crucial historical role and was actually the cause of the Opium Wars between China and England. At that time, England tried to finance their tea purchases by selling opium to China. This led to a conflict that had many consequences and shaped the relationship between the two countries.
