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English Breakfast
BLACK TEA 50g
GRADE – FP(Flowery Pekoe)
CAFFEINE/ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL: Medium/High
Cup characteristics: A perfect breakfast tea with a good body and full tea flavour notes. Coppery bright especially enticing with milk.
Luxury ingredients: Black tea.
£ 6.00
In stock
PRODUCT ID: 291
Description
English Breakfast: A Timeless Tradition
The habit of tea drinking is closely linked to British culture, even though the British were relatively late to the tea scene. Interestingly, the first mention of tea in English literature comes from a Dutchman’s travels in the East. Initially, tea arrived in England via Holland on Dutch ships, creating a unique historical twist.
The Rise of Tea in Britain
As tea gained popularity, the British government grew frustrated that a small nation like the Netherlands controlled its shipment to the UK. In response, the Navigation Acts were passed in 1651. These laws forbade the importation of goods on non-British ships. Resourceful traders continued their practices by transferring tea in Holland before moving it to British vessels.
In early British life, tea became known as a health beverage, claimed to have various curative powers. In the 1650s, Garway’s Coffee House proclaimed that tea made the body “active and lusty” and preserved perfect health into old age.
The Birth of Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea originated thanks to Anna, the wife of the seventh Duke of Bedford. At that time, people typically had only two planned meals: a hearty breakfast and a late dinner. Anna experienced a “sinking feeling” in the afternoon. To address this, she had her servants prepare tea and cakes, leading to a fashionable habit that continues today.
A Rich Tea Legacy
Britain boasts a rich tea history, encompassing various cultural milestones. From High Tea and the iconic Brown Betty teapot to significant events like the American War of Independence and the Opium Wars, tea has played a pivotal role in British life. The legendary Clipper Ship races from Fuzhou, China, to Portsmouth, and the illustrious Earl Grey all contribute to this rich tapestry of tea culture.
English Breakfast tea stands as a testament to this historical journey. Its robust flavour and hearty character make it a staple for many. Enjoy it in the morning to kickstart your day or during afternoon gatherings. Embrace the rich history of English Breakfast tea, and savour a cup that tells a story centuries in the making.
HOT BREWING METHOD:
Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz / 200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Add milk & sugar to taste. Ideal Brewing Temperature: 100ºC/212ºF
ICED TEA BREWING METHOD
(Pitcher): (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher, straining the tea. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing freshly brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.)
(Individual Serving): Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea into a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Sweeten and/or add lemon to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing freshly brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!)
We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today’s water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.
