British tea culture

Tea has been present in England for quite some time, initially appearing in advertisements in London magazines around 1658. It wasn't until 1750 that tea officially became an official beverage in England. Gradually, the custom of drinking tea spread throughout the country, with everyone considering it a good habit and a refined ritual. This habit led to the formation of "tea gardens," a practice that flourished in places like Vauxhall and Marylebone (London). Here, couples can enjoy a romantic date and conversation over a hot cup of tea. Groups of colleagues, close friends, and middle-aged people also find joy and camaraderie through the pleasure of savoring each sip of fragrant tea.

Traditionally, the British brew tea in porcelain teapots. They don't boil the water and tea leaves for a long time; instead, they pour pure boiling water over the tea leaves and let it steep for a few minutes, allowing the color and aroma of the tea to gradually dissolve into the water. To enhance the flavor, most Britons add milk or sugar to their tea, depending on their taste and preference. These unique characteristics have shaped the art of tea brewing in the British, developing it into a custom. Most notably, the British consider tea essential for any activity, often while discussing business. This tea-drinking custom extends beyond individual homes and families; even organizations and groups have a designated tea-drinking time, known as "Tea Breaks."

The British custom of drinking tea at specific times is world-renowned. Upon waking in the morning, people enjoy a cup of tea with breakfast. Around 11 a.m., they continue working and chatting while sipping tea. At lunchtime, tea remains their top choice, and between 1 and 4 p.m., even if work isn't finished, they must stop for a cup of tea. These statistics demonstrate that daily tea drinking is practically indispensable for the British, and it's no surprise they're considered the world's tea-drinking champions. The British drink tea at least six times a day, each time a different type of tea, enjoyed in a way that suits each time of day. Tea in England has become so "indispensable" that the British jokingly say, "England can do without the Queen, but it can't do without tea!"

Today, the British no longer offer guests only the simple, plain tea of ​​the past, but instead a wide variety of milk teas, lemon teas, and more. In particular, the tradition of enjoying tea at specific times continues to thrive, creating a refined and unique beauty that only those who visit the United Kingdom can fully appreciate.

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