History of the Afternoon Tea Party
While drinking tea as a fashionable event is credited to Catharine of Braganza, the actual taking of tea in the afternoon developed into a new social event sometime in the late 1830’s and early 1840’s. Jane Austen hints of afternoon tea as early as 1804 in an unfinished novel.
It is said that the afternoon tea tradition was established by Anne, Duchess of Bedford. She requested that light sandwiches be brought to her in the late afternoon because she had a “sinking feeling” during that time because of the long gap between meals. She began to invite others to join her and thus became the tradition.
Various Tea Times:
· Green Tea – Made from steamed tea leaves, it contains antioxidants that help fight cancer, prevents clogging of arteries, burns fat, counteracts stress, reduces risk of stroke and improves cholesterol levels.
· Black Tea – Made with fermented tea leaves, it has the highest caffeine level and forms this basis of favored teas like chai.
· White Tea – When uncured and unfermented it contains the most potent anticancer properties of all processed teas.
· Oolong Tea – In one animal study this tea was found to lower LDL cholesterol levels and research is being conducted on its weight loss benefits.
· Chamomile Tea – Its antioxidants help prevent complications from diabetes such as loss of vision and nerve and kidney damage.
· Echinacea Tea – This tea is often used to fight the common cold.
· Hibiscus Tea – This tea has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with moderately elevated levels.
· Mint Tea – Known for its refreshing scent, it can relieve heartburn, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome.
· Ginger Tea – An ancient Asian remedy, it relieves upset stomach and nausea. Studies are being conducted on potential positive effects on arthritis and other joint and muscle pain.
· Kava Tea – This tea has been shown to calm the body and mind and promote a good night’s sleep.
There is nothing like relaxing with a cup of steaming tea and some of your favorite sweet and savory snacks – either with family for some lively conversation or alone for some quiet meditation.
Go to www.paromi.com to check out my favorite brand and flavor of tea – Lemon Ginger.
While drinking tea as a fashionable event is credited to Catharine of Braganza, the actual taking of tea in the afternoon developed into a new social event sometime in the late 1830’s and early 1840’s. Jane Austen hints of afternoon tea as early as 1804 in an unfinished novel.
It is said that the afternoon tea tradition was established by Anne, Duchess of Bedford. She requested that light sandwiches be brought to her in the late afternoon because she had a “sinking feeling” during that time because of the long gap between meals. She began to invite others to join her and thus became the tradition.
Various Tea Times:
- Cream Tea — A simple tea consisting of scones, clotted cream, marmalade or lemon curd and tea.
- Low Tea/Afternoon Tea — An afternoon meal including sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, curd, 2-3 sweets and tea. Known as “low tea” because guests were seated in low armchairs with low side-tables on which to place their cups and saucers.
- Elevensies — Morning coffee hour in England
- Royale Tea — A social tea served with champagne at the beginning or sherry at the end of the tea.
- High Tea — High tea co notates an idea of elegance and regal-ness but in fact it was an evening meal most often enjoyed around 6 pm as laborers and miners returned home. High tea consists of meat and potatoes as well as other foods and tea. It was not exclusively a working class meal but was adopted by all social groups. Families with servants often took high tea on Sundays in order to allow the maids and butlers time to go to church and not worry about cooking an evening meal for the family.
· Green Tea – Made from steamed tea leaves, it contains antioxidants that help fight cancer, prevents clogging of arteries, burns fat, counteracts stress, reduces risk of stroke and improves cholesterol levels.
· Black Tea – Made with fermented tea leaves, it has the highest caffeine level and forms this basis of favored teas like chai.
· White Tea – When uncured and unfermented it contains the most potent anticancer properties of all processed teas.
· Oolong Tea – In one animal study this tea was found to lower LDL cholesterol levels and research is being conducted on its weight loss benefits.
· Chamomile Tea – Its antioxidants help prevent complications from diabetes such as loss of vision and nerve and kidney damage.
· Echinacea Tea – This tea is often used to fight the common cold.
· Hibiscus Tea – This tea has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with moderately elevated levels.
· Mint Tea – Known for its refreshing scent, it can relieve heartburn, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome.
· Ginger Tea – An ancient Asian remedy, it relieves upset stomach and nausea. Studies are being conducted on potential positive effects on arthritis and other joint and muscle pain.
· Kava Tea – This tea has been shown to calm the body and mind and promote a good night’s sleep.
There is nothing like relaxing with a cup of steaming tea and some of your favorite sweet and savory snacks – either with family for some lively conversation or alone for some quiet meditation.
Go to www.paromi.com to check out my favorite brand and flavor of tea – Lemon Ginger.
RSS Feed