It should come as no surprise that the British custom of afternoon tea is so confusing. Afternoon tea is a beloved custom, whether it takes the form of a simple tea and cookies or a lavish celebration. There are advertisements and menus for high tea, Devon cream tea, Cornwall cream tea, afternoon tea, and plain tea, but what exactly is afternoon tea? Here’s the lowdown, along with a dictionary of terminology related to afternoon tea.
The Background behind Afternoon Tea
In the early 1800s, Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, unintentionally created afternoon tea. In England, dinner was and is often served between 7.30 and 9 p.m. The Duchess would frequently order tea, bread, and cakes to satisfy her hunger in between lunch and supper. Everyone liked this afternoon treat so much that it became a beloved ritual when she asked guests to join her.
British people used to routinely have breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner or supper. These days, this is far less frequent. We would need to plan extra trips to the gym if we were able to take regular breaks for afternoon tea, which is not really possible in modern life!
Afternoon tea versus high tea
Originally, the term “afternoon tea” referred to the custom that members of the higher classes, like the Duchess of Bedford and her guests, enjoyed. On the other hand, the poorer classes ate High Tea between 5 and 7 p.m. It was typically a stew or meat pies, a heartier meal meant to nourish and revitalize after a long day of labor. In the past, individuals were more inclined to pair their high tea with a beer since tea, as a beverage, was a costly luxury.
At one Welsh farm, I received an invitation to high tea. The family and agricultural workers required a substantial lunch because they had spent the entire day in the fields on this chilly autumn day. There were numerous entire apple pies, cakes, and biscuits (cookies) on the table, along with meat pies, stews, and other substantial main course options. Everyone sipped hot mugs of tea and indulged in all the delectable options available. Never in my life have I felt so contented.
Therefore, despite the fact that High Tea seems more opulent than Afternoon Tea, the contrary is true. Because of this mistake, you might have noticed that restaurants in other countries occasionally label their offerings “high tea,” but what they are actually serving is what the British would term “afternoon tea.”
Benefits of an Afternoon Tea Break for Your Health
In many civilizations throughout the world, afternoon tea is a common custom. In addition to savoring tea tastes, it’s a chance to spend time together, reminisce about the good old days, and escape from the busyness of everyday life. People of all ages can profit from these easy pleasures in numerous ways. Let’s talk about them.
It provides a mental boost.
You should take a break from your job during afternoon tea. It gives you a break from your hectic schedule and helps you get ready for the rest of the day. The elders get the most from this as it facilitates conversation and keeps their minds active. Together, the conversations take place over a warm cup of tea, which has a healing impact on the body. People no longer experience anxiety, despair, or loneliness as a result, and they are able to concentrate on the here and now instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
It encourages mingling.
Tea drinking in a group environment fosters social closeness between people. It provides a chance for people to attend and participate in conversations about a range of topics. As a consequence, new friendships are formed and tales from one other’s life are shared. This keeps life interesting and fosters a feeling of belonging.
Health and Nutritional Advantages
There are several health advantages to drinking green tea or chamomile tea. They support healthy sleep patterns, assist with digestion, and are rich in antioxidants. Consequently, drinking tea is a healthy habit. Furthermore, some teas, such as chamomile, have calming properties. One source of metabolism is green tea. You may enjoy both the flavor and the health advantages of drinking these nutritious teas.
It promotes mobility.
Having afternoon tea together encourages individuals to go out of their homes instead of staying in. This leads to a certain level of physical activity, which guarantees people’s independence and mobility. It brings up memories of the long-gone custom.
Improved Hydration and Daily
Drinking tea with milk and sugar on a regular basis helps you keep hydrated. Simultaneous regular tea drinking establishes a routine and promotes general health.
Making a tailored decision is beneficial.
To meet their nutritional demands, people can select from a large selection of afternoon teas, including black tea, herbal tea, and green tea.
Calorie burning is well-established.
By increasing your metabolism and burning calories, afternoon tea can help you lose weight naturally. It is also known to maintain the health of your digestive system.
It keeps you alert while working.
Tea helps you stay active throughout the day by preventing drowsiness due to its caffeine content.
