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Information: Today, the habit of tea drinking is inexorably linked to the British, despite the fact that the British were fairly late on the tea scene in historical terms. Ironically, the first mention of tea in English literature is a translation of a Dutchman's travels to the east. Tea was first brought to England via Holland on Dutch ships. Since tea was becoming an 'in' beverage, the British government became quite incensed that a tiny nation such as the Netherlands would control the shipment of tea to the UK. In 1651 the British government passed the Navigation Acts, which forbade the importation of any products on non-British ships. Traders and Dutchmen, being resourceful, continued the trade in the usual manner, but for one little wrinkle - The teas were trans-shipped in Holland onto British ships. Early in British life, tea was known as a health drink and claimed all sorts of curative powers. In the 1650's Garway's Coffee House proclaimed that tea amongst other things: "Tea makes the body active and lusty. Tea is
declared to be the most wholesome; preserving perfect health
until extreme Old Age". Hot Brewing Method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to just before a boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cut in the teapot. Pour your hot water over the leaves. Let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (The longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Add milk and sugar to taste. Iced Tea Brewing Method: Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of very hot water over to tea, steep for 5 minutes. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and garnish and sweeten to taste if desired. |