Tea CuisineTea not only refers to the wonderful beverage that is the main subject of this website, but also to any of several different meals and mealtimes.
Afternoon tea is a light meal eaten between three and five o’clock. It originated in the United Kingdom when Anne, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, asked to be served small sandwiches and cakes with her tea to assuage the hunger that appeared between lunch and supper. It was also called Low Tea, as it was traditionally served in the parlor or sitting room on low tables. It used to be an everyday event, but it is now taken as a special affair worldwide at elite hotels and tea rooms. Afternoon Tea consists of various tea sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries. It’s often served on a tiered stand. Americans refer to an exquisite afternoon tea as High Tea, but this term is not recognized in Great Britain and is, in fact, considered to be incorrect according to proper etiquette.
Many people confuse Afternoon Tea with High Tea, also called Meat Tea. High Tea is an early evening meal usually eaten between five and six o’clock in the evening. It was called high tea because it was usually eaten at the high (main) table. This tea meal usually consisted of cold meats, eggs, fish, cakes and sandwiches. At the family table it is less formal and on farms or among other working classes, it’s eaten at nightfall, combining the foods of afternoon tea with the main evening meal. A tea break refers to a morning tea, also called elevenses. In Australia and New Zealand it was referred to as a “morning smoko”, which meant a cup of tea, a snack and a cigarette. Devonshire Teas or Cream Teas refer to a scone or pastries and tea taken usually n the early afternoon. Yum cha is a custom in China where dim sum is consumed with tea. It is always in a restaurant or teahouse. It can serve as breakfast or lunch. In Hong Kong, it also serves as afternoon tea. To have your Tea in Scotland and Ireland means the main evening meal or supper between six and nine o’clock. In Mexico and South America, a light meal of rolls, sandwiches and pastries is served with tea, or coffee at five o’clock. This light meal is called Merienda. If you are in Italy, you would have your tea in the morning or at five in the afternoon. It would consist of tea with biscuits or cakes. The afternoon meal is called merenda.Tea around the world takes on many different connotations. It is the quiet morning cuppa with a crumpet and jam, or a delicate brew in a silver pot served with tiny watercress sandwiches and petit fours. It’s a ploughman’s afternoon break with a hearty mug of black tea with a plate of meat and cheese. It’s many things to many people all over the world. Tea and food pairing is a new trend, as well. Follow the links below and explore tea cuisine with ideas and recipes for entertaining one or two friends to preparing a full tea for many.
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