What is English tea time really like? In reality there are two types: high tea and low tea.
Ever since the late 1700’s, tea time has been an integral part of English life. When people from other countries imagine life in England, they almost always picture the English sitting down at a table set with delicate china, socializing over hot cups of tea and little cakes.
Most little girls in the US grow up having tea parties with stuffed animals, using tiny tea sets and talking in “British” accents. Formal “English tea time” birthday parties are becoming increasing popular, as well.
In reality, there are two types of tea time in England:
- Low tea or afternoon tea
- High tea or “meat tea”
Low or Afternoon Tea
The menu for a proper afternoon tea can consist of a variety of light snacks, such as those mentioned above. The food served can be sweet, savory, or a combination of both.
One of the most popular types of afternoon tea is the Devonshire Cream Tea. The Devonshire cream tea menu is simple but unforgettable: tea, scones, strawberry jam, and rich, luscious clotted cream.
Clotted cream is cream that has been thickened by simmering in a water bath and then refrigerated for several hours. It is almost as thick as butter and sinfully rich. The proper way to consume these delicacies is to spread the cream across the scone instead of butter, and then to spread the strawberry jam on top of the cream.
High or Meat Tea
While afternoon teas can be extremely high in calories, high teas are even more substantial and nourishing.
Working class people did not have time for a leisurely round of snacks and gossip between lunch and dinner. They were working. Tea time for them meant an early supper, served as soon as possible after work. Dainty snacks simply were not enough. So, the custom evolved of serving a substantial meal in the early evening. High teas can include cold cuts, shepherd’s pie, baked beans on toast, steak and kidney pie, cakes, custards, sweets and pickles.
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