For most people, when they hear of English Tea, the first thing that comes to mind is ladies with fascinators on their heads attending an afternoon high tea accompanied by gentlemen in formal dress. However, you can bring the finesse of high tea and enjoy it in the comfort of your home and we’ll show you how to make English tea.
All you need is an excellent cup of tea to complement all other accompaniments. A fantastic tea, prepared well, is essentially the star of any high tea, gathering or breakfast setting. English tea is just about as perfect an option as you can have.
Tasting Notes.
Many people define the tasting notes of English tea according to their brand. Some describe it through their different aromas and tastes. A tea like Earl Grey, for instance, has a citrus aroma with a sourness that hits you as soon as you open the packet.
The rich lemon aroma comes from the natural bergamot, which also gives it a lemon flavor. It’s smooth, and not too strong to overpower the tea. The bergamot provides a subtle backup to the intense flavor of tea notes.
Depending on the set-up in your home, tasting notes might differ from another person's. Some of things that define the different tastes of tea include water, brewing equipment and what was used to boil the water.
Recipe - How to make English Tea.
Tea bags are okay to use as well as the loose tea leaves. Follow the steps below to prepare a great cup of tea;
Ingredients:
- Tea – 1 teaspoon or one teabag
- Water – 1_2 cups
- Sugar (optional)- ½ teaspoon
- Milk (optional) – According to preference
Equipment Needed:
- Kettle for boiling water.
- Teapot for steeping the tea.
- Teacups for serving (Some people prefer mugs)
Directions:
- Put the water in the kettle to boil.
- Before the water reaches a boiling point, pour some of it into the teapot.
- Swirl the water around in the teapot to warm it.
- Discard the water in the teapot.
- Make sure the water has reached boiling point.
- Put teabag/tea leaves in the teapot and pour the boiled water.
- Stir well.
- Let it steep for 3 minutes. If you want a more intense flavor, brew for 5 or 6 minutes.
- Sieve into a cup if you use loose tea leaves. If you use a tea bag, put it on the strainer and squeeze to get the tea's remnants before pouring it into the cup.
- Add milk or sugar according to preference.
- Enjoy with your preferred accompaniment while hot.
FAQs on How to Make English Tea.
Does water for making English Tea need to be boiled?
The water needs to be boiling, or if you prefer, bubbling, before you pour over the tea. It should not be simmering or re-boiled. Re-boiled water is de-oxygenated.
Why is warming the teapot important?
Just as you have used boiling water to prepare the tea, you will want to maintain the same temperature while in the teapot. Hence the reason for swirling the teapot with a bit of tea water.
Can you add milk or sugar to a cup of English Tea?
Some people enjoy their tea without any additions to savor the flavor fully. But if you prefer, you can add a bit of milk, sugar, or any other sweetener.
To create a sumptuous high tea experience at home, consider the following accompaniments:-
- Dainty sandwiches.
- Scones.
- Cakes and Pastries.
Now that you've learnt how to make English tea, head on over to our recipes section to see some more awesome tea recipes. Here are some examples:
