The world of tea is absolutely fascinating. In some cultures, tea is so heavily embedded into everyday life that it has even expanded way beyond the act of drinking tea and into the names of objects associated with this "ritual". For instance, do you know what is a tea towel is and where it originates from?
If you're curious to learn more, keep reading. Our tea blog has uncovered the story of the tea towel and how you can bring it to modern days.
What Is a Tea Towel?
In short, a tea towel is a cloth that is used to dry dishes or hands. It was originally created in Britain and Ireland as a way to dry tea cups after they were washed. Some accounts also say tea towels were also used to infuse tea.
Tea towels were typically made out of linen and were hung up near the stove to dry. They were also sometimes associated with the more expensive china and porcelain dishes, as they would help to protect them from chips and cracks.
As dishwashing machines gradually became more popular, the use of tea towels declined. However, tea towels might actually be a good option for modern days too.
How to Use Tea Towels in Modern Times
OK, we might not need to dry out tea cups with tea towels anymore. But that doesn't mean that tea towels are completely useless. Not only do they look pretty in a kitchen, but they can also be quite helpful in a variety of situations.
Today, tea towels come in a variety of materials- such as cotton, bamboo and microfiber. They can be used for a variety of purposes- such as drying dishes, wiping down counters or even as a makeshift tablecloth.
Using tea towels is a much more environmentally-friendly option than using paper towels, for example. You can just wash and dry out the tea towels -- but once used, paper towels mean you have participated in cutting trees... forever.
Last, but definitely not least, you can use tea towels if you want to make tea serving feel more elegant and old-school. To us at Sin Columna, there's a special element in drinking tea: it's a ritual that helps us wind down, relax, and disconnect from the stress of day to day life. Making it even more of a ritual with special objects that surround the centerpiece (the tea!) feels even more special.
Tea Towels: FAQs
What do you use tea towels for?
Tea towels can be used for a variety of purposes, such as drying dishes, wiping down counters, or even as a makeshift tablecloth.
Can tea towels be used as hand towels?
Yes! Tea towels can be used as hand towels.
What is a substitute for a tea towel?
If you don't have actual "tea towels" around the house, you can replace them with scrap of fabric, a pillowcase, a piece of a flour sack towel, or a cloth napkin. They are very similar in texture and they have similar absorbent powers.
