Prøve GULL - Gratis
Steeped in tradition
The Field
|August 2023
The British are famous for their love of a cuppa but the history of tea in this country has distinctly courtly origins

THE ENGLISH are not the world's greatest tea drinkers. This came as something of a surprise to me, having grown up in a house where tea was mainlined from morning until night. And to this day, I still warn people when they visit my mother simply to accept the cup of tea they will undoubtedly be offered within 20 seconds of walking through her front door. If declined, the offer will be repeated in an infusion based war of attrition until the brew beneficiary caves. While it's doubtless unsettling to be cornered into a cuppa, it's weirdly stressful for my mother as she tries to understand why someone might not, always, at any given time of the day, want tea.
Per capita, the world's greatest consumers of tea are the Turks (who are also the world's fifth biggest producer). Although we Brits drink 100 million cups a day that's just shy of 36 billion a year - the Turks consume 40% more tea than we do in Blighty. And we're decisively beaten into third place by the Irish, who guzzle over 10% more than us.
While we may only be languishing in bronze medal position, there can be no doubt about the important role tea has played for centuries in our socioeconomic history and continues to do so. Our average daily intake is between two and three cups. We consume it for so many different reasons, in different contexts and in so many different ways, although most these days (97%) use teabags rather than loose-leaf tea. Even my mother has succumbed.
Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av The Field.
Abonner på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av kuraterte premiumhistorier og over 9000 magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
FLERE HISTORIER FRA The Field

The Field
Unexpected trout
A day spent chasing the plentiful, pristine wild brown trout that reside in small streams up and down the country proves the best sport doesn't always come with a hefty price tag attached
7 mins
September 2025

The Field
Beretta 688 Performance
Offering impressive specification and extensive adjustability at a competitive price, this new Sporter looks good and shoots steadily
4 mins
September 2025

The Field
A new chapter for a historic syndicate
As Ragley estate's Dunnington Sporting Club opens its doors - and its shooting opportunities - to non-members for the first time, a roving syndicate takes advantage of the exclusive sport on offer
7 mins
September 2025

The Field
Cutting the mustard
From table staples such as ketchup and mayonnaise to artisanal concoctions steeped in tradition, our fondness for condiments is both growing and evolving
7 mins
September 2025
The Field
Morale-boosting bottles
Whether you are in renovation hell, expecting good (or bad) news or simply need to stock up, this selection will ensure you are prepared for any eventuality
3 mins
September 2025

The Field
A hunt reborn
Drawing inspiration from the British hunting community but with Pakistan's culture and traditions at the forefront, the renowned Peshawar Vale Hunt is being returned to its former glory
8 mins
September 2025

The Field
Hunt-ride heroines
It takes a special blend of bravery and skill to succeed in the world of high-octane hunt rides – and it is the ladies leading the way
7 mins
September 2025

The Field
Calling it quits
Knowing exactly when it is right to call time on a canine companion's working career is one of the most difficult decisions a gundog owner will ever face
4 mins
September 2025

The Field
A day not to be mist
Freezing temperatures and poor visibility could not take the shine off the inaugural ladies' day at Cheney Longville in the heart of Shropshire
7 mins
September 2025
The Field
Cultivating hardness of heart
Being 'nice' doesn't cut it when it comes to true gardening excellence. Difficult though it may be, a touch of ruthlessness is often exactly what's required
3 mins
September 2025
Translate
Change font size