How did mankind discover the delights of tea drinking?
Tea leaves were first discovered some 5,000 years ago, near to Yunnan province in China. According to the tales past down over the centuries, its discovery was purely due to a random gust of wind.
Discover the fascinating story of the Emperor Shen Nung and that random gust of wind here
Why were elegant tea gowns considered scandalous in Victorian times?
Tea gowns became a fashion items in the late 19th century, both in Europe and America. They were free-flowing and loose-fitting in style and very comfortable to wear, but soon started to develop a risqué reputation, meaning a society lady should never be seen wearing a tea gown beyond her own doorstep.
Milk first or tea first in your cup?
So, be honest are you a MIF or a MIL? Naturally you realise that these short acronyms stand for Milk in First or Milk in Last? A social divider if ever there was one. How did it become so, and when did we start to add milk to our tea and other beverages.
How did a simple tea scone become such a cause of controversy?
Perhaps the most revered element of a traditional afternoon tea is that small and innocuous looking, but nonetheless delicious, item called a scone. The scone, with its accompanying cream and jam, changes the afternoon tea experience to the satisfying lushness of a ‘cream tea’. However, this little fellow has long been the subject of surprising controversies and disputes.
Who first thought of placing a small plate called a saucer under a tea cup?
Which bright spark first came up with the idea of placing a little plate under the teacup, which served many important functions?