First there is China, and then comes the UK for the ranking of second largest tea consumer in the world. Even though tea is extremely important in both countries, there are great differences in each tea culture.

Generally speaking, the Brits drink black tea, and rarely do they drink it without sugar. In fact, it is a custom to add milk to the tea, not to be confused with cream, and many times people will sweeten it with regular white sugar.

All that is needed to prepare tea in the United Kingdom is a tea kettle and a cup or mug, though for the more formal occasions, a cup and saucer is employed. The British seem to prefer white, bone china tea sets, and variations thereof, as opposed to the Yixing clay tea sets used in the Far East.

Cups and saucers are always used in formal occasions, and so are some rules. When at a formal tea-drinking occasion, remember to never hold your cup in mid-air, which is to say that your cup should be either on it's way to or from your lips, or resting on your saucer. If you are drinking while standing, hold your saucer at waist level with your left hand and raise and lower the cup with your right. Don't ever drink tea from your saucer!

It is common to partake of some scones and jam while drinking tea in the United Kingdom. It is a very social custom, and should you ever be offered some proper tea, you should accept their offer gracefully, as it is a gesture of kindness and warmth.

It is the British who are known for Bone China, the most expensive and sophisticated of tea sets. This particular type of china originated in England, when craftsman used actual ash from cattle bones to create this special kind of china. Also, it is common to see many bone china tea sets painted with a special enamel, often in various floral designs.

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Posted under Tea