Whether talking about it or drinking it, a delicious cup of tea is a British tradition. Whether you favour a standard English breakfast tea, a malty Assam, or a soothing herbal variety, there is lots to learn about the nation’s favourite drink; for example, did you know that tea is often blended to create the perfect balanced flavour? Let’s look at tea and tea blending in more detail.
Why is tea a British favourite?
Tea has a long tradition. The reasons for this are many, but one of the most well-known is that it was originally favoured by the Royal Family and those in high society, which spread into British communities.
The East India Company and its link to the British Empire helped tea become a British pastime along with the rituals and habits we have developed since then, such as afternoon tea. This tradition is alive and well; today, afternoon tea boxes are available for delivery from companies such as https://www.afternoonteabox.com/.
What is tea blending?
Many varieties of tea can be blended to create a delicious, flavoursome brew. Although some teas, which are often called single-origin teas, may be pure, a blended tea can balance different flavours, qualities, and tastes to create something even more refreshing. Tea blending is all about understanding the delicate balance of flavours and developing a truly rounded brew.
Why is tea blended?
There are several reasons why tea might be blended. Firstly, harvesting, processing, and the growth of the tea leaves is not a static process; in fact, it can change from day to day, depending on the weather, growing conditions, and agricultural factors. Another reason some of your favourite teas might be blended is for a tastier and richer flavour; for example, Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas are often blended to make an English breakfast brew. Blending can also create new combinations of tea with tasty new flavours. Herbal teas are a great example of this, such as ginger and lemon blends.
Which is your favourite tea? If you check the box, the chances are that it is a blend.