Tea, the world’s second most popular beverage after water, boasts a rich history that traces back to 3rd century AD China, where it was first recognized as a medicinal drink. Merchants played a vital role in spreading its allure across continents, establishing tea as a global favorite. By the early 19th century, Great Britain had embraced the charming practice of afternoon tea — a delightful pause in the day that paired tea with sandwiches and baked treats like scones.
The flavor of tea varies significantly based on where the leaves are harvested and the methods of cultivation and processing. Among its varieties, black tea holds the title of the most popular worldwide, followed closely by green, oolong and white teas. The concept of the tea party can be traced back to 1662, when Catherine of Braganza, the wife of King Charles II, hosted the first recorded event of its kind.
However, it was Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who truly pioneered the afternoon tea ritual around 1840. As urbanization and industrialization in England led to later evening meals, the Duchess often felt a “sinking feeling” in the late afternoon. To alleviate her hunger, she requested tea, bread, butter and cake in her room, unknowingly launching a trend that would soon capture the hearts of the upper classes.
This simple act of satisfying an appetite blossomed into a fashionable custom, encouraging leisurely social gatherings over a cup of tea. This cherished history is alive.
