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Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water, and it comes from China, not Britain! Obvious, perhaps, but the popular association of tea wi
by mbrock 12y ago
Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water, and it comes from China, not Britain! Obvious, perhaps, but the popular association of tea with Britishness is a tragedy that must be stopped. That's why I also firmly reject the ludicrous notion that the artificially scented "Earl Grey tea" is some kind of default option; why give such credence to the habits of 19th century British aristocrats?
- keenerd 12y agoArtificially scented? The bergamot orange is a real plant. Every culture that has tea will have flavored teas. It gives you something to do with the low-grade leaves. Just last night I tried ginseng oolong for the first time. Is it as artificial as earl grey?
- mbrock 12y agoSo they say. Sorry, I'm half joking, half referring to this, from Wikipedia: "Tea flavoured with bergamot to imitate the more expensive types of Chinese tea has been known in England at least since the 1820s. In 1837 there is a record of court proceedings against Brocksop & Co. who were found to have supplied tea 'artificially scented, and, drugged with bergamot in this country.'" Yes, I'm quite a big fan of oolong flavored with osmanthus; haven't tried ginger.
- desas 12y agoEarl Grey is not even the default option in Britain...