Thursday 21 January 2010

Further to ‘Threat levels’ re: TEA


Barry replied to the original email:

As a point of historical fact, the British Government was so alarmed about the risk to morale over a lack of tea available to its Armed Forces at the outbreak of WW2 that it purchased the entire worldwide stock of tea.  It is also worth pointing out is that at its height the British, Empire and Commonwealth forces numbered twelve million  - perhaps it built to that strength to justify the tea purchase.

Barry's respondent replied: Also worthy of note is the service once offered (and maybe continues to be) by the India Tea Council advising on the best way to prepare tea. I contacted them some time ago to answer a dispute I was having with some northerner who reckoned that 'mashing' tea i.e. stirring it was the way to make the best cuppa. Now having been taught by a good naval man (my Dad) I wasn't having that and the ITC were able to confirm that you must never stir tea as it bruises the leaves! 1 - 0 to the good guys!!

Janice's input: tea leaves produce an infinitely superior pot of tea but I like my tea unstrained – the leaves are good to chew on! . . . and Earl Grey is very refreshing . . . especially with lemon! It's the bergamot that enhances and perfumes it so delicately.

1 comment:

  1. This brought back memories of Grandma's tea pot, wearing it's cosy to retain the heat.
    Whatever would she say if she could see the way folk drop a tea bag into a cup, add hot water and give it a quick stir today?
    I don't think the average youngster would have a clue what to do with a tea cosy, and would probably wonder upon which part of their anatomy it should fit!
    Very best wishes to you, Barry and the family, Sylvia xx

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