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[[File:Tea plantation, Sri Lanka.jpg|thumb|right|Tea plantation, Sri Lanka]]

[[File:Tea plantation, Sri Lanka.jpg|thumb|right|Tea plantation, Sri Lanka]]

In [[Sri Lanka]], usually black tea is served with milk and sugar, but the milk is always warmed. Tea is a hugely popular beverage among the Sri-Lankan people, and part of its land is surrounded by the many hills of tea plantations that spread for miles. Drinking tea has become part of the culture of Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, usually black tea is served with milk and sugar, but the milk is always warmed. Tea is a hugely popular beverage among the Sri-Lankan people, and part of its land is surrounded by the many hills of tea plantations that spread for miles. Drinking tea has become part of the culture of Sri Lanka.

==Eastern Europe==

==Eastern Europe==

==Western Europe==

==Western Europe==

===France===

===France===

While [[France]] is well known for its coffee drinking, afternoon tea has long been a social habit of the upper middle class, famously illustrated, for example, by [[Marcel Proust]]'s novels. [[Mariage Frères]] is a famous high-end tea shop from Paris, active since 1854. Nowadays, if the French tea market is still only a fraction of the British one (a consumption of 250&nbsp;grams per person a year compared to about 2 kilos in the UK),<ref>Le thé s'impose en France: une véritable révolution, AFP, May 2005</ref> it has doubled from 1995 to 2005 and is still growing steadily.<ref>Pourquoi les sociétés de thé font fortune, Jean-Etienne Juthier, JDN Economie, May 2007</ref> On the other side of The Channel, the consumption is declining. Tea in France is of the black variety, but Asian green teas and fruit-flavoured teas are becoming increasingly popular. French people still favour tea mostly in the afternoon. It is often taken in ''salons de thé''. Most people will add sugar to their tea (65%), then milk (25%), lemon (30%) or nothing (32%) are about equally popular.<ref>Apprenez à préparer le thé !, Louis Asana, Doctissimo, quoting Tea Expo 2004, Lipton</ref> Tea is generally served with some pastries, including a family of not so sweet ones reserved for tea drinking, like the ''[[madeleine (cake)|madeleine]]'' and the ''[[financier (pastry)|financier]]''.

While France is well known for its coffee drinking, afternoon tea has long been a social habit of the upper middle class, famously illustrated, for example, by Marcel Proust's novels. Mariage Frères is a famous high-end tea shop from Paris, active since 1854. Nowadays, if the French tea market is still only a fraction of the British one (a consumption of 250&nbsp;grams per person a year compared to about 2 kilos in the UK), it has doubled from 1995 to 2005 and is still growing steadily. On the other side of The Channel, the consumption is declining. Tea in France is of the black variety, but Asian green teas and fruit-flavoured teas are becoming increasingly popular. French people still favour tea mostly in the afternoon. It is often taken in ''salons de thé''. Most people will add sugar to their tea (65%), then milk (25%), lemon (30%) or nothing (32%) are about equally popular. Tea is generally served with some pastries, including a family of not so sweet ones reserved for tea drinking, like the ''madeleine'' and the ''financier''.

===Germany===

===Germany===

The region of [[East Friesland]] is noted for its consumption of tea and its tea culture.<ref>[http://www.ostfriesland-tourism.com/culinary/tealand-ostfriesland.html Tea Ceremony]</ref> Strong [[Assam tea]], Ceylon or Darjeeling is served whenever there are visitors to an East Frisian home or other gathering, as well as with breakfast, mid-afternoon, and mid-evening.

The region of [[East Friesland]] is noted for its consumption of tea and its tea culture. Strong [[Assam tea]], Ceylon or Darjeeling is served whenever there are visitors to an East Frisian home or other gathering, as well as with breakfast, mid-afternoon, and mid-evening.

The traditional preparation is as follows: A ''kluntjes'', a white [[rock candy]] sugar that melts slowly, is added to the empty cup (allowing multiple cups to be sweetened) then tea is poured over the kluntje. A [[heavy cream]] "sky" is added to the tea "water", the sugar represents "land". It is served without a spoon and drunk unstirred, i. e. in three tiers: In the beginning one predominantly tastes the cream, then the tea and finally the kluntje at the bottom of the cup. Stirring the tea would blend all three tiers into one and spoil the traditional tea savouring. The tea is generally served with small cookies during the week and cakes during special occasions or on weekends as a special treat. The tea is said to cure headaches, stomach problems, and stress, among many other ailments. The tea set is commonly decorated with an [[East Friesian Rose]] design.<ref>[http://www.wiesmoor-info.de/html/ostfriesen_tea.html Wiesmoor info: Ostfriesen Tea]</ref> The teaspoon is provided not for stirring, but for signaling that one has had enough tea.

The traditional preparation is as follows: A ''kluntjes'', a white rock candy sugar that melts slowly, is added to the empty cup (allowing multiple cups to be sweetened) then tea is poured over the kluntje. A heavy cream "sky" is added to the tea "water", the sugar represents "land". It is served without a spoon and drunk unstirred, i. e. in three tiers: In the beginning one predominantly tastes the cream, then the tea and finally the kluntje at the bottom of the cup. Stirring the tea would blend all three tiers into one and spoil the traditional tea savouring. The tea is generally served with small cookies during the week and cakes during special occasions or on weekends as a special treat. The tea is said to cure headaches, stomach problems, and stress, among many other ailments. The tea set is commonly decorated with an [[East Friesian Rose]] design. The teaspoon is provided not for stirring, but for signaling that one has had enough tea.

===Ireland===

===Ireland===

[[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] has, for a long time, been one of the biggest per-capita consumers of tea in the world. The national average is four cups per person per day, with many people drinking six cups or more.

Ireland has, for a long time, been one of the biggest per-capita consumers of tea in the world. The national average is four cups per person per day, with many people drinking six cups or more.

Tea in Ireland is usually taken with milk and/or sugar and is slightly spicier and stronger than the traditional English Blend. The two main brands of tea sold in Ireland are [[J. Lyons and Co.|Lyons]] and [[Barry's Tea|Barry's]]. The Irish love of tea is perhaps best illustrated by the stereotypical housekeeper, [[Mrs Doyle]] in the popular sitcom ''[[Father Ted]]''.

Tea in Ireland is usually taken with milk and/or sugar and is slightly spicier and stronger than the traditional English Blend. The two main brands of tea sold in Ireland are [[J. Lyons and Co.|Lyons]] and [[Barry's Tea|Barry's]]. The Irish love of tea is perhaps best illustrated by the stereotypical housekeeper, [[Mrs Doyle]] in the popular sitcom ''[[Father Ted]]''.

===Portugal===

===Portugal===

Tea growing in [[Portugal]] takes place in the [[Azores]], a group of islands located 1500&nbsp;km west of Mainland Portugal. Portugal was the first to introduce the practice of drinking tea to Europe as well as the first European country to produce tea. {{Citation needed|date=November 2012}}

Tea growing in Portugal takes place in the Azores, a group of islands located 1500&nbsp;km west of Mainland Portugal. Portugal was the first to introduce the practice of drinking tea to Europe as well as the first European country to produce tea.

In 1750, terrains ranging from the fields of [[Capelas]] to those of [[Porto Formoso]] on the island of [[São Miguel Island|São Miguel]] were used for the first trial crops of tea. They delivered 10&nbsp;kg of black tea and 8&nbsp;kg of green tea. A century later, with the introduction of skilled workers from the [[Macau]] Region of China in 1883, production became significant and the culture expanded. Following the instructions of these workers, the species ''[[Jasmine|Jasminum grandiflorum]]'' and ''[[Malva|Malva vacciones]]'' were introduced to give 'nobility' to the tea aroma, though only the Jasminum was used.

In 1750, terrains ranging from the fields of Capelas to those of Porto Formoso on the island of São Miguel were used for the first trial crops of tea. They delivered 10&nbsp;kg of black tea and 8&nbsp;kg of green tea. A century later, with the introduction of skilled workers from the Macau Region of China in 1883, production became significant and the culture expanded. Following the instructions of these workers, the species ''Jasminum grandiflorum'' and ''Malva vacciones'' were introduced to give 'nobility' to the tea aroma, though only the Jasminum was used.

This tea is currently traded under the name of the processed compound, ''Gorreana'', and is produced by independent families. No [[herbicides]] or [[pesticides]] are allowed in the growing process, and modern consumers associate the production with more recent [[Organic food|organic]] teas. However, production standards concerning the plant itself and its cropping have not changed for the last 250 years.

This tea is currently traded under the name of the processed compound, ''Gorreana'', and is produced by independent families. No herbicides or pesticides are allowed in the growing process, and modern consumers associate the production with more recent organic teas. However, production standards concerning the plant itself and its cropping have not changed for the last 250 years.

===Great Britain===

===Great Britain===

The [British are the second largest per capita tea consumers in the world after Ireland, with each person consuming on average 2.1&nbsp;kg per year. The popularity of tea dates back to the 19th century when India was part of the British Empire, and British interests controlled tea production in the subcontinent. It was, however, first introduced in Britain by the Portuguese Catherine of Braganza, queen consort of Charles II in the 1660s and 1670s. As tea spread throughout the Great Britain people started to have tea gardens and tea dances. These would include watching fireworks or a dinner party and dance, concluding with an evening tea. The tea gardens lost value after World War II but tea dances are still held today in Great Britain.

The [[United Kingdom|British]] are the second largest per capita tea consumers in the world after [[Ireland]], with each person consuming on average 2.1&nbsp;kg per year. The popularity of tea dates back to the 19th century when [[India]] was part of the [[British Empire]], and British interests controlled tea production in the subcontinent. It was, however, first introduced in Britain by the Portuguese [[Catherine of Braganza]], queen consort of Charles II in the 1660s and 1670s. As tea spread throughout the [[Great Britain]] people started to have [[tea garden]]s and [[tea dance]]s. These would include watching fireworks or a dinner party and dance, concluding with an evening tea. The tea gardens lost value after [[World War II]] but tea dances are still held today in Great Britain.

Tea is usually [[black tea]] served with milk and sometimes with sugar. Strong tea served with lots of milk and often two [[teaspoon]]s of sugar, usually in a mug, is commonly referred to as ''builder's tea''. Much of the time in Britain, tea drinking is not the delicate, refined cultural expression that the rest of the world imagines—a cup (or commonly a mug) of tea is something drunk often, with some people drinking as many as 15-20 cups of tea a day, although the average is around 5. This is not to say that the British do not have a more formal tea ceremony, but for the working class, tea breaks are an essential part of any day. Employers generally allow breaks for tea and sometimes biscuits to be served.

Tea is usually [[black tea]] served with milk and sometimes with sugar. Strong tea served with lots of milk and often two [[teaspoon]]s of sugar, usually in a mug, is commonly referred to as [[Builders tea|''builder's tea'']]. Much of the time in Britain, tea drinking is not the delicate, refined cultural expression that the rest of the world imagines—a cup (or commonly a mug) of tea is something drunk often, with some people drinking as many as 15-20 cups of tea a day, although the average is around 5. This is not to say that the British do not have a more formal tea ceremony, but for the working class, tea breaks are an essential part of any day. Employers generally allow breaks for tea and sometimes [[biscuits]] to be served.

The British concept of a 'tea break' during working hours is a term used almost uniformly across the working environment, regardless of whether any tea is actually consumed. The term is often simply shortened to 'tea', essentially indicating a break. This term was also exported to the game of [[cricket (game)|cricket]] and consequently to most other countries of the former British Empire.

The British concept of a 'tea break' during working hours is a term used almost uniformly across the working environment, regardless of whether any tea is actually consumed. The term is often simply shortened to 'tea', essentially indicating a break. This term was also exported to the game of cricket and consequently to most other countries of the former British Empire.

====British style tea====

====British style tea====

# Water is swirled around the pot to warm it and then poured out.

# Water is swirled around the pot to warm it and then poured out.

# Teaspoons full of loose tea or tea-bags are then added to the pot. The traditional quantity is ''one per person and one for the pot''.

# Teaspoons full of loose tea or tea-bags are then added to the pot. The traditional quantity is ''one per person and one for the pot''.

# Freshly boiling water is added to the pot and allowed to brew for a few minutes while a [[tea cosy]] is placed on the pot to keep the tea warm.

# Freshly boiling water is added to the pot and allowed to brew for a few minutes while a tea cosy is placed on the pot to keep the tea warm.

# Milk may be added to the cup either before or after the tea is poured.

# Milk may be added to the cup either before or after the tea is poured.

# A tea strainer is placed over the top of the cup to catch tea leaves and the tea poured through it.

# A tea strainer is placed over the top of the cup to catch tea leaves and the tea poured through it.

# The pot will normally hold enough tea so as not to be empty after filling the cups of all the guests. If this is the case, the [[tea cosy]] is replaced after everyone has been served.

# The pot will normally hold enough tea so as not to be empty after filling the cups of all the guests. If this is the case, the [[tea cosy]] is replaced after everyone has been served.

Whether to put milk into the cup before or after the tea is a matter of debate. In the early days of tea-drinking, milk would be poured into the cup first to avoid the thermal shock of hot tea cracking the delicate porcelain. Adding milk second may scald part of the milk while it is poured into the hot tea. Pouring tea after milk reduces the maximum temperature reached by the milk, as the poured tea is gradually cooled by the milk. In other words, pouring milk after tea produces abrupt milk heating, while pouring tea after milk produces more gradual milk heating. Also, adding milk second produces an initially less homogeneous mixture (see figure above; even when the mixture is not stirred, however, it quickly becomes homogeneous due to [[brownian motion|random molecule drifting]]).

Whether to put milk into the cup before or after the tea is a matter of debate. In the early days of tea-drinking, milk would be poured into the cup first to avoid the thermal shock of hot tea cracking the delicate porcelain. Adding milk second may scald part of the milk while it is poured into the hot tea. Pouring tea after milk reduces the maximum temperature reached by the milk, as the poured tea is gradually cooled by the milk. In other words, pouring milk after tea produces abrupt milk heating, while pouring tea after milk produces more gradual milk heating. Also, adding milk second produces an initially less homogeneous mixture (see figure above; even when the mixture is not stirred, however, it quickly becomes homogeneous due to random molecule drifting).

Drinking tea from the saucer (poured from the cup in order to cool it) was not uncommon over fifty years ago but is now almost universally considered a breach of etiquette.<ref>[http://www.steepedintea.com/teablog/PermaLink.aspx#afcf59ccf-fdf7-4a92-b7ae-0887927487a9]{{dead link|date=June 2010}}</ref>

Drinking tea from the saucer (poured from the cup in order to cool it) was not uncommon over fifty years ago but is now almost universally considered a breach of etiquette.

====Tea as a meal====

====Tea as a meal====

 

In the British Isles ''tea'' is not only the name of the beverage, but also the name of a meal. Even more confusing is that the kind of meal that a person means when talking about tea depends very much on their social background and where they live.

In the British Isles ''tea'' is not only the name of the beverage, but also the name of a meal. Even more confusing is that the kind of meal that a person means when talking about tea depends very much on their social background and where they live.

For some, especially in the upper social classes, tea is of an afternoon light meal, often just cake, buns, scones or sandwiches served, irrespective of the beverage consumed with it. [[Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford]] is credited with the creation of the meal circa 1800. She thought of the idea to ward off hunger between lunch (served between 12 and 2 pm) and dinner (usually served after 7pm). The tradition continues to this day. There used to be a tradition of [[tea room]]s in Britain which provided the traditional fare of [[cream]] and [[jam]] on [[scones]], a combination commonly known as ''[[cream tea]]''. However, these establishments have declined in popularity since [[World War II]]. In [[Devon]] and [[Cornwall]] particularly, cream teas are a speciality. ''[[Lyons Corner House]]s'' were a successful chain of such establishments. It is a common misconception that ''cream tea'' refers to tea served with cream (as opposed to milk). This is certainly not the case.

For some, especially in the upper social classes, tea is of an afternoon light meal, often just cake, buns, scones or sandwiches served, irrespective of the beverage consumed with it. Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford is credited with the creation of the meal circa 1800. She thought of the idea to ward off hunger between lunch (served between 12 and 2 pm) and dinner (usually served after 7pm). The tradition continues to this day. There used to be a tradition of [[tea room]]s in Britain which provided the traditional fare of cream and jam on scones, a combination commonly known as ''[[cream tea]]''. However, these establishments have declined in popularity since World War II. In Devon and Cornwall particularly, cream teas are a speciality. ''Lyons Corner Houses'' were a successful chain of such establishments. It is a common misconception that ''cream tea'' refers to tea served with cream (as opposed to milk). This is certainly not the case.

For others, especially working classes in South Wales and much of the North of England, the term 'tea' means the main evening meal. This is usually served soon after the family members have arrived home from work, school etc. typically between 5 and 6 pm. The question "What time are we having tea?" is about a meal and not a drink.

For others, especially working classes in South Wales and much of the North of England, the term 'tea' means the main evening meal. This is usually served soon after the family members have arrived home from work, school etc. typically between 5 and 6 pm. The question "What time are we having tea?" is about a meal and not a drink.

In areas where "tea" refers to the main evening meal, the meal eaten in the early afternoon is called "dinner" generally replaces "lunch" as the term used to refer to a midday meal. Thus school lunches are often referred to as school dinners and the time at which the evening meal is eaten is called "tea time". Even more confusingly for foreigners, working-class and middle-class children and some adults in the South of England refer to the meal eaten at tea time as "dinner" and yet refer to lunch time as "dinner time".

In areas where "tea" refers to the main evening meal, the meal eaten in the early afternoon is called "dinner" generally replaces "lunch" as the term used to refer to a midday meal. Thus school lunches are often referred to as school dinners and the time at which the evening meal is eaten is called "tea time". Even more confusingly for foreigners, working-class and middle-class children and some adults in the South of England refer to the meal eaten at tea time as "dinner" and yet refer to lunch time as "dinner time".

At work, the time for taking tea the drink is known as a "tea break" and not "tea time". At home, tea the beverage is drunk at any time so "tea time" will not refer to a time for drinking the beverage. When a person can no longer wait for someone else to make the tea they usually declare "Okay, I'll put the kettle on" and they then leave the room. The others then wait in eager anticipation for the arrival of their beverage, often accompanied with a [[biscuit|"biccy"]] or two.

At work, the time for taking tea the drink is known as a "tea break" and not "tea time". At home, tea the beverage is drunk at any time so "tea time" will not refer to a time for drinking the beverage. When a person can no longer wait for someone else to make the tea they usually declare "Okay, I'll put the kettle on" and they then leave the room. The others then wait in eager anticipation for the arrival of their beverage, often accompanied with a biscuit or two.

[[File:Tea box hg.jpg|thumb|left|Box for the storage of loose tea leaves known as a tea caddy.]]

[[File:Tea box hg.jpg|thumb|left|Box for the storage of loose tea leaves known as a tea caddy.]]

====Commonwealth countries====

====Commonwealth countries====

Afternoon tea and the variant [[cream tea]] (called ''Devonshire Tea'' in Australia and New Zealand) is the best known "tea ceremony" in the English speaking [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries, available in homes and [[tea room]]s throughout Great Britain, India, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia; is it often associated with Great Britain. "Tea" may also refer to a meal, or dinner, in some Commonwealth countries, notably those forming the United Kingdom, regardless of the beverage served with the meal; in many English dialects it means the main meal of the day, and "dinner" means a mid-day meal. [[Alan Bennett]], for example, lamented that he was the only one to have dinner at noon. This usage has however fallen out of favour in Canada and Australia.

Afternoon tea and the variant cream tea (called ''Devonshire Tea'' in Australia and New Zealand) is the best known "tea ceremony" in the English speaking Commonwealth countries, available in homes and [[tea room]]s throughout Great Britain, India, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia; is it often associated with Great Britain. "Tea" may also refer to a meal, or dinner, in some Commonwealth countries, notably those forming the United Kingdom, regardless of the beverage served with the meal; in many English dialects it means the main meal of the day, and "dinner" means a mid-day meal. Alan Bennett, for example, lamented that he was the only one to have dinner at noon. This usage has however fallen out of favour in Canada and Australia.

This could lead to confusion over the meaning of an invitation to "tea". The slang term "cuppa" (as in a "cup of tea"), is used in the [[United Kingdom]] possibly to counteract this confusion, but is more likely just an abbreviation. Due to the diverse mix of races and cultures in [[Australia]] since the 1950s, these days most cultural variations of tea are available. Taiwanese [[bubble tea]], known locally as pearl milk tea, has become widely popular in urban Australia, with multiple chains in every major city.

This could lead to confusion over the meaning of an invitation to "tea". The slang term "cuppa" (as in a "cup of tea"), is used in the United Kingdom possibly to counteract this confusion, but is more likely just an abbreviation. Due to the diverse mix of races and cultures in Australia since the 1950s, these days most cultural variations of tea are available. Taiwanese [[bubble tea]], known locally as pearl milk tea, has become widely popular in urban Australia, with multiple chains in every major city.

A stereotypical expression "You'll Have Had Your Tea" is used to parody people from Edinburgh as being rather shortcoming with hospitality. A BBC Radio 4 series of this name was made byraeme Garden and Barry Cryer.

A stereotypical expression "You'll Have Had Your Tea" is used to parody people from Edinburgh as being rather shortcoming with hospitality. A BBC Radio 4 series of this name was made byraeme Garden and Barry Cryer.