UNDERSTANDING HIGH TEA

When you embark on the "tea adventure", it becomes clear immediately that there are many opinions about the whole tea experience. "Tea" can be defined as a variety of meals and meal times depending on each country and its customs. As an example, in the United Kingdom there is a distinct difference between high tea and afternoon tea. In the United States, high tea and afternoon tea are frequently interchanged. To be clear, afternoon tea is properly served around 4 PM and includes a light menu of little pastries, finger sandwiches, scones, etc. The high tea is served around 6 PM and the meal is more substantial. A high tea menu includes meats, fish, cheese, bread and butter, and a variety of tarts, cream puffs, cakes, etc. For most people, high tea is considered the evening meal. But whether it's high tea or afternoon tea, one menu item does not change: a great cup of tea.

What did Shakespeare say "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet"? So, whether we call it "high tea", "afternoon tea", or a "tea party", let's enjoy the great aroma and taste of the tea and celebrate tea time!