3 minute read
Put the Kettle On
Each day 165 million cups of tea are drunk in the UK. That’s far more than coffee. Despite recent reports that tea drinking is declining, it is worth noting that is only traditional black tea. With many of those drunk with fish and chips we thought we would take a closer look at our national drink ahead of National Tea Day on 21st April 2020!
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Research by National Tea Day shows that Specialty teas are being consumed more than ever before with an annual increase of 80% in health teas alone. The major factor is that consumers are demanding more choice and higher quality teas, the biggest growth is by 25- 34 year old females, who are responsible for a 69% growth in tea sales in that age group. This shows tea isn’t declining, it is evolving into a flavoursome and highquality experience. The Scientific Way To Make A Perfect Cup Of Tea
Teatime Anyone? Anytime is a good time for tea. Not only has tea been linked to a multitude of health benefits, but we also find ourselves having a tea-moment to soothe our minds from the stresses and strains of everyday life. This is not just a coincidence, in fact studies have shown that a single cup of tea can significantly reduce anxiety levels after suffering a stressful experience, providing a calming effect for the individual concerned.
Psychologist Dr Malcolm Cross, of City University London, said: “The ritual of making and drinking tea - particularly during times of stress - is at the very core of British culture.
“This study shows that the social psychological aspects of tea enhance the effects of its chemical make-up on our bodies and brains. It’s possible that this culturally rooted, symbiotic function between mind and body explains why Britons instinctively turn to tea in times of need. “Put simply, the findings illustrate what most people would tell us: if you’re stressed, anxious or just feeling blue, make yourself a nice calming brew.”
Not all cups are made equal Serving tea in the right cup can dramatically enhance its taste, as 90% of what we perceive as taste, is actually smell. There is a scientific reason why fine bone china was reserved for the very best tea occasions. Every aspect is taken into account, from the weight of a fine bone china teacup and how it feels against your lips, to the crystal clear sound it makes as the tea is poured. The colour of the cup also plays a significant role in the psychology of taste. Choose a red cup instead of white one when drinking tea, research shows we associate colours with taste and red suggests sweetness and brightness.
Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • March 2020 48 Water Quality Water is one of the biggest factors which affects your perception of tea flavour. Oxygen is key to drawing the flavour out of your tea, and oxygen molecules are lost when water is boiled each time. In addition, filtering hard water helps remove calcium and magnesium.
For more Tea Inspired news visit www. nationalteaday.co.uk
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