Thread: Calling all tea drinkers

Yup I hate that about the English too - and I am English! My parents were strict no milkers, so from an early age I was drinking tea without milk. Whenever someone makes me a cup and dollops milk in and cringe. And add sugar... Its ruined anyway.

My favorite at the moment is Gunpowder, though I drink a lot of green teas generally. I am surprised Rooitea didn't get a mention yet - it is really a great tasting tea, even if it is a bit new age...

Si

Tea was "cut" with milk to make the most out of the precious (for the early times) commodity (tea). Less milk a family added to their tea, more wealthy they were.

Me personally, I like black teas with some milk, but I take them without more often than not...

Rooibos, or Rooitea (German) as Sunsi would read it is a nice African "tea" not actually made from the Camellia Sinensis plant (the real tea plant, out of which all black and green teas are made).

It has sweet and refreshing taste, and it's best enjoyed without sugar. I have a quantity of the green Rooibos, not fermented kind, and it's a cool drink also...


Nenad

I'd agree with the first two completely. I've even thought many times about taking an infuser and loose tea with me to restaurants though my wife has prevented that one so far.

For the latter I have a couple exceptions... Chai is an exception to both though that's mainly because of how I've always had it, including very good Indian restaurants. Pu-erh is my only other exception to the milk rule, sometimes, due to it's strength (it very close to coffee in that respect). Jasmine blossoms (tisane, not tea) is the only thing I sweeten, mainly because I'm not a big fan of the taste and have a lot of it *sigh*.

I really like Rooibos as well and generally have several different types around. At that moment Rishi's Blueberry and Tropical Citrus are getting most attention. Didn't mention it to the OP since most of the Rooibos I have tends toward fruity blends.

Ant

There are various explanations about milk in tea floating about. One of the most bizarre I heard was that back then, teacups and the glazes were so brittle that pouring such hot drink straight onto them would have cracked the glaze and/or the china. Milk was put in to prevent this from happening.

I always wondered why they didnt use cold water if that was the case...

Anyway, a little known fact is that milk in tea actually blocks a lot of the positive health benefits to be had from drinking tea.

Si

For milk, I think the same can be said for coffee. After all, it's mostly fat, water, and sugar. I only put milk in black tea when I'm sick. Other times, I'll usually drink tea straight.

With little wealth in many families in the early industrialised England, adding milk and sugar was a good way to 'snack' for those missed meals. There was some protein and fat from the milk and carbohydrates from the sugar. Combined with the caffeine from the tea, it made a valuable food source for a poor working class oppressed by the ruling ... oh, sorry.

X

i have tried loads including the ones you mention and the best I have found is 'Clipper' Organic Earl Grey , comes in loose tea or tea bags

Putting milk and/or sugar in tea is an abomination which needs to be stamped out! Adding lemon is suspect as well!

Would you add cola to Scotch?
Would you add tap water to champange?
Would you add lemonade to ale?

Only vile degenerates do these things and worse.

I like my drinks unadulterated. If they taste bad enough to need additives then you are not consuming a quality product. As for tea and coffee: hot and black. Any ohter way is fit for the elederly, infirm or children.
Now go forth and sin no more!

I enjoy the Kenilworth from ceylon, but by far my favorite is Lapsang Souchong. It's a chinese black tea.
If you've not tried it I'll give you this warning...the tea leaves are dried over a pine wood fire.
You're cup of tea smells like a smokey campfire. GOOD STUFF!

I do use a splash of milk to cool my tea just a bit. I've gotten tea at local Panera and didn't put milk in- it was over 45min before I could drink it- either it was too hot or I'm need to insulate my house in those foam cups!

fireguy

Originally Posted by syslight

Putting milk and/or sugar in tea is an abomination which needs to be stamped out! Adding lemon is suspect as well!

Would you add cola to Scotch?
Would you add tap water to champange?
Would you add lemonade to ale?

Only vile degenerates do these things and worse.

I like my drinks unadulterated. If they taste bad enough to need additives then you are not consuming a quality product. As for tea and coffee: hot and black. Any ohter way is fit for the elederly, infirm or children.
Now go forth and sin no more!

Preach it, Brother Jim!