The origin of tea is attributed to the ancient Chinese way back in 2700 B.C. As the demand for tea grew, traders found a way of making tea suitable for the long voyage. Black tea was introduced in Europe in the 16th century. As black tea was introduced in Europe through long voyages, the price is so high making it exclusive for the upper class indulgence. Only Royal families across Europe could afford the costly beverage, offering it to guest during royal gatherings.

Through time, the price of black tea gradually became more affordable to public. As soon as it became a mass-product, drinking tea became a favorite past time across Europe. It was the English coffee houses in England that introduced tea to the public. The English government imposed high taxes on teas to benefit to the growing popularity of tea as well as to control tea smuggling.

It was the idea of Anna, the 7th Duchess from Bedford, to have tea late in the afternoon rather than in the evening. The idea is launched to enclose the gap between the two meals, lunch and dinner. Drinking tea in the afternoon became fashionable with the English working class and became part of the English black tea custom.

The idea of having something in-between gave the birth to the English black tea ceremony as part of English tradition. The afternoon English tea ritual was done with servings of bread and butter.  The afternoon English black tea is also known as low tea for the fact the English black tea is usually taken while sitting down. The traditional time for an afternoon English black tea is from four to five o’clock in the afternoon wherein people enjoyed sipping tea and nibbling sandwiches. Nowadays, pastries, scones and other desserts may be added to make the afternoon English black tea more enjoyable.

To enjoy the typical hearty English breakfast, English breakfast tea was formulated. English black tea is the blend of Assam tea and Ceylon tea. Some also use Keemun and Kenyan tea. These teas are considered to be the strongest among other black teas. They are well known to give a robust and full-bodied flavor which makes it very good for traditional heavy English meals in the morning.

When brewed for around three to five minutes, the English black tea works wonders after digestion of large meals. English black tea is great way to start your day. The strong aroma it produces will wake you up and its full-bodied flavor will keep you sustained throughout the morning. A typical English breakfast is commonly called as a fry up which is commonly includes bacon and eggs, toast, sausages, hash browns and beans. These heavy meals are accompanied by English black tea blends with cream and sugar. These hearty meals help them be prepared for a long day of hard work.

Ideally, loose leaf black teas are used in brewing English black tea. Loose leaf black teas have less tannins which is responsible for the bitter taste of black teas.  Choosing loose leaves tends to produce a better flavor.