Tea (meal)

Overview of Tea (meal):

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Tea (meal)

Tea (meal) is a term used in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries to describe a variety of meals.

Origins

The term "tea" as a meal is derived from the ancient practice of drinking tea in the afternoon. In the 18th century, high society started drinking "afternoon tea" to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner.

Types of Tea Meals

There are three main types of tea meals: Afternoon Tea, High Tea, and Cream Tea.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is a light meal typically eaten between 3.30 pm and 5 pm. It consists of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries, and cakes.

High Tea

High Tea is an early evening meal, typically eaten between 5 pm and 7 pm. It would usually consist of cold meats, eggs, or fish, cakes and sandwiches.

Cream Tea

Cream Tea is a form of afternoon tea where scones, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, are the main attraction.

Tea as a Meal Today

Today, the term "tea" can refer to any of the following meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a light afternoon meal. The specific meaning of "tea" can vary between different regions and cultures.

See Also

• British Cuisine
• History of Tea
• Tea Culture

External Links

• The UK Tea & Infusions Association
• TeaTime Magazine

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This article provides a brief overview of the term "Tea (meal)" and its origins, the different types of tea meals, and how the term is used today. It also includes internal links to related topics and external links for further reading.