Afternoon Tea and High Tea originated in Britain, though various places in the former British Empire also have such a form. For the British, tea is not just a hot beverage; it is a meal. The most delightful meal of the day.
What’s The Difference Between Afternoon Tea and High Tea?
Tea as a drink was fashionable in Britain by the late 17th century, at that time tea just a hot beverage and you can drink at morning or afternoon. but it is only for upper class due to the price of tea is quite expensive which can not afford by lower class.
THE ORIGIN OF AFTERNOON TEA
Afternoon tea is a British food tradition. This essentially British tradition is a light meal served during the mid-afternoon hours consists of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and cakes.lunch for the upper crust was generally a light repast served at noon, and dinner occurred no earlier than 7:30 p.m.
Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, during one long, food-less afternoon, the duchess felt hunger pangs and ordered tea and snacks to her bedroom chamber. The refreshments did the trick, and Russell soon made this tea break a habit.
The duchess’ well-heeled friends began joining her in this post-lunch tea ritual and the practice spread in aristocratic circles.
Though some historical references call this ritual “low tea” — because the ladies would sit in low armchairs while sipping — afternoon tea was hardly a humble affair then.
THE ORIGIN OF HIGH TEA
The 19th century Industrial Revolution in Britain brought about the rise of “high” tea, spurred by urbanization.
The working lives of many do not allow the time to sit down to enjoy scones and cakes in the late afternoon. Builders and factory workers often worked considerable distances from their homes and returned hungry in the early evening. They fell into the habit of taking a meal at about 6 p.m. sitting around a table, usually in the kitchen. this Tea is traditionally different than the famous light and sweet mid-afternoon meal.
High Tea gets its name from the high tables it was originally served upon to the working class at the conclusion of the long and laborious workday.This was a much more substantial affair than the low or afternoon tea of the aristocracy, and it became known in contrast as a high tea. Everything was placed on the table at once, including pies and cold meats, tarts and salads, jam, honey, toasted tea cakes and hearty fruitcakes. The richer the household, the more there typically was.
One of the best types of high tea is in a farmhouse kitchen, with homemade bread, newly churned butter, and a feast of fresh and simple food.
So, simply the difference between Afternoon Tea and High Tea are:
AFTERNOON TEA :
Time:3:00-5:00pm
Place:Formal occasions
Participant:Friend , colleague,business partner…
Food and beverage: tea, cake,scones and sandwiches
HIGH TEA :
Time:6:00-7:00pm
Place:Kitchen
Participant:Family member
Food: pies and cold meats, tarts and salads, jam, honey, toasted tea cakes and hearty fruitcakes.
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