For Good Reason, 'tis Part of Life in Ireland…The Tea Break…
The "Tea Break" Provides Rest, Rejuvenation, and Community During the Day…
It seems tea has become as much a part of life in Ireland as the damp climate and a pint at the pub. Come around 11 am or 3 pm, you will find the Irish have paused all that life demands to collect themselves over a strong cup of Irish tea. We call this phenomenon the Tea Break...
Surprisingly, it has only been since the early 1800s that the Irish adopted a passion for tea...
Merchant Sam Bewley and his son undercut British importers, who charged the Irish too much for tea. They lowered the cost and improved the quality of teas in Ireland by importing directly from China.
True enough, tea in Ireland is an all-day and into-the-evening affair, but there is a difference between the continual cup that may be taken any time of day and the more notable routine of Tea Breaks, where one may add a treat or light snack as a pick-me-up between main meals.
The 3 pm version of the Tea Break can become something much fancier. The main event, of course, is the tea, but the afternoon Tea Break can feature more treats like tea sandwiches or scones with jam and clotted cream.
After the afternoon Tea Break, there is another round or two of tea yet to come in the life of the typical Irish Tea Drinker. Evening meals are often washed down with more of the strong Irish steep, especially at extended family gatherings, like 6 pm Sunday dinner. Then, depending on the day, the Irish will typically finish the evening with tea or a pint at the pub.
It’s likely that when tea became available to the Irish, they quickly gravitated to it because it was warm and soothing…something anyone would like in a damp & cold climate. Since those days in the early 1800s, though, we’ve learned a lot about tea that helps us further understand the passion in Ireland for tea.
Among the tea plant's plethora of health benefits is its ability to improve cognitive function, creativity...and conversation...
In addition to the immunity boost, cardiovascular support, and the soothing creature-comfort that tea brings you, a hidden value of tea is how it can improve conversation and communication…the other value of the Irish Tea Break…a chance connect with family, friends, co-workers, or a stranger in the teashop to make small talk or discuss the problems of the world.
Don’t underestimate the contribution a cup of tea makes to conversation; there is a reason tea is always part of almost every conversation in most of Asia.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the Irish for setting an example of how quality of life can be improved over a cup - or many cups - of tea. 11 am or 3 pm…or any time that works for you...The message is clear…it’s Tea Break Time, and it will make the rest of your day…and your life…better.
At Drink Great Tea, we are always working to expand our selection of teas from around the globe, including Irish blends...
What better time to remain mindful of the Irish, their history, culture, and, as the number one tea consumption per capita in the world, their example of appreciating tea, than March and the arrival of St. Patrick’s Day...
In March, we feature three of our outstanding Irish Blends:
Wicklow County Irish Breakfast...
Blarney Castle, Tea of The Wee People...
Float A Dead Mouse On It…Extra-Robust Irish Breakfast Blend...
In Ireland, they are likely to steep their tea extra-robust and adjust the steep with lashings of milk to color the tea, maybe sweetening with sugar to make a dessert-like cup. You will find the teas listed above are capable of being self-drinkers (nothing added) or proudly standing up to your favorite additions while still providing a luscious tea experience.