Why British Milk Tea Is Served Strong and Robust

British milk tea takes center stage as a staple in British tea culture, with its strong and robust flavor. This is not just a cultural norm, but a intentional choice that reflects the personal taste and tradition of the British people. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the preference for strong tea in the UK, along with the methods and preferences of its consumption.

Strong Brew: A Flavor Built on Tradition

The typical method of making traditional British milk tea involves using black tea such as Assam or English Breakfast and steeping it for a longer time to extract a robust flavor. This stronger brew is then combined with milk, which balances the astringency of the tea and adds creaminess. The result is a rich and flavorful cup that is widely characteristic of British tea culture.

A Personal Taste

During a visit to a tea and coffee shop in Covent Garden, the French waitress explained that a 3-minute egg timer was used for a weak flavor, while a 5-minute egg timer was used for a stronger taste. This unique method of brewing tea amused us two English people, who remarked that it felt like showing your grandmother how to suck eggs.

The Default 'British Tea'

The default 'British tea' is both strong and milky in part because it is made with boiling water and allowed to 'draw'... or as those who favor less robust single-variety or subtle blends would have it, 'stew'. This brewing method ensures a strong flavor, which is widely accepted and favored by the majority of British tea drinkers.

The Impact of Milk

Milk greatly moderates what would otherwise be considered an excessively bitter, tannin-laden concoction. In some circumstances, when cooled, such tea can be applied to houseplants to harmlessly rid them of certain pests. This is reflected in the traditional British tea culture, where milk is a key ingredient in balancing the intensity of the tea.

Tea Preferences: A Personal Choice

Tea is made to personal preference, and there is no such thing as 'milk tea' in the British custom. People's preferences range from a very strong cup with a dash of milk to a single dip of the tea bag topped up with 35% milk. These varied preferences reflect the diversity of the British tea drinking experience.

UPMARKET TEAS AND FAVORITES

For those who favor upmarket teas, they generally prefer a lighter, fresher brew and favor lemon. Fans of 'green' or herbal teas take it neat. A few, but very few, enthusiasts prefer the Russian method of a black tea sweetened with fruit preserve. All of these preferences and more are covered in detail in the articles British-Designed Cuppa Determines a Classic British Brew and What is the Most Popular Tea in England What The British Do!.

Conclusion

The strong flavor of British milk tea is not just a tradition but a preference built on a long history and personal taste. Whether one prefers a robust, strong cup with a hint of milk, or a lighter, fresher brew, British tea culture offers a wide range of options to cater to individual preferences.