Cream tea is a traditional British afternoon tea consisting of scones, clotted cream, and jam. Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream and Wilkin and Sons Tiptree founded National Cream Tea Day to celebrate the British cream tea tradition and raise money for charity. The day is now celebrated on the last Friday of June every year. This blog dives deep into its history and traditional importance in the UK.
History of Cream Tea
The history of cream tea is somewhat debated, but it is generally thought to have originated in the 11th century at Tavistock Abbey in Devon. The monks at the abbey would eat bread with cream and jam, and this tradition eventually spread to other parts of the UK.
In the 19th century, cream tea became famous for breaking the afternoon fast. Partly, this was because the Industrial Revolution had led to longer working hours, and people were looking for a way to refuel in the middle of the day.
Cream tea became even more popular in the early 20th century and became a status symbol. This led to elaborate cream tea ceremonies, often including fine china, silver cutlery, and dainty sandwiches.
Timeline of Cream Tea
11th Century : Cream tea is thought to originate at Tavistock Abbey in Devon.
19th Century : Cream tea becomes a popular way to break the afternoon fast.
Early 20th Century : Cream tea is adopted by the upper classes as a status symbol.
2014 : Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream and Wilkin and Sons Tiptree founded National Cream Tea Day.
Traditions of Cream Tea
There are a few important traditions associated with cream tea. First, the scones should be split in half and buttered. Then, the clotted cream should be spread on the scones, followed by the jam. The jam should be used first, according to the Cornish Way, or the clotted cream should be applied first, according to the Devonshire Way. There is no right or wrong answer, so it comes down to personal preference.
Second, the jam should be a fruit jam, such as raspberry or strawberry. Other jams, such as apricot or plum, are also acceptable.
Third, the clotted cream and jam should be applied generously. There should be enough cream and jam to cover the entire scone.
Finally, cream tea should be accompanied by a cup of tea. The tea should be firm and served with milk and sugar.
How to Celebrate National Cream Tea Day
There are many ways to celebrate National Cream Tea Day. You could :
- Visit a local cafe or tearoom and order a cream tea.
- Make your cream tea at home.
- Attend a cream tea fundraiser.
- Donate to a charity that supports the British tradition of cream teas.
- Order in from your favourite takeaway on Foodhub
No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to enjoy a delicious cream tea!
So there you have it! A brief history, timeline, and traditions of cream tea. Now, enjoy a delicious cream tea on National Cream Tea Day!
