It's time to end the exploration of tea around the world! And what better place to end it than in Europe, in the United Kingdom, one of the world's most well-known tea-drinking countries.

Afternoon tea is a ritual observed by almost everyone in the United Kingdom. The beginning of this tradition is attributed to the Duchess of Bedford, Anna, in the 1840s. As dinner was served later in the day, the Duchess found it difficult to wait so long and secretly ordered biscuits and snacks, along with a cup of tea, in her bedroom during the afternoon. After being exposed, the habit spread rather than being criticized. As tea became increasingly accessible to the middle class, this afternoon break became the perfect opportunity to relax and get together with friends and family after a long day. Another well-known fan of the afternoon tea custom was none other than Queen Victoria herself.
Besides an afternoon cup of tea, the British also drink tea throughout the day. Black tea is the preferred type, but green and flavored teas are also enjoyed and consumed.

Originally presented as a medicinal beverage, tea remained the drink of royalty and aristocracy for a long time. It is only in recent years that it has become more popular with the masses. Unlike the British, the French are very careful in their selection, meticulously exploring the different origins and flavors of the leaves. There is also evidence that they were the first to introduce milk into their cup. They do, however, have a particular preference for herbal teas or tisanes, in the afternoon or evening.

Although famous for their love of vodka, the amount of tea Russians consume should not be underestimated. Inspired by the stoves of neighboring Mongolia, the samovar is a large silver or copper urn in which tea leaves are brewed. The inner chamber is constantly heated to keep the water hot and ready. The teapot, containing tscheinik, a very strong concentrated tea, is placed on top of the samovar. Since the samovar is always ready, they can enjoy a cup of tea whenever they like!

The fact that the tea leaves are smoked is also a unique Russian preference. This began when caravan drivers stopped for campfires along the road, causing the leaves to gradually split. Once the concentrate is ready, it is poured into a cup, and hot water is added according to the drinker's preference. When drinking tea, it is sipped through a sugar cube placed in the mouth or with a spoonful of jam added to the cup.
The type of tea leaves used can be green or black, but several different blends and mixtures can also be used.

That rounds off our trip around the world! We hope you enjoyed it! Do you know of any other countries with unique tea traditions? Let us know!