Easter Hampers Now Available! Pre Order Yours Here The cream tea is a beloved British tradition with a rich and fascinating history. Its origins date back centuries, rooted in the lush landscapes of Devon and Cornwall. This simple yet indulgent treat combines freshly baked scones, clotted cream, and sweet jam. But who invented it, and how did it become a national treasure? Over time, it has sparked debates, like the proper way to layer jam and cream. In this post, we’ll explore the cream tea’s story, from its medieval beginnings to its iconic status today. Join us on this journey through tea and tradition!
How Did it Start?
It all began in 1662, when Catherine de Braganza married Charles II and brought her favourite drink, tea, to England, making it all the rage.
Tea sales soared, and Britain’s love affair with tea began!
The Tourism Boom
In the 1850s, the Westcountry saw a tourism boom thanks to a brand new railway link. British tourists flocked to the coast for great food and relaxation, and who can blame them?
Enter the cream tea: a delicious, affordable treat that won everyone’s hearts. Even today, many travel to the Westcountry just for a taste of our delightful tradition.
How to Make a Perfect Cream Tea
There are many debates about how it should be prepared, so we asked our friends at Rodda’s, who carried out an extensive experiment with The University of Sheffield.
Here’s what they found…
- Size: Scones should always be 4-7cm in diameter.
- Texture: Scones should be soft to the touch, breaking apart with a simple twist.
- Brewing: Let the tea bag brew for at least 3 minutes before adding milk.
- Jam First: While there’s much debate around which goes first, always spread your jam FIRST, before adding the clotted cream.
Thanks to our Cornish Hampers, you can enjoy our famous delicacy, wherever you are. Shop Cream Teas here.
