THE ENGLISH are not the world's greatest tea drinkers. This came as something of a surprise to me, having grown up in a house where tea was mainlined from morning until night. And to this day, I still warn people when they visit my mother simply to accept the cup of tea they will undoubtedly be offered within 20 seconds of walking through her front door. If declined, the offer will be repeated in an infusion based war of attrition until the brew beneficiary caves. While it's doubtless unsettling to be cornered into a cuppa, it's weirdly stressful for my mother as she tries to understand why someone might not, always, at any given time of the day, want tea.
Per capita, the world's greatest consumers of tea are the Turks (who are also the world's fifth biggest producer). Although we Brits drink 100 million cups a day that's just shy of 36 billion a year - the Turks consume 40% more tea than we do in Blighty. And we're decisively beaten into third place by the Irish, who guzzle over 10% more than us.
While we may only be languishing in bronze medal position, there can be no doubt about the important role tea has played for centuries in our socioeconomic history and continues to do so. Our average daily intake is between two and three cups. We consume it for so many different reasons, in different contexts and in so many different ways, although most these days (97%) use teabags rather than loose-leaf tea. Even my mother has succumbed.
Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av The Field.
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Denne historien er fra August 2023-utgaven av The Field.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Going over old ground
Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
Return of the natives
There is nothing as satisfying as creating a magical miniature woodland or conservation hedgerow using our native trees - and now is the best time to start.
Tagging the Cornish tunny
Enormous Atlantic bluefin tuna are once again making waves in UK waters almost a century after their showstopping appearance in the North Sea
In it for the long haul
It may have fallen out of favour at the elite level but long-format three-day eventing is still proving popular with grassroots riders
Unpicking the story of hunt buttons
These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex
A place of tradition in the heart of town
Cordings has helped shape the sartorial landscape of Britain for 185 years, with its classic country tailoring a firm staple of many sporting wardrobes
Don't play it by ear
Hearing loss can have a devastating impact on day-to-day life, making ear protection a non-negotiable piece of field kit
Back to base-ics
Britain's famously unpredictable climate can make staying comfortable in the field a challenge but the right under layers can be a game changer
Stand and deliver
A good stance provides the platform for shotgun marksmanship and is fundamental to consistent success in the field or breaking clays
Heaven is a High Four
A team of guns enjoy a day of the finest sport Devon has to offer, courtesy of the GWCT and a quartet of generous shoot owners