Gathered by Virgins - part 2.

By the 1880’s tea drinking became an upper class ritual. Ladies gathering around a silver tea pot with elegant porcelain cups became symbols of good taste and refinement and the preparation of tea was an art in itself. A popular household manual from the 1880’s ‘Enquire With Upon Everything’ instructs on how to make the perfect brew.

-         Use freshly boiled water, not exhausted by prolonged boiling

-         Scald the pot with hot water then empty it

-         Add sufficient water and then add the tea, quickly closing the lid

-         Let the brew stand for three and a half minutes

-         This greatly superior method preserves the delicate aroma of the tea.

http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com/2011/04/gathered-by-virgins-...