Norm in a teacup

Tea could well be termed the ultimate cosmopolitan beverage.

Though served in different styles across the world according to local traditions, it is consumed daily in most places, at any time of day, is in unbelievable demand and has loyal drinkers of all ages and social classes.

But what is the proper way of tea presentation?

Tanja Fuchs, manager of Lobby Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton, gives Unwind the rundown on the standards for serving tea:

What is the proper time to drink tea?

Tea is a drink that can be enjoyed any time of day.

Afternoon tea, along with sandwiches, scones and petit fours, should be served between lunch and dinner, so it provides a light snack without ruining the appetite for the evening meal.

What is tea-drinking etiquette and the correct tea ceremony?

Tea has become a part of many different cultures and tea ceremonies differ accordingly, depending on whether it is Japan, Morocco, China or Ireland.

The ceremony or tradition of afternoon tea was started in the early 1800s in England by Anna, the seventh duchess of Bedford.

At that time, the English ate only two meals a day — breakfast and dinner — so Anna began to prepare snacks accompanied by tea when she felt hungry in the afternoon.

The trend soon spread and grew into a popular tradition.
In the Dubai Ritz-Carlton afternoon-tea ceremony, first, the table is laid with linen, china and silver utensils.

Then, once a guest has chosen their preferred tea, the beverage is prepared in a china teapot and placed on a tea burner on the table so it remains hot.

The three-tiered course of sandwiches, scones and cakes is introduced after the tea has been served.

What is the normal size of a teacup?

A teacup is 3-1/4 inch to 3-3/4 inch in diameter and 2 inch to 2-1/2 in height.

It should weigh around four ounces and be either footed or flat in shape.

The footed cup is shaped like a pedestal at the bottom and fits into the indent of a saucer.

Flat cups also, usually, have a matching saucer but are flat at the bottom instead of being shaped.

Fine leaf teas, such as the Japanese green teas, are drunk from small glasses.

Should the teacup be bigger than a coffee pot?

The teapot is designed with a rounded lower body to ensure the tea leaves have room to expand during infusion.

The positioning of the spout allows tea to be poured without the leaves being interfered with.

A teacup is shallow and wider than a coffee mug, giving the beverage a chance to temper before drinking.

Demitasse cups and saucers are much smaller and are traditionally used for espresso or Turkish coffee.

What is the right size for a companion saucer?

A teacup is 3-1/4 inch to 3-3/4 inch in diameter and 2 inch to 2-1/2 inch in height.

Its companion saucer is usually 5-1/4 inch to 8-6/7 inch across.

It is the saucer on which the spoon is kept after the sugar has been stirred in. A used tea bag can also be kept on it.

Are there any sweets that need to be served with tea?

At the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, afternoon tea is incomplete without finger sandwiches, fresh scones, cakes and pastries.

A silver knife and fork, a china cup and a freshly laundered linen napkin add to the guests' enjoyment.

The table can also be set with exquisite antique porcelain.
Tea sandwiches are delicious but not meant to be filling.

They can be savoury or sweet and of various shapes. It is important that the bread be fresh and thin.

Tea sandwiches do not usually include meat unless it is ground or finely chopped.

Scones have been part of the afternoon tea ritual since the beginning of the 20th century.

Easily made if fresh ingredients are used, they may be served with jam, Devonshire cream or lemon curd.

Pastries and cakes are a light eat. Stay away from anything too messy. Presentation is also important.

Should only the teacup or both the teacup and the saucer be lifted when you are drinking tea?

If you are seated at a table, the proper way is to raise the teacup only, placing it back on the saucer after taking a sip.

If you are standing or are seated away from a table, never lift the teacup off the saucer when drinking.

Pick both up and lift the teacup only when the saucer is a short distance from the cup.

Should the tea be served with lemon, cream or honey? Or should they just be kept on the table?

Tea is a beverage that easily absorbs other flavours, so to add strong flavours such as lemon is to destroy the taste of tea.

However, many people drink tea with honey and lemon for medicinal reasons.

Strong teas, such as black tea, can be accompanied by milk but not cream, whereas green or herbal tea should remain unmixed.

It must be remembered that tea is a very personal choice and each person has his own preference.

While experts may recommend not using lemon or cream, the choice is up to the individual and a selection of milk, cream, honey and lemon should be available.

What is a tea party and what does it entail?

A tea party is basically afternoon tea in one's own home. It should be served between 2pm and 6pm — after lunch but early enough to not spoil dinner.

The menu should be simple — finger food is easy to prepare and serve.

The table should be set with appropriate plates, cups and linens.

Different varieties of tea should be available so guests can have their pick.

What are the types of tea and which is the most famous?

There are four main types of tea — white, green, oolong and black.

However, each comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. It is only the processing the leaves go through that determine which variety they will be.

White tea is the most delicate and probably the most potent of the lot.

It brews an airy aroma and has a somewhat fruity taste. It also has more powerful antioxidant properties than the others.

Its leaves, covered with tiny, fuzzy, whitish hairs which give it the name “white tea'', are picked before they mature.

Green tea, another popular variety, also offers health benefits.

Grown and highly consumed in both China and Japan, this itself has hundreds of varieties.

The oolong variety is somewhere between the green and the black types.

It has a sweet, floral and woody brew that comes from larger leaves.

Black tea, the most commonly consumed in the world, is the most processed of the four types.

It can be enjoyed with milk, sugar, honey or lemon and has a rich, earthy and malty taste.

This is the variety most consumed in an English breakfast, Earl Grey being the most well-known of the various types.