That means not Ovaltine, Bournvita, Milo, or any other cocoa or malted drink that we generally referred to as tea in Nigeria. By tea, we mean what is generally referred to as Lipton, which though is a brand of tea is what an average Nigerian calls tea.
Tea as a beverage is not really a very popular drink as such. You are most likely to find it among those “watching their weight” aka dieting as opposed to a beverage that is enjoyed for its own sake. Moreover, most of us here are only exposed to instant tea that we just put into a cup and then infuse in some hot water.
The present writer is not by any imagination a tea connoisseur; just someone who loves her cuppa and would try any variety of tea she comes across, at least once. As far as instant tea is concerned the writer’s favourites are lime favoured are chamomile tea. I don’t like Tetley’s Blend of Both that is ostensibly a blend of 78% black and 22% green tea. In the writer’s opinion, it’ leaves a kind of a bitter taste in the mouth but it kinda grows on you with time. Safe to say I’m not in a hurry to buy it again anytime soon, perhaps I will when it’s on sale but I digress.
So I love tea (and coffees by the way) and was understandably excited when I saw this article on how to make the perfect cuppa as per George Orwell. Yes, that same George Orwell and I’m sharing the points of the article with you just because I’m selfless and love sharing knowledge.
Orwell reportedly noted the 11 point instructions in an essay he penned in 1946 titled: A Nice Cup of Tea. I think some of the suggestions are bits of idiosyncrasies, but hey, each of us has some sort of peculiarities, or don’t you think so? Nevertheless, it’s fair to say that I’ll be trying out his suggestions, asap as well.
George Orwell, A Nice Cup of Tea, 1946
First of all, one should use Indian or Ceylonese tea.
Secondly, tea should be made in small quantities – that is, in a teapot.
Thirdly, the pot should be warmed beforehand.
Fourthly, the tea should be strong.
Fifthly, the tea should be put straight into the pot.
Sixthly, one should take the teapot to the kettle and not the other way about.
Seventhly, after making the tea, one should stir it.
Eighthly, one should drink out of a good breakfast cup — that is, the cylindrical type of cup.
Ninthly, one should pour the cream off the milk before using it for tea.
Tenthly, one should pour tea into the cup first.
Lastly, tea – unless one is drinking it in the Russian style -should be drunk without sugar.
Wow thanks for the tips George