This Mothering Sunday, let's rewind the clock and see where the delicious tradition of Afternoon Tea began and how we can still celebrate it, even through the most challenging of times.
Henry James famously said:
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea”
And I couldn’t agree more.
As we hurtle towards the one-year anniversary of the first UK lockdown being put into place, I am becoming acutely aware of the skills I have developed in the past year – particularly flexibility. I’m, sadly, not talking about physical flexibility - the Youtube yoga has not been on my side and I still have about as much flexibility as a wooden spoon! But the kind of flexibility that is encompassed by the willingness to adapt to change. Our lives have completely changed and, as a consequence, we have adapted to this new way of living.
One of the most difficult things we have had to adapt to is not seeing our loved ones. With the second Mother’s Day in lockdown in sight, this might be one of the most difficult days yet. I’m really close to my Mum, so not seeing her is really difficult. She has done so much for me and I can safely say that she is one of my best friends – so I take every chance I can to celebrate her. One thing we love to do, when we can, is to have afternoon tea together -particularly on Mother’s Day.
The history of afternoon tea is something I hadn’t thought much of until recently. Alex and I had been discussing Bridgerton on our podcast (Or Shall We Have Tea First) - as I’d read an article about a mass increase of afternoon tea set sales - and it just dawned on me that I didn’t know where the culture of having afternoon tea came from.
The Culture of Afternoon Tea
It’s become very popular to have afternoon tea at a swish bar or café, however, the origins of afternoon tea actually reside in the home. It was first introduced to English society (well, high-class society) by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, in the mid-19th Century. The story goes that she got hungry between lunch and dinner (I don’t know about you, but I completely sympathise) and she would have tea, bread and butter and cake at around 4 pm. In time, she started inviting friends to join her and therein afternoon tea became a British staple!
Look at that for adaptability - you’ve got to be well versed in this skill to make your snack time into an event, right?
Adaptability in our time, however, calls for the use of technology. We’ve all been partaking in a momentous number of online quizzes, online catch-ups and having to have our tea and cake at home. This Mother’s Day, we can’t go out for our Afternoon Tea, but how about we have it as it started with Anna – at home.
You could even sip on some special cake inspired tea!
So invite Mum for a modern-day chit-chat on video call and taste some delicious afternoon tea treats at the same time. Just like these delicious, yet healthy, blends from SaChasi.
Frosted Carrot Cake
Who could resist a slice of carrot cake? Very few. And this loose-leaf version is made without any nuts, but still carries that unique wholesome flavour, thanks to the adaptable and delicious mesquite powder. This gluten-free, nut-free and caffeine-free blend is great for everyone to enjoy.
Inspire the first choice of your afternoon sips by clicking here.
Hazelnut Mocha Sponge
If you are, however, a fan of the wholesome hazelnut with a kick of caffeine, this twist on a mocha sponge is perfect. This black tea is wrapped in raw cacao, a superfood with a naturally high caffeine content and delectable chocolatey flavour. Planning on spending a while with your beloved mum? Then re-boil the kettle and get this coffee-meets-praline flavour brewing, by clicking here.
Super Berry Brownies
Seeing who can nab the corner slice from a tray of brownies is a family tradition in itself, is it not? This contemporary green tea twist will raise that experience and have everyone wanting a cup! Made with a tantalising blend of raw cacao and the mighty Schisandra berry, even the most health-conscious will be able to indulge in this beautiful infusion. Begin your next conversation with this cuppa by clicking here.
Red Velvet Cupcake
Nothing says love like a Red Velvet Cupcake. So why not finish off the virtual afternoon tea with this uniquely spongey blend? It's as good as it sounds. Add it to your tea tray by clicking here.
Still want more inspiration? Then head to sachasiblends.com and view all of the tempting assortments. There's something for everyone. Wherever you are this Mother’s Day, raise a cup for your wonderful mum.