The Cream Tea and Afternoon Tea: An Old Tradition

The true history of a traditional cream tea is something that many people can get quite heated about – whether it originated in Devon or Cornwall, as well as the ‘correct’ way to put the jam and the cream onto the scone is an argument that endures to this day!

What can be agreed on is the fact that both Devon and Cornwall are well known for their traditional cream teas, and it is widely agreed that if you are in the area, it is something that you must experience for yourself.

Afternoon Tea at Home

Nowadays, you don’t even have to leave the house to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea – companies like this https://www.afternoonteabox.com/ can send afternoon tea boxes straight to your door so that you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home.

The Origins of Afternoon Tea

Traditionally, afternoon tea was enjoyed between lunch and dinnertime, as the gap between these was a long time to go without eating. Introduced by the Duchess of Bedford, it quickly became part of the social scene for the upper classes and also something that people in other regions outside of London enjoyed.

A West Country Tradition

In the West country, cream and jam were both easily obtainable being a rural farming area, and so the scones with jam and cream became the traditional food of the region, which it is still well known for to this day. For many people, a trip to Devon or Cornwall is not complete without a cream tea still!

Summary

This article looks at the traditions behind cream tea and afternoon tea. It covers the Devon versus Cornwall debate and the argument over jam and cream order, the Duchess of Bedford’s role in popularising afternoon tea, and why scones, jam and cream became staples of the West Country. It also mentions afternoon tea boxes delivered to your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the cream tea originate?

It is disputed whether it began in Devon or Cornwall, though both are known for it.

Who introduced afternoon tea?

The article credits the Duchess of Bedford, and it became part of upper-class social life.

Why is cream tea linked to the West Country?

Cream and jam were easy to obtain in the rural farming area, so scones with jam and cream became a regional tradition.