our guide to the perfect cream tea
OUR GUIDE
over 100 years of expertise
There seems to be a lot of different opinions floating around about the best way to conduct a cream tea. We, however, have well over a hundred years of expertise on our side, and so present the following as the definitive guide to cream teas.
A bit of history
orgins of the cream tea
Pepys first mentions tea-drinking in his diary entry, but it was Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles II who popularised it. Fed up with having nothing to do whilst the men were off hunting and drinking, she began inviting friends to her boudoir for afternoon tea. Later, the wonderful duch*ess of Bedford continued this proud tradition, but changed the serving time to 4pm and preferred to sip it in the drawing room.
THE PERFECT SCONE
according to research
We even have a study conducted by the University of Sheffield to back this bit up, so listen carefully.
According to their research on the perfect cream tea, your scone should be 4-7cm in diameter and the jam should be spread on first (very important!), leaving a space around the edge. Finally the clotted cream should sit proudly on the top.
We naturally knew all this already, but it’s nice to have it scientifically backed up.
They even created a handy formula to follow to ensure your cream tea is absolutely perfect.
1. Etiquette
to begin
Correct etiquette is an essential part of any truly Cornish cream tea. But don’t worry, we’ll help you through the process.
2. A cup of tea
brewing the tea
First, you’ll want to brew your, ideally loose-leaf, tea in an ornate silver pot. Remember to provide a second pot of fresh, hot water so your guests can dilute any overbrewed tea. The person nearest the pot should pour for everyone, so if you’re clumsy, make sure that it’s not you.
3. Handling the mug
the perfect tea
The tea should be poured in first, followed by milk and sugar. Once you’ve stirred, place your spoon on your saucer – leaving it in the cup would be most uncouth – and hold the cup handle between your thumb and forefinger – no outstretched little fingers, please.
4. Now for the scone
perfect preparation
You’ll need to split your scone in half (by breaking, not cutting), then spread your jam before dolloping some clotted cream on top. Oh, and never use whipped cream; it’s utterly improper.
National Cream Tea day
charitable cream teas
Rodda’s also work in partnership with Tiptree Jam to run The Cream Tea Society Each year both organisations donate up to 50,000 portions of Cornish clotted cream tea and jam, to help charity event organisers on their way. All you need to provide is the place, the people, the plates and of course plenty of scones. You can apply for your charity cream tea pack through our Cream Tea Society website.
good deEds
community spirit & charity
There’s nothing like coming together to enjoy a cream tea whilst raising money for a good cause . If you are looking to host an event to raise money, or would like to get in touch about Rodda’s
cream tea society
join us
Rodda’s and Tiptree invite you celebrate National Cream Tea Day 2020! Join the celebration online this year, as we encourage people to get together through social media to enjoy a cream tea.
