Why is English tea brown/murky?

[AUDIHenry]

I was watching "Wheeler Dealers" on YouTube and it seems Edd is drinking tea that is brown/opaque, almost like hot cocoa, and I've seen this before, too. What's the deal with this? Why is it so different than the "transparent" teas I'm used to?



English

vs.



The way I'm used to.

Please explain.

[dogbucket]

The clue is in the picture, and I dont mean the cream or jam

[pacman1]

It's brewed in a teapot so as not to be dissimilar in appearance to the cup in the second picture, then milk is added which turns it opaque brown. The cup in the first picture looks like it may have been in the pot too long and stewed. The addition of more hot water is needed.
English tea like PG Tips is stronger than other aromatic teas too.

[DickyC]

[AUDIHenry]

pacman1 said:

It's brewed in a teapot so as not to be dissimilar in appearance to the cup in the second picture, then milk is added which turns it opaque brown. The cup in the first picture looks like it may have been in the pot too long and stewed. The addition of more hot water is needed.
English tea like PG Tips is stronger than other aromatic teas too.

So, if I understand correctly, the tea and the hot water are in the same boiling pot, after which time it is poured out into a cup and then milk added? Is the tea bagged or is it loose? How much milk is added?

[DickyC]

There are two different experiences here; it's like the difference between a can of shandy and a pint of real ale.

It's all down to how strong you like your tea. If you like it strong, make it with lots of tea, let it it brew and enjoy the restorative hit.

For those more discerning moments, use a little (probably more expensive) tea, don't let it stew and enjoy the delicate flavour.

[Kermit power]

Is this really a thread asking why tea with milk in it looks different to tea without milk in it?

[DickyC]

Kermit power said:

Is this really a thread asking why tea with milk in it looks different to tea without milk in it?

It's about the general incomprehension of how or why a lot of Brits drink their tea so strong.

If the spoon doesn't stand up, it's not strong enough.

[Kermit power]

DickyC said:

Kermit power said:

Is this really a thread asking why tea with milk in it looks different to tea without milk in it?

It's about the general incomprehension of how or why a lot of Brits drink their tea so strong.

If the spoon doesn't stand up, it's not strong enough.

Not according to the pictures the OP has put up it isn't. The first picture has milk in the tea and the second one doesn't. They're going to look very different, regardless of how strong the brew is.

[AUDIHenry]

Kermit power said:

Is this really a thread asking why tea with milk in it looks different to tea without milk in it?

I've never had milk in my tea so the notion that I would automatically know what's in the first one is wrong.

[Gun]

Strong tea with no milk FTW.

[DickyC]

And now the move to complete irrelevance:

"A cup of tea with no sugar, please."

"We haven't got any sugar, you'll have to have no milk."

[Kermit power]

AUDIHenry said:

Kermit power said:

Is this really a thread asking why tea with milk in it looks different to tea without milk in it?

I've never had milk in my tea so the notion that I would automatically know what's in the first one is wrong.

Ah, well there you go then. The first picture you put up has milk in, and the second one doesn't. That's the difference.

Tea with milk in will range from insipid grey to dark brown depending on how strong the brew is, but it will always be cloudy, unlike tea without milk.

[voyds9]

Ah builders tea, wonderfully refreshing but leaves me so thirsty.

[silverthorn2151]

I spend a lot of my time on building sites, have done since the late 70's. As a result, anything wet, brown and warm in a mug hit's the spot, but without milk..........eeeuuuccchhh!

[DickyC]

Of the several theories regarding the Brits and milk in tea, the one I like is about sailors bringing bone china back from China in the ships bringing tea to England. Compared to the clunky pottery on English tables at the time, the fine Chinese cups and saucers were not only highly prized but also thought to be fragile. A splash of milk was put in the cup first to help preserve it against the hot tea.

[AUDIHenry]

DickyC said:

Of the several theories regarding the Brits and milk in tea, the one I like is about sailors bringing bone china back from China in the ships bringing tea to England. Compared to the clunky pottery on English tables at the time, the fine Chinese cups and saucers were not only highly prized but also thought to be fragile. A splash of milk was put in the cup first to help preserve it against the hot tea.

That's very interesting!

So how much milk do you lot put in your tea for the best taste?

[CatherineJ]

I have a lot of milk in my tea. I can't bear it with only a splash.

[DickyC]

Try 1 of milk to 10 of tea to begin with and see how it tastes.

I completely missed your original point and thought it was simply a strength issue.

"Regular" tea is drunk fairly strong with milk in the UK - some people even have sugar! The more delicate teas such as Earl Grey are drunk weaker and usually without milk.

You can make quite a passable delicate cup of tea with a common or garden teabag and just show it the water.

The Brits abroad are often appalled to receive an empty cup, a teabag and a jug of hot water. The chances of getting a "decent" cuppa out of that are nil.

[Saddle bum]

Only drink Green tea or Red Bush.