Afternoon Tea Trivia Quiz

Answer: No

"High Tea" is a more substantial meal eaten much later in the day, usually after a day at work. As an expression it is rarely used having been replaced, depending upon where you live, with supper, dinner, evening meal or just plain tea.

The "High" part of the name may have come from the higher chairs used when sitting at a table to eat the meal.

"Afternoon Tea" was a traditionally a light snack to keep one going until the full meal eaten much later in the day. It originated in the upper classes.

Answer: 4 o'clock

"Afternoon Tea" is traditionally taken between four and six o'clock. The maid would not set the time. Drinking tea can take place all through the day, and often does, but the light meal that one stops for is between these hours only.

Answer: True

Al Goodhart, Al Hoffman and Maurice Sigler, all New Yorkers, collaborated to write "Everything Stops For Tea" for the British movie "Come Out of the Pantry" and the song was originally sang by Jack Buchanan.

In 1972, the song was a track on the album of the same name by folk/blues singer John Baldry.

Answer: "Afternoon Tea" is a lot lighter

Both teas are usually blends of black tea from India, China or Ceylon. Each Tea House uses their own blend, but the "Breakfast Tea" is always a lot stronger and less delicate on the palate. "Afternoon Tea" should not be too strong, just a delicate and fragrant accompaniment to whatever is on your plate.

Answer: China cups allow the tea to cool properly and releases the fragrance

Over the years I have listened to and read of the great China tea cup debate. The only way to prove that tea does taste better out of a China cup is to do a taste test. I did so and agree that the finer the bone China, the better the tea tastes.

Various explanations have been put forward, but the one most often used is that the cups are shaped to release the fragrance of the tea as the liquid cools. In my opinion, a chunky mug does not position the nose and mouth correctly to allow one to appreciate the taste and aroma together.

Answer: Crust-less sandwiches

Crust-less cucumber sandwiches are the traditional food for "Afternoon Tea". Other sandwich fillings may be used, but remember the maxim, "Less is More".

Beans on toast, fish and chips and Toad-in-the-hole are all perfect foods in their own rights, but not acceptable for a traditional "Afternoon Tea".

Answer: Strawberry tartlet

A Strawberry tartlet is perfect for "Afternoon Tea". A tiny disk of pastry with a smidgen of creamy topping and strawberries under a glaze to top it off.

The true Cornish pastie is far too substantial. The pork pie is a solid food and nowhere near delicate enough. Apple pie and custard is a wonderful pudding or dessert, but has no place in the traditional "Afternoon Tea".

Answer: No

Spotted Dick is a traditional English pudding or dessert, usually served with custard. The original recipe was for a suet based sponge, although there are lighter versions available. I was brought up to believe that Spotted Dick was a fruit filled delight and was upset to find that there are chocolate versions out there too. What will the world think of next?

Answer: Devon and Cornwall

The "Cream Tea" originated in the south west of England, but can now be had all over the country. The main variation between the Devon and Cornwall versions is that in Devon, two layers of cream are used in the warmed scone, but only one is used in Cornwall.

In this version of "Afternoon Tea" you just have tea and scones along with the fillings of clotted cream and strawberry jam. Occasionally you would have a small pot of butter too.

Answer: False

Although many beverages are known as tea, technically speaking any version that does not include tea from a tea plant is just an infusion. Examples include Peppermint, Chamomile and Blackcurrant which are all known as tea.

Other beverages that are now offered as part of "Afternoon Tea" have never been considered as tea and these include such diverse drinks as coffee and Champagne.