During this summer, a collaboration between a travel company and a tea brand aimed to address a long-standing issue faced by British vacationers.
Following extensive research, testing, and consumption of over a thousand cups of tea, On the Beach and Lancashire Tea introduced a new teabag designed to resolve the common complaint that holiday tea never quite matches the taste of home.
A prevalent dilemma many encounter is the disappointment of finding subpar tea options, like Lipton’s, and UHT milk in holiday destinations such as Spain, France, or Portugal, resulting in a less-than-satisfactory cup of tea despite efforts to salvage the experience.
According to tea expert Jane Pettigrew, the disparity in tea quality between British preferences and European offerings is influenced by historical tea preferences shaped by colonial legacies. British tea drinkers tend to favor strong, Indian or African black tea blends, while European countries gravitate towards milder, blended teas from regions like Indonesia and Vietnam.
Another key factor contributing to the difference in tea taste is the milk used. Brits traditionally add milk to their tea, a practice stemming from the colonial history of sourcing tea from regions like India and Sri Lanka. In contrast, French tea preferences, influenced by Chinese-style teas from former colonies, lean towards lighter, unsweetened varieties.
Despite Brits’ strong preference for their familiar tea blends, many still find the need to bring their own teabags while traveling, as indicated by a survey conducted by On the Beach, with 66% of British tea drinkers admitting to carrying teabags on holiday.
In addition to tea bag preferences, the quality of water used for brewing tea also significantly impacts the taste. Water quality, influenced by factors like limescale and chlorine content, can alter the aroma and flavor of tea. Jane recommends using filtered water to enhance the tea brewing experience, especially in areas with hard water that can affect the tea’s appearance and taste.
To overcome tea taste discrepancies while traveling, Jane advises investing in a water filter and opting for loose-leaf tea to ensure a satisfying cup of tea tailored to personal preferences.
Ultimately, the distinct taste of continental European tea to British palates is a result of cultural and historical tea preferences, highlighting the importance of considering both tea selection and water quality for a delightful tea experience.
Regarding the collaborative teabag from On the Beach and Lancashire Tea, personal experience testing the product in Sicily confirmed its ability to brew a satisfactory cup of tea, although not revolutionary.