The Evolution of English Breakfast Tea

English Breakfast Tea holds a special place in the hearts and mugs of tea aficionados globally. Its extensive journey spans more than a century, marked by cultural shifts, royal influence, and changing tastes.

The original version of English Breakfast Tea emerged in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, crafted by the skilled hands of Scottish Tea Master Drysdale. Around the 1700s, this hearty blend made its way into English homes, gradually replacing the traditional morning ale with its invigorating aroma and soothing warmth.

The reign of Queen Anne likely played a significant role in popularizing tea as a morning beverage, laying the groundwork for Queen Victoria's era, during which the tea's reputation soared. Queen Victoria's affection for all things Scottish elevated the tea's status, cementing its place in English culture.

The journey to prominence for this tea also witnessed a shift in its branding. Initially known simply as "Breakfast Tea," savvy tea merchants in London seized the opportunity to rename it "English Breakfast Tea," leveraging national pride and identity.

At its essence, English Breakfast Tea comprises a blend of high-quality Indian and Chinese black teas, delivering a robust flavor and deep amber color. As time progressed, the blend evolved with the inclusion of Keemun tea, prized for its fruity undertones and toasty aroma. Today, modern variations may feature Assam, Ceylon, and African teas, ensuring a well-balanced mix of strength, flavor, and hue.

The hallmark of English Breakfast Tea lies in its distinctive qualities. With its full-bodied flavor and rich, malty scent, it pairs wonderfully with milk or a touch of lemon, accentuating its complexity. Moreover, its versatility extends beyond traditional brewing methods, with many enthusiasts enjoying it as a refreshing iced tea during warmer seasons.

In summary, the enduring appeal of English Breakfast Tea transcends boundaries, captivating tea enthusiasts worldwide with its rich history and undeniable allure. From its humble beginnings in Scottish tea rooms to its global recognition, this iconic blend continues to adapt, reflecting the evolving preferences and rituals surrounding tea consumption. As we raise our cups to honor this beloved beverage, we celebrate not only its taste but also the centuries-old legacy it embodies.
The Evolution of English Breakfast Tea

Flour milling in Britain

The first roller plants appeared in Britain in the 1860s and 1870s, brought by German and Austrian immigrants like G. A. Buchholz, Oscar Oexele, and Henry Simon.

Henry Simon was born in 1835 in Brieg, Germany, in the Prussian province of Silesia. He studied engineering at Zurich, practiced in Europe and went to Manchester, England in 1860.

Moving to the milling process proper, it was in 1878 that Henry Simon took 19 British millers, to Hungary to view the all steel roller-mill invention.

He then founded Henry Simon Ltd, built first roller-mill and introduced gradual roller-mill reduction ‘Simon System’ for McDougal Brothers. Simon’s system in the McDougall Brothers mills in Manchester, completed in 1878, was the first complete roller milliner system to make no use do stones at all.

Simon went on to become the most successful of milling engineers in Britain, supplying the bulk of new roller milling systems by the turn of the century. In 1881 he built the world’s first automatic Simon System mill in Chester.
Flour milling in Britain

Terry’s of York

The firm began in 1767 and was founded by Mr William Bayldon and Mr Robert Berry selling candied fruit peel to the citizens of York. Bayldon and Berry, combined their expertise as a grocer and an apothecary by using a tempting new arrival – sugar – to ‘sweeten their pills’.

In 1823, Joseph Terry married into the Berry’s niece and became a partner in the company, later establishing “Terry and Berry”. The business was renamed ‘Terry’s’ five years later when Robert left the business.

The site in Bishopthorpe Road remained the hub of Terry’s confectionery production in Britain until sadly it closed in 2005. At peak seasons over 700 people were employed at the plant to produce world-renowned delights such as Terry’s All Gold. Terry’s has operated under the ownership of Kraft Jacobs Suchard since 1993.

Frank Terry took over the business, along with his son Noel, after Joseph’s death in 1898. They established products such as Spartan, All Gold and Terry’s Chocolate Orange.
Terry’s of York

Founders of blueberry industry in United States

The cultivated blueberry industry has its root in the state of New Jersey, Elizabeth White a parents and grandfather were successful cranberry growers in areas of southeastern New Jersey known as Pine Barrens.

Prior to 1900, superior wild bushes were known to be cultivated, supplementing the wild harvested berries. 

Though the native Indians used the prolific fruit as a dye, enjoyed it in stew, combined it with venison in a dish they called pemmican, and dried it, it was a Elizabeth White who domesticated the wild blueberry. 

Before that Frederick V. Coville, selected and bred large-fruited cultivars after the turn of the century that form the foundation of today’s modern blueberry industry.

Dr. Frederick V. Coville, a botanist from the US Department of Agriculture began experimenting with blueberries in 1906.

In 1911, Elizabeth White read Dr. Coville’s publication describing the soil and climate conditions necessary to grow blueberries. The report titles “Experiments in Blueberry Culture’.

Elizabeth immediately recognized those characteristics as the same one existing in the Pine Barrens.

She then invited Dr. Coville to conducts his experiments at their family farm. Elizabeth made her mind and no one would stop her in her quest to tame the highbush blueberries.

Together Dr. Coville and Elizabeth selected plants from the wild and made thousands of crosses between the plants they had in their selections. Many of the highbush blueberry varieties either their selections or are direct descendents from their crosses. 
Founders of blueberry industry in United States