2006-07-27 01:14:04 · 12 answers · asked by grapeshenry 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Please note the "proper". This is an etiquette question.
2006-07-27 03:28:06 · update #1
It's really fairly simple. The tradition of putting the milk in first developed because formal, high tea was served in delicate bone china cups. There was a danger of the cups cracking when hit by the hot tea. The cold milk protected the cups.
If you use delicate cups of any kind (antique, fine china, etc.) you should put the milk in first to protect your investment. Otherwise, the person pouring chooses which goes in first.
By the way, anyone who uses etiquette to make themselves appear superior and others feel inferior is making the worst etiquette blunder of all.
2006-07-27 03:14:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think putting the milk in first and then pouring the tea makes the milk spread throughout the tea better and cancels out the need for a spoon to stir. It also prevents milk splashing and overflow. However I would say only put it in first if you know how strong the tea is that you are going to pour.
2006-07-27 10:47:33 · answer #2 · answered by Double 709 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My understanding is it's a class thing. Middle class put the milk in first, upper class put it in after. I got that from watching the director's commentary on Gosford Park, because there was a scene in there where the lady of the manor corrected a police detective who was about to pour it "wrong."
Personally, I put the milk in first if I'm in a hurry (because then I don't have to stir it), but after if I'm not in a hurry (as I like to watch the patterns the milk makes as it roils in the bottom of the tea). Silly, but that's just my little quirk.
2006-07-27 09:05:33 · answer #3 · answered by locolady98 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the old MIF question! I was told, though whether the source is believable, I don't know, that it has something to do with the quality of the porcelain used to make the cup, though having typed that, it seems to me to be rubbish! there is definately a taste difference, but as most people now brew their tea in the cup and not a pot, you should definately put the milk in last!
2006-07-27 08:36:11 · answer #4 · answered by rami #1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's an English tradition. Therefore do it like them. Tea first before milk. but for me i prefer my tea w/ out sugar or milk. Green tea anyone? It's a good antioxidant.
2006-07-27 08:50:22 · answer #5 · answered by rosieC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it has to do with taste. Something about the milk getting scorched. I like my tea with a little milk.
2006-07-27 08:19:59 · answer #6 · answered by marie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tea first, and then milk or lemon. It's the way The Queen does it!
2006-07-27 14:08:21 · answer #7 · answered by Kitty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, tea with milk is very English, maybe people doesn't like English, that's all. I like tea both ways...
2006-07-27 08:18:16 · answer #8 · answered by clovisfleischhund 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
people who put the milk in first don't know the strenght of the tea therefore they drink pot luck, whereas people who put it in 2nd know that they will drink what they have made to perfection
2006-07-27 08:18:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I put the milk in first so that I don't have to stir.
2006-07-27 08:30:34 · answer #10 · answered by Think.for.your.self 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋