For all the intent of my wishing to write a blog on a favorite recipe for tea in the Regency, I did not locate one; rather, I saw the hostess would blend the tea to her taste. That did not help me decide what one to try, so to the kitchen gardens I went. I quickly recognized why this was not just improbable but impossible without a written record of a mistress’ household blend. As that is the case, I used my research from my former blogs at Always Austen, The Garden Most Valuable and He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not!
If the hostess preferred her teas fragrant, she might add rosehips or lavender as her staple ingredient. Did she want chamomile in her tea, or did she prefer hibiscus? Any of these as the basis of her tea would make a floral and colorful blend to serve. But no tea is one ingredient, and what might she add to that? She may have chosen dandelion, milk thistle, or sunflower petals.
And there were many other ingredients in the kitchen garden. Should the mistress know one of her guests had bad breath (given my understanding of oral hygiene after writing the blog If Regency-era Dentists Did Not Recommend Brushing Twice a Day, They Should Have! it is likely), she might choose a mint blend on those days that guest was expected to call. Ginger has always been a root that is used to settle the stomach, and rosemary is a fragrant and flavorful herb in any measure.
For a more flavor-rich and or fanciful blend, she might have also included dried fruit such as lemon, apple, orange, or even berries.
While glad I can find teas to my taste in the grocery aisle or can purchase many of these ingredients at a market, why blend my own? I think that if everyone in a neighborhood were to blend their own tea today, we would experience the same as they did in the Regency, as none would taste the same even were the same ingredients were used.
I’d try my hand at making this blend:
- Chamomile
- Dried orange pieces
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
And though I cannot say it would not take some practice, I think it would make a perfect treat for an afternoon of reading. What would you blend in your stillroom?
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