Advice from George Orwell
Seventy years ago this month, George Orwell wrote up 11 tips for making and consuming tea. Published under the title A Nice Cup of Tea in the January 12, 1946 edition of the Evening Standard, Orwell noted that “at least four [points] are acutely controversial.” That’s a bold claim!
So what does it take to make an Orwellian cup of tea? Read on.
A NICE CUP OF TEA BY GEORGE ORWELL
If you look up ‘tea’ in the first cookery book that comes to hand you will probably find that it is unmentioned; or at most you will find a few lines of sketchy instructions which give no ruling on several of the most
(Ed. note: a hob is a stove burner in this context. Depends a bit on what sort of pot you’re using whether it’s safe to put in on the burner!)
FOURTHLY
Fourthly, the tea should be strong. For a pot holding a quart, if you are going to fill it nearly to the brim, six heaped teaspoons would be about right. In a time of rationing, this is not an idea that can be realized on every day of the week, but I maintain that one strong cup of tea is better than twenty weak ones. All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes—a fact which is recognized in the extra ration issued to old-age pensioners.
FIFTHLY
Fifthly, the tea should be put straight into the pot. No strainers, muslin bags or other devices to imprison the tea. In some countries teapots are fitted with little dangling baskets under the spout to catch the stray leaves, which are supposed to be harmful. Actually one can swallow tea-leaves in considerable quantities without ill effect, and if the tea is not loose in the pot it never infuses properly.
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