Lady Patricia Farmer, book Playboy Swings! I reviewed several years ago, is now back with a delightful and informative new book, Tea Under the Palms: From Leaf to Kettle, a History of Tea and the Art of a Proper Tea Party.
Farmer began her love of tea when she visited the Palm Court in New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel with her mother to partake in tea. Though Farmer was only seven at the time, it was from that moment, she began a love with tea, not just as a drink, but as a culture and an imperative part of society, too.
Tea Under the Palms, is divided into several chapters. Chapter One starts with the beginnings of tea in China B.C. and the drink traveling to parts of Europe. I was surprised to find out tea became popular in France before it became popular in England. Before she lost her head, Marie Antoinette was a big fan of tea. Farmer then goes into great detail about the growing, harvesting, and creating of tea, which is an arduous process if you want premium. Tea pluckers in China are often women because of their petite builds. And they are often forbidden to eat certain foods because it may foul their palate.
Farmer also gives us the characteristics of various teas-green, black, oolong, and white, which interestingly enough all come from the same plant. It is during the different processing of these tea leaves, they gain their unique qualities to suit tea drinkers diverse tastes. And for those visually-inclined, Farmer includes an illustration of the tea processing method.
Now how do we prepare tea. Granted, some people just stick a tea bag in a mug of water and then heat it up in the microwave. Oh, no! There is a much more involved, and elegant way to prepare one’s tea, which I think would make someone more appreciative of this drink. And Farmer kindly includes in preparing a proper tea service within the pages of Tea Under the Palms.
You’ve heard of high tea and low tea, but what does that exactly mean? I have to admit, I thought it was a class thing, high tea meant for the upper classes and the very rich, and low tea for us lowly schlubs. But no. Farmer informs us that high tea is served at a table surrounded by chairs and low tea is usually served where people sit on low chairs or couches. And at both high and low teas, food is often served.
Yes, food. Farmer tells us about what kind of delicacies go best with a tea service. Three-tiered trays are often used in tea services, and they often various types of food. Tea drinkers start with the lowest tray, which includes scones or small muffins. The middle tray is laden with finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off and cut into triangles. And the top tier consists of delicious sweets and pastries (Farmer admits this is her favorite tier). The goodies may include miniature eclairs, tarts, and petit fours.
And of course, there is an certain etiquette one most follow at a tea service. Sure, you can slouch on your couch while watching something on Netflix while drinking some Celestial Seasonings chamomile tea. But at a tea service one must be on his or her best behavior and fortunately, Farmer spills the tea on how properly conduct oneself at a tea service.
If you want to know how to make the perfect pot of tea, Tea Under the Palms has the answer. Farmer also informs us the difference between tea bags and loose tea, and why she’s more of a fan of the latter. She talks of milk’s place in the drinking of tea, the use of a saucer, and other interesting tea service tidbits.
One of my favorite chapters in Tea Under the Palms was about the various tea rooms and services throughout the Globe. Of course, one of Farmer’s favorites is the Palm Court at the Plaza, but she also mentions Salon Proust at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, Sketch in London England, and The Tea House on Los Rios in San Juan Capistrano, California. All of these places have their own unique and style that should appeal to any tea drinker.
I got curious about places that have tea services here in Milwaukee, so I did a bit of sleuthing. I found out the very posh and elegant Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee has an afternoon tea service at its Blu Cocktail Lounge. I may have to try it out one of these days. And one of my favorite coffee/tea houses, Rochambo, has an excellent selection of tea. It’s not quite as fancy as the Pfister, but its artsy, bohemian vibe is loved by many living on Milwaukee’s east side.
Tea Under the Palms was such an interesting book to read. Though I have been drinking tea for years, I learned so much from Farmer’s extensive knowledge and experience with this classic beverage loved all over the world. The illustrations and photographs that are throughout Under the Palms are quite stunning and the perfect touch. And for the foodies out there, Farmer provides a plethora of tasty and easy-to-follow recipes to make your tea service top-notch!
If you’re new to the drink of tea or a long-time connoisseur, you will love Lady Patricia Farmer’s Tea Under the Palms: From Leaf to Kettle, a History of Tea and the Art of a Proper Tea Service.
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