A tea caddy is a box, jar, canister, or other receptacle used to store tea. … The earliest examples that came to Europe were of Chinese porcelain, and approximated in shape to the ginger-jar. They had Chinese-style lids or stoppers, and were most frequently blue and white. Until about 1800 they were called tea canisters.
Moreover, does tea need to be stored airtight?
Always keep your tea sealed in an airtight container that blocks out all light. Glass jars are not acceptable for tea storage because sunlight over time damages the leaves. Keep the tea in a dark and cool place, like a shelf or drawer out of the sunlight. Sunlight will create heat, subtly changing your teas’ flavor.
Regarding this, how do you use a tea caddy?
Antique tea caddies are highly sought by collectors, especially the most beautiful silver and china examples. Why do you need a tea caddy? By sealing tea in a caddy, you are preserving the taste of your favourite brew. Pop open the lid, smell the aroma and enjoy the perfect cuppa each and every time.
How was tea stored in 1700s?
Tea Storage – Late 17th to mid 18th Century
“tea boxes” were being advertised by cabinetmakers. These tea boxes were designed to hold canisters in wood or metal. As tea was a valuable commodity, tea boxes came with lock and key, lest the tea be pilfered.
What is a tea caddy spoon?
A caddy spoon is a spoon used for measuring out tea in the form of dried tea leaves. Traditionally made of silver, they were in common use in the 19th century, when tea was a more expensive commodity.
What were tea caddies lined with?
Caddies of this period were commonly lined with a tin lead alloy called “tea pewter”. Internal lids were often unfixed so that they dropped onto the tea surface to keep it fresher.
Why is a tea caddy called a caddy?
Where Does the Caddy Get Its Name? The term ‘caddy’ is derived from the Chinese word ‘catty’, a Chinese pound, which is a unit of weight equivalent to 600 grams. This is also the measurement by which tea used to be sold. The English picked up the word and started using the word caddy to mean a container for tea.