A Good Tea Deserves a Good Tea Caddy

A Good Tea Deserves a Good Tea Caddy

Do you use a tea caddy? More than just a humble container, a tea caddy is an essential part of the brewing process and can trace its roots back nearly 400 years. 

Today, the term tea caddy refers to a small storage container, which can be made from a wide variety of materials, including pottery, tin or wood. 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. 

Once seen as a status symbol by the tea drinking elite, the tea caddy has now become an essential storage item for any kitchen. Whether you prefer bags or loose leaf tea, it’s all about locking the flavours inside and keeping the tea dry. 

In today’s environmentally-friendly world, tea caddies have also become popular as they can be used again and again.

When did tea caddies originate?

Legend has it that the word “caddy” comes from the Malaysian term “kati”, which relates to a unit of weight (roughly a pound). Apparently, this was the standard measurement used by merchants who bought and sold tea by the kati. 

Tea first arrived on British shores from China during the 17^th century and with it came the authentic Chinese porcelain pots known as caddies. At first tea was a luxury only available in coffeehouses, but domestic caddies appeared in the 1700s as people started brewing at home. 

Known as ‘the tea boom’, it was a time when tea leaves were seen as precious cargo due to their high status and value. Hence tea caddies became a popular way to store and protect the tea.

Find your perfect tea caddy

Here at The UK Loose Leaf Tea Company, we always have a wide range of tea caddies in stock with something to suit every taste and budget. Find out more at https://theuklooseleafteacompany.co.uk/collections/tea-caddies