What Is a Dish of Tea?

It was a common occurrence in the Colonial era to receive an invitation to “share a dish of tea.” In 18th century Boston or Bath, a dish of tea referred to a teacup or tea bowl, containing black or green tea, placed on a saucer.

Tea for Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was an early “foodie” and his great passion for food and drink included Chinese teas, both black and green.   According to the archives of Monticello, Jefferson’s financial records and correspondence show consistent purchases of tea and provide valuable information about the kinds and amounts of tea he and his family drank. The few…