Teabread, also spelled as tea bread, is a delicious and easy-to-make cake that is traditionally served with a hot cup of tea. The word is pronounced /ˈtiːbrɛd/, with two syllables and the stress on the first syllable. The "tea" in "teabread" refers to the fact that it is usually served with tea, while "bread" refers to its cake-like consistency. The spelling of the word, with two separate words combined, is a common convention in English.
Teabread is a type of sweet, moist bread that is typically served with tea or as a snack. It is a traditional British baked good that originated in the 19th century. Teabread is known for its soft texture and delicious taste, often being infused with flavors such as dried fruits, spices, and sometimes nuts.
The base of teabread usually consists of simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, mixed together to form a thick batter. What sets teabread apart is the addition of various other ingredients that impart flavor and moisture. Common additions include raisins, sultanas, currents, chopped dates, and candied peels. These ingredients are often soaked in tea or fruit juice before being incorporated into the batter to enhance their taste and to create a more tender texture.
Teabread is typically baked in loaf tins, resulting in a rectangular-shaped bread that can be sliced into individual portions. It is often enjoyed with a spread of butter or can be served plain. The combination of its rich, fruity flavors and moist texture makes it a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a dessert.
Overall, teabread is a delectable baked good that offers a comforting and satisfying treat to enjoy with a warm cup of tea.
The word "teabread" is a compound noun formed by combining the words "tea" and "bread". Each component has its own etymology:
1. Tea: The word "tea" derives from the Chinese word "chá". It entered English through various languages, such as Dutch and Portuguese, in the late 16th century. The Chinese term "chá" originally referred specifically to a particular kind of tea sourced from the Amoy dialect spoken in the Fujian Province. However, it eventually came to encompass all types of tea in English.
2. Bread: The word "bread" comes from the Old English word "brēad", which can be traced back to the Germanic root *brauds. This word has cognates in other Germanic languages like German "Brot" and Dutch "brood".