Winter Snow and Hot Water

Winter Snow and Hot Water

We Britons are big on weather – it’s the go to topic of discussion irrespective of whether we’re chatting with colleagues around the water cooler or family or friends, and it’s the safety topic when you’re chatting to strangers or people you’ve just met.

Discussing the weather isn’t just exclusively a British thing though – it’s pretty much a global go to safe topic around the world. If you’re a southern hemisphere dweller, you’ll invariably be moaning about the heat at the same time that the northern hemispherers will be complaining about the icy winds, the piles of snow, but wherever you reside, there’ll be a whole lot of weather talk going on.

Thing is though, often the weather isn’t really topical, it’s actually quite dull “Here, mate, seen the weather – 1 degree difference between yesterday and today – isn’t that something?” Well, actually, no  … it isn’t.

But, whatever our opinion about the topic of weather, there’s no denying it has a huge impact on our behavioural patterns; moods; what we eat; our travel patterns; clothing and what we drink.

F’r instance, in the summer months, we’re constantly on the lookout for the perfectly chilled water (perfectly understandable), but come the winter months, like now, with all the snow and brrr, there’s nothing better than a cuppa to stave off the chill, so you’re more likely to be on the lookout for a water boiler that can provide you with a constant hot water supply throughout the day.

Either way, even if you’re freezing your tootsies off trudging through the snow and all you can think about is a piping hot drink when you get inside, it’s worth keeping in mind that you’re just as likely to become dehydrated in winter as you are in summer, so by all means, drink those hot drinks, but balance out each hot drink with a drink of cold water and keep yourself fighting fit and healthy come rain, snow or shine.

Water Cooler, Water Boiler … Cuppa Tea

Water Cooler, Water Boiler … Cuppa Tea

There’s been some rather soggy weather in England this week – bit rude I’d say – it’s only October.

While you’re keeping warm indoors and contemplating life, the weather in general and how soaked you’ll get outdoors if you make a dash for it, here are a few thoughts that may make you beam with British pride; warm you up and intrigue your grey matter.

It was recently the 385th anniversary of tea in the UK.

They say that a cuppa cures all ills and they’re not far wrong – whether you’re using your hot water boiler or combination AquAid chiller/boiler in the office, or school or at home – or boiling water with the kettle at home – there’s very little that can’t be cured by the brew.

But a few years away from our four hundredth year of drinking tea, our knowledge may not be as encyclopaedic as we’d like to think it is! In celebration of this anniversary, a few facts and myth busters that may amuse or interest you:

How many cups a day?

More than 165,000,000 cups are being drunk in the UK every single day of the year.

Brits didn’t invent the tea bag

The tea bag was invented by a nation that is more associated with coffee – America.

Although there are some records of loose-leaf bags being used in ancient China, the first labour-saving teabag was created by US tea merchant Thomas Sullivan.

Tea breaks were invented by modern office workers

Tea breaks are actually a tradition which has been around for about two hundred years. Initially when workers commenced their day at around 5 or 6am, employers allowed a break in the morning when food and tea were served. Some employers repeated the break in the afternoon as well, according to The UK Tea and Infusions Association.

Between 1741 and 1820 industrialists, landowners and clerics tried to put a stop to the tea break maintaining that tea drinking and rest made working people slothful. Modern thinking couldn’t be further away from this – regular tea breaks can play a vital part in the day to help maintain a positive attitude towards work and a very necessary fluid intake.

And the best news of all;

Tea doesn’t go off

Take note though, if you leave your tea for a time, those little leaves won’t be as fresh after six months. The flavour may not suffer, but the brew will lose its antioxidants. The best way to preserve the efficacy of the antioxidants is by storing your tea in a sealed container in a dark, cool place.

If this weather keeps up, proper tea storage certainly won’t be hard.

If you’d like know more about AquAid water coolers and water boiler products, specials and our life saving charity partnerships, please *  e-mail or us on 0800 772 3003. We’d be delighted to assist you.