A saucer is a type of small dishware. While in the Middle Ages a saucer was used for serving condiments and sauces, currently the term is used to denote a small plate or shallow bowl that supports a cup usually one used to serve coffee or tea.
Why do people drink tea from a plate?
In the 18th century, especially in Victorian society, it was common for one to pour tea or coffee into the saucer and sip it from the little plate itself. The wider surface area allowed the beverage to cool faster, while coffee in the cup remained hot until the drinker was ready for more.16 Jul 2015
Why did people used to drink tea out of a saucer?
By pouring tea into a saucer rather than a cup, it cooled more quickly and saved precious time. Saucers were also preferred by the labouring classes because they were perfect for balancing a biscuit on the corner.17 Apr 2016
What are the cup plates called?
crockery
What is a cup and saucer set called?
A teacup is a cup for drinking tea. It is usually part of a set, composed of a cup and a matching saucer or a trio that includes a small cake or sandwich plate.
What is a teacup plate called?
saucer Add to list Share. A saucer is a small, rounded dish that sits beneath a tea or coffee cup. Other kinds of saucers include objects with a similar round shape — like a flying saucer. Saucers that live under cups are useful for catching drips from and protecting the table.
Why are they called saucers?
A saucer is a small, rounded dish that sits beneath a tea or coffee cup. The very earliest saucers were small sauce dishes, and the word stems from the Latin salsus, or "sauce."
Why is tea served with a saucer?
A saucer is a type of small dishware. Some people pour the hot tea or coffee from the cup into the saucer; the increased surface area of the liquid exposed to the air increases the rate at which it cools, allowing the drinker to consume the beverage quickly after preparation.
Why is tea served in China cup?
But he said the smooth surface of a china cup or mug made not only keeps the natural tannins in the tea from sticking to the side, but the sounds, such as the teaspoon clinking against its hard surface were 'comforting'. 'You want a smooth, impervious surface, you don't want cup to bind the tannins.7 Jun 2013
Why is there a cup and saucer?
Saucers were originally utilized for tea service in the 17th century Europe when drinking tea became a fashionable pastime. The tea drinkers would pour their tea into saucers to cool it thereby creating a dish of tea. Eventually, cups and saucers were made to match and that is how the the two utensils became a pair.