Or things Yanks do different than Brits!
What do we do different from each other across the pond? Let’s explore…
Of course we do things differently on either side of the pond, not drastic, just different! You decide which way sounds better or more convenient to you…
Now in previous posts, I’ve posted what Brits do well ~ not necessarily different…
https://yankeebrit.blog/2023/01/26/things-the-brits-do-well-enjoy/
I’ve also posted about words that are different from Yank country to Brit country ~ three separate times!!
https://yankeebrit.blog/2023/01/13/yank-vs-brit-words/
https://yankeebrit.blog/2023/01/24/yank-vs-brit-words-part-ii/
https://yankeebrit.blog/2023/02/02/yank-vs-brit-words-part-iii/
Now let’s talk about some things that Yanks and Brits do very differently across the pond!
Eggs ~ at the grocery store and in homes, the Brits do not keep eggs in the fridge (as Yanks do)! The first times I went grocery shopping I couldn’t find the eggs! I looked where I expected them to be, in the dairy section of course, right alongside the milk and cheese. When I asked, I was directed to an aisle, where the eggs are simply kept in cartons on the shelf. So of course I researched why????
Yank egg producers focus on preventing contamination, specifically salmonella, from the outside. They are required by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) to thoroughly wash the eggs before they go to market. The eggs are rinsed in hot water, dried and sprayed with a chlorine mist (sound yummy?) almost as soon as they’re laid.
In England, producers instead vaccinate laying hens to prevent the transmission of salmonella. They then rely on a thin, naturally occurring coating called the cuticle, to prevent any contamination from the outside of the shell penetrating to the egg.
British authorities actually discourage refrigerating eggs on the theory that chilling and then warming could create condensation, which would allow salmonella to penetrate the shell.
I’ve also heard that when you refrigerate eggs, they can pick up other flavors and odors from other items in the fridge–like garlic, onions, etc. Who knew??
Condiments ~ most folks in Brit country don’t store condiments in the fridge, even after opening! I have always stored everything in the fridge once it has been opened when I was in Yank country, and I still do here in Brit country.
Mayonnaise-in the cupboard (63% of Brits don’t refrigerate mayo even after opening). Ketchup, about the same! I’ve learned that both of these condiments have vinegar, which helps preserve the ketchup and mayo at room temperature, due to their natural acidity. It is said folks may refrigerate these items for quality of taste, rather than preventing spoilage, as keeping a jar of mayonnaise outside of the fridge in direct sunlight can cause it to turn brown. Hmmm….brown mayo does not sound appealing! Mustard too! Refrigerating yellow mustard will help maintain its flavor, but it doesn’t contain any ingredients that spoil.
With all of that said, over 3 million Brits store their crisps (potato chips) in the fridge. Why??!! It is said they stay fresher, though some folks just like the taste of cold crisps!
Personally…I think I’d rather keep my mustard, ketchup and mayo refrigerated than crisps (potato chips).
Bed Spreads ~ In the states, at least in my neck of the woods, we always had bed spreads. You know, that heavy type blanket thing that matched the decor of the room and gets pulled down at night as it’s only for decoration!! In Brit country, most folks use “duvets” (comforters), with duvet covers. They have all different weights, for spring, summer, winter, etc. And the duvet cover comes off for easy washing. I do have to say, I much prefer the duvets. The different weights for different seasons is great, as is being able to wash the cover easily!
Grocery Stores ~ This one takes some getting used to! The clerks at the grocery stores don’t bag your purchases!! So, you empty out your full grocery cart (trolley), put everything on the conveyor, and the clerk simply scans everything. You, the shopper/buyer, are tasked with bagging it all yourself! And, if you don’t bring your own bags, they will cost you from 5-10 pence (cents) per bag!. Now, I know in Yank country, some states are charging for plastic bags as a way to reduce plastic usage, but for the most part, stores in the states provide not only the bags, but also provide the clerks to do the bagging for you! There have been times when I haven’t even finished emptying out my cart (trolley), and the baggage area is over flowing, waiting for me to start bagging! Okay–not the end of the world, but when you’re not expecting it, it can throw you for a loop!
Air Conditioners ~ most homes, and even hotels, do not have AC’s. Now generally, England doesn’t have the extreme wether patterns that we have in the states. However, this past summer we did get some pretty warm temps, like in the 80’s. We traveled to visit some family and stayed for a night at a local hotel. Let me tell you, no AC in 80 degree weather is tough!
Speed Cameras ~ I’m not talking radar guns here. I’m talking cameras on roads that measure your speed, or can capture if you pop through a red light! On some highways (dual or triple carriageways), there are cameras that measure your average speed, preventing drivers from speeding from camera to camera. These cameras actually measure the amount of time it should take you to get form point A to point B on the highway (carriageway), and if you reach point B sooner than you should, then you’re speeding! The cameras capture your license plate number and a fine/ticket will be popped in the mail, right to your door! Quite different from Yank country, where a policeman sits on the side of the road with a radar gun, reads your speed, and gives chase to present the offender with a ticket.
Just a few helpful hints on differences that are not critical, but just being aware can make any holiday, vacation, or relocation that much easier!
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