Where did tea biscuits originate?

The origin of tea biscuits is a bit unclear, but it's likely they evolved from a combination of influences:

* Europe: The word "biscuit" itself originates from the Latin "bis coctus", meaning "twice baked". This hints at a European origin, and many European countries have their own versions of the "tea biscuit" concept, often with different names and ingredients.

* Colonial America: The early American colonies, with their close ties to Britain, readily adopted the biscuit concept, and tea biscuits likely developed as a simple, easily made, and affordable accompaniment to the increasingly popular beverage of tea.

* Asia: While not as direct, the influence of Asian baked goods, especially those from China, is worth considering. These could have influenced the use of spices and the overall "cookie-like" structure of early tea biscuits.

Ultimately, it's difficult to pinpoint a single "origin" for tea biscuits. They likely emerged from a combination of culinary traditions and the ever-growing popularity of tea as a social drink.