Earl Grey Tea is arguably the most famous flavoured beverage in the world. It has adorned silver platter trays in lavish banquet halls; it has been enjoyed by Lords, Ladies, Counts, and Earls; and perhaps most importantly, has stood the test of time despite the mystery surrounding its true origins. But what makes for a good cup of Earl Grey Tea?
Using only the finest quality blends of Assam, Darjeeling, and Keemun Black Tea and bergamot oil to be found on the market. We deliver only the best of the best, and our truly special Earl Grey Tea stands testament to just that. In fact, our blend is officially award-winning following ‘The Great Taste Awards’ in 2007. Furthermore, modern science has long established the health benefits of consuming this tasty tea. This includes improved cardiovascular health, enhanced cognitive function, a reduced risk of Type II Diabetes, and even weight loss capabilities. And this is just to name a few. So, don’t feel you need to belong to English upper-class gentry to enjoy this beverage.
Earl Grey Tea is one of the greatest mysteries of the tea industry. Its origins are largely unknown outside of speculation, although most believe that before it was given its prestigious name, this tea had long been scented with bergamot for preservation purposes, rather than for pure taste alone. Many historians actually theorise that Earl Grey was first created to avoid mould during difficult journeys out to sea. But how, why, and when was this tea named after an Earl and later, a Prime Minister of Great Britain? The answer to that is, to this day, an enigma.
One story suggests that the man himself, Charles Grey, the Second Earl Grey, travelled to China for a diplomatic mission; a trip that would eventually see this brew named in his honour. According to this tale, Earl Grey (or one of his men, depending on the version of the tale) managed to save a boy from drowning in a nearby river. When the boy was returned to his home, his father, a Mandarin, was so overcome with gratitude that he gifted the Earl with tea leaves scented with bergamot oil. At some point after, the tea was named after him. However, it is very important to note that no such diplomatic mission exists in records, and in fact, it is believed that Earl Grey never actually visited China in his life. As a result, the story is likely just that - a simple story.
Another theory suggests that, although this bergamot scented black tea was named after Earl Grey, it was actually his wife, Lady Mary Elizabeth Grey (also known as Mary Ponsonby), who favoured its unique, complex, delectable taste. Lady Grey was said to cater exclusively to Earl Grey Tea, offering it at her elaborate parties and large family affairs. Today, however, the Grey family estate believe that the tea was specially blended to suit the hard local water at Howick Hall, their official place of residence. Alas, it’s unlikely we’ll ever know for sure!
While its overall history remains uncertain, there is no mistaking the components used in Earl Grey Tea. The citrus fruit known as the bergamot comes from the aptly named Citrus Bergamia tree. These trees flourish in much of the Mediterranean, as well as some areas in Africa, Southeast Asia, and even Southern France. Despite this, it is mostly cultivated in the Italian province of Calabria, which accounts for an estimated 80% of bergamot production. Although some individuals may choose to eat the fruit straight off the tree, many more opt to include it in countless culinary dishes (including, of course, tea) owing to its slightly bitter taste in its most natural form. When combined with black tea leaves, however, these two components are a match made in heaven.
Type of Tea: Loose Leaf Black Tea.
Origin: China (Black Tea Leaves).
Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
How to Serve: Milk can be a tasty addition to this brew. Others even add sugar. If sweetness is your thing then why not even add honey? Alternatively, why not push the boat out and add more citrus? Maybe lemon, or even orange!
Tasting Notes: Fresh, fruity, and floral, Earl Grey Tea seems to tick near every box! Sweet undertones may also be tasted along with distinct hints of maltiness. Most of all, however, is the defined citrusy flavour of this tea which makes for smooth drinking in the afternoon.
Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor with orange highlights, light in tone.
Health Benefits of Earl Grey: What can Black Teas such as Earl Grey do to improve your everyday way of life? As it turns out, quite a lot! For example, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) affects between 5 and 20% of the population aged 65 or over. Some cases of MCI are treatable. Some cases (one in six) progress to dementia within a year. Black Tea (both flavoured and unflavoured), however, might be the answer to some of these cases.
This is according to a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which referred to a recent study conducted by experts at the University of Singapore. It stated that 2,500 people aged 55 or over had undergone a test to measure their cognitive function. When the experiment was repeated 2 years later, results established that those who had drunk two to three cups of black tea a day during the 2 year period were 55% less likely to be subjected to cognitive decline. Meanwhile, those who had drunk six to ten cups a day were up to 63% less likely.
Furthermore, frequent Earl Grey consumption could greatly improve oral health according to a collaborative study conducted in conjunction with the College of Dentistry at the University of Iowa and the Institute of Odontology at Göteborg University in Sweden. The Swedish division of the study saw participants rinse their mouths with Black Tea for one minute, 10 times a day. The U.S. division, meanwhile, saw participants given Black Tea to rinse their mouths with for 30 seconds, five times, waiting only three minutes between each rinse. Both co-operating studies discovered that the more participants rinsed, the more their plaque and bacteria levels fell. This is because the Polyphenolic compounds present in Black Tea can kill or suppress cavity-causing bacteria from either growing or producing acid. The tea also affected the bacterial enzymes and prevented the formation of the sticky-like material that binds plaque to teeth.
