Earl Grey Tea

Few would argue that Earl Grey is the most popular flavoured Tea in the world. For hundreds of years, it has adorned silver platter trays in lavish banquet halls. Lords, Ladies, Counts and indeed Earls have sipped it delicately from the comfort of country homes. However, Earl Grey is no longer a Tea exclusive to English 'upper' class gentry; it belongs to everyone.

This mouth-watering blend of Assam, Darjeeling and Keemun Black Tea with bergamot oil is of the finest quality. It won The Great Taste Awards of 2007, and continues to impress all those who drink it. To this day, Earl Grey Tea remains one of the most popular beverages we stock.

Furthermore, according to the latest scientific research, Earl Grey Tea can improve one's health and wellbeing in small yet significant ways. Studies recognise this Tea's ability to improve cardiovascular health, enhance cognitive function, boost the metabolism of fat cells in the body, and even reduce the risks of developing type-2 diabetes.

Earl Grey - The 19th Century Prime Minister

Did you know that, before the Tea, Earl Grey was a 19th Century Prime Minister and refined English gentleman? Lord Charles Grey (1764-1845) was born the son of General Sir Charles Grey (the 1st Earl Grey) of Fallodon, Northumberland. In 1786, the young Charles Grey entered politics aged 22. He stood as a member of Parliament for the Northumberland constituency.

He had his first child through a scandalous affair with Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire, siring a daughter in 1792. Two years later, he married Mary Ponsonby, together having fifteen children. In 1808, Charles' uncle, Sir Henry Grey of Howick, passed away. Lord Grey inherited his home, Howick Hall, soon after. He resided there for the rest of his life.

Grey's political career, meanwhile, saw him committing, in particular, to parliamentary reform. During his tenure as the head of the British government, Charles Grey had a tremendous impact on the progressive development of democracy in England and Wales after the passing of the Reform Act of 1832. He also oversaw reforming measures that included restrictions on the employment of children, and perhaps most famously, the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire.

Earl Grey - The Flavoured Black Tea

One question begs: why did this renowned man become associated with a Flavoured Black Tea? The truth is that no one knows for sure! One legend suggests that Lord Grey travelled to China for a diplomatic mission.

There, Lord Grey (or one of his men, depending on the variation of the tale) saved a local boy from drowning in a river. The boy's father, overcome with gratitude, gifted the Earl with Black Tea leaves scented with bergamot oil to say thank you for saving his son.

Upon his return to Britain, the Earl grew accustomed to the brew and sent for more. In time, the beverage 'acquired' his name. However, no records suggest that Earl Grey (the man, not the Tea!) ever visited China in his life. For this reason, the story is but a myth!

Another theory suggests that it was actually Lord Grey's wife, Mary Ponsonby, behind the naming of this Tea. According to this tale, Lady Grey enjoyed this Flavoured Black Tea so much that she served it exclusively at her elaborate parties. Alas, we'll likely never know the truth. But that doesn't change how much we love Earl Grey Tea!

Useful Information

Type of Tea: Black Tea.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water. Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to Serve: Most connoisseurs choose to drink this Tea black. Some, however, may add milk, sugar, honey or lemon. The choice is yours!

Tasting Notes: This Earl Grey Tea offers everything one would expect: malty overtones with floral, fruity undertones. It makes for excellent smooth drinking in the afternoon.

Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor with orangey highlights, light in tone.

Earl Grey Tea Benefits

Did you know that the bergamot in Earl Grey can help with your cholesterol? Some scientists believe that bergamot contains hydroxymethylglutaryl flavonoids (HMGF), which can combat proteins in the body that potentially cause heart disease.

A study published in the 2014 Journal of Functional Foods saw researchers use concentrations of bergamot oil enzymes on these proteins. The results showed its effectiveness in lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol levels while substantially increasing "good" cholesterol levels.