In fact, Earl Grey is not a kind of tea, it is just black tea with the flavor of bergamot infused through it. Almost any black tea can be used to make it, in fact, quite often it is used to disguise cheaper grades of tea as bergamot has such a strong flavoring. Usually drunk black with perhaps some lemon added, Earl Grey is the most popular flavoured tea in the world.
Origin of Earl Grey
Earl Charles Grey was the Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1830. The story is that while on a diplomatic trip to China, he saved the life of a mandarin. To show his gratitude, the mandarin gifted Earl Grey a special tea, which the Prime Minister took back to England with him. The tea quickly became a favorite in the Earls drawing room, and he asked his personal tea supplier to reproduce the same flavor for him. The new tea became fashionable and eventually spread throughout England and the rest of the world.
In fact, this story is probably not even slightly true! The Earl never visited China, and at least two different tea suppliers claim to be the original makers of the tea; which means that to this day the enigma is still not solved.
What is Bergamot
On the south coast of Italy, a citrus tree is cultivated. Bergamot is also called the Princes Pear, and is a mix of lemon, grapefruit and orange. Although the fruit is inedible, the oil is very valuable and used in perfumery as well as to flavor tea. The original Eau de Cologne contains extract of bergamot, the scent of which is similar to orange blossom.
The extraction process is very particular: fruit is hand picked in the winter and the essence is crushed out of the bergamot fruit using cold presses purpose built for the process. The oil must be kept in storage for a year or more before it is used. Among its health-giving properties, bergamot is reputed to ease depression, stave off colds and flu, and aid digestion. The oil is used in aromatherapy; perhaps a cup of Earl Grey will help keep you healthy as well as taste delicious!
Lady Grey Tea
Popular consensus in the time of Earl Grey held that tea made women over-excitable, causing impropriety in the female temperament. Orange, lemon and bergamot were added to tea to calm these impulses, and Lady Grey tea was invented. Today many people still enjoy the taste; not limited to female drinkers!
As British Prime Minster from 1830 to 1834, Earl Charles Grey is credited with developing the beverage that bears his name. Earl Grey, according to lore, received it as a gift when his envoy saved a Chinese official's son from drowning.
Earl Grey is black tea flavored with bergamot oil. The oil has a citrus flavor, similar to orange blossoms. The oil is extracted from the peel of the bergamot orange, a small pear-shaped sour orange cultivated today mostly in southern Italy.
Earl Grey used to only be black tea. Now, Earl Grey applies to green or white teas and describes any flavored with bergamot oil. Many outstanding Earl Greys are unfamiliar to tea drinkers.
Traditionally, Earl Grey is sweetened with sugar or honey. Then, a slice of lemon is squeezed into the tea. However, most Americans add milk. It is not necessary to just brew with loose, tea bags can be used. The most important part is to start with a tea company with a reputation for quality.
Dilmah Tea of Sri Lanka is unfamiliar to most in the US. Dilmah offers a Traditional Earl Grey which is a must-taste for serious Earl Grey fans. Dilmah Traditional Earl Grey is finely scented, well-balanced and brews a rosewood color. Tasting Dilmah Traditional Earl Grey gives such flavors as florals, marzipan and sweet Christmas spices. Dilmah offers Earl Grey in bags and loose.
Barry's Tea of Ireland produces an Earl Grey that starts with high-quality black tea. Americans are fond of Irish tea and most will really enjoy this Earl Grey. Barry's offers Earl Grey in a 50 bag box.
Also from Ireland, Bewley's Tea offers Earl Grey in individually wrapped bags. The Bewley's Earl Grey wrapped bags are perfect to put in a briefcase and have when the mood strikes.
Kusmi Tea (also known as Kousmichoff) offers distinct varieties and flavors. Kusmi dates to 1867 Russia and produces an Earl Grey Smoky. Kusmi smokes a black tea and adds bergamot oil. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, make sure to try this unique Earl Grey. Kusmi offers Earl Grey in a 20 bag box and 4.4 ounces of loose. Kusmi Earl Grey Smoky is available in a 20 bag box as well as 4.4 and 8.8 ounces of loose.
Whittard Tea, from England, makes a Green Earl Grey. Try Whittard Earl Grey if you once tried and didn't like green teas. You may find this Whittard item to be among the best flavored greens available today. Whittard also offers a traditional Earl Grey. Whittard Earl Grey are available in a 50 bag box.
Williamson Tea, of England, offers a strong and full-bodied Earl Grey. Williamson Earl Grey is an award-winning tea having won a 3 star award from the International Taste and Quality Institute. Williamson offers Earl Grey in bags and loose.
Both Cory Willins & Paul Gerst are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Cory Willins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food and Drink, Modelling and Gifts for loved ones. Cory Willins has been writing for websites for several years. Her articles can be found at where you also have access to many tea resources. Y. Cory Willins's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Paul Gerst has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food and Drink. Paul Gerst is the founder of teadog.com, an Internet retailer. teadog.com offers brands of tea from around the world, including ,. Paul Gerst's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.