Earl grey tea leaves - one of the worlds most popular teas...

Earl Grey Tea is a tea blend with a distinctive flavor and aroma derived from the addition of bergamot, a fragrant citrus plant. The fruit gives Earl Grey a light spicy flavor.

It is said to be a natural anti-depressant, and when blended with Black Tea, Bergamot complements Black Teas’ anti-microbial effects.

Traditionally the term “Earl Grey” was applied only to Black Tea; however, today the term can also be applied to green teas, including White Tea and Oolong, and Tisanes, such as Rooibos, that contain oil of Bergamot.

The tea was named after Charles Grey, the second earl in his line and an extremely popular reforming British prime minister in the early 19th century. There are many stories of the tea’s origin. One legend explains that the tea was presented to the Earl as a gift from a Chinese man who’s son was saved from drowning by one of the Earl’s men. Another similar story is that an India raja brought the tea as a gift when the one of the Earl’s servants saved his son from a tiger.

The tea producers Jacksons of Picadilly claim that they developed the recipe themselves. This is not nearly as interesting an explanation as the exotic near-death experiences.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Earl Grey blend is named after the 2nd Earl Grey, a British Prime Minister in the 1830s
• The teas aroma is derived from the addition of oil extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange, a fragrant citrus fruit
• Earl Grey Tea is said to be a natural anti-depressant
• This tea is one of the most popular and sought after teas in the world…

Brewing Guidelines for Earl Grey
Brewing Temperature: rolling boil (212°)
Brewing Time: 3-5 minutes
1 tsp loose tea per 8 oz cup

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