The Ultimate Guide to Earl Grey Tea: History, Origins, Blend, Benefits, Brewing Tips, and Food Pairings
Welcome to our comprehensive article on Earl Grey tea! As avid tea enthusiasts, we delve into the rich history and intriguing origins of this beloved tea blend. From its legendary tale of a British Prime Minister's request for a unique tea blend to its popularity as a classic tea option worldwide, we uncover the fascinating story behind Earl Grey tea. We also explore the deliciously distinct taste profile of Earl Grey tea, as well as its potential health benefits and possible side effects. As brewing is an art in itself, we provide helpful tips on how to brew the perfect cup of Earl Grey tea to savor its aromatic flavors. And if you're curious about pairing Earl Grey tea with foods, we've got you covered with delightful suggestions. Join us as we embark on an exciting journey to unravel the mysteries and delights of Earl Grey tea!
The Mysteries of Earl Grey Tea: History, Origins, Blend, Benefits, and Brewing Tips
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Earl Grey tea, where we delve into its fascinating history, origins, unique blend, potential health benefits, brewing tips, and delightful food pairing suggestions.
What is in Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey tea is a popular black tea blend that is flavored with bergamot oil, which is extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit. The distinctive aroma and flavor of bergamot give Earl Grey tea its unique and refreshing taste. This tea is known for its dark, robust base tea, typically sourced from countries such as India, Sri Lanka, or China, which provides a strong and bold foundation for the fragrant bergamot oil infusion. Earl Grey tea is often enjoyed with or without milk, and it is commonly served hot, although it can also be iced or used in various culinary applications. Its distinct flavor and aroma have made it a beloved classic among tea drinkers worldwide, and it has been enjoyed for centuries since its creation in the 19th century.
The History of Earl Grey Tea
Earl grey tea was first created for and named after Charles Grey by Twinings Tea in London in 1831. Charles Grey was the 2nd Earl Grey and the British Prime Minister in the early 1800s. It is unknown of the exact way that the flavour of this unique tea was first discovered. Here are some of the most popular theories:
The most popular theory is that black tea was once stored next to bergamot. Tea is porous and so naturally, it soaked up the zesty citrusy scent. The accidental bergamot scented tea was a hit.
Lesser quality black teas could be flavoured and scented to mask the taste of lower quality tea. In China, teas were commonly scented and flavoured with an array of ingredients. Chinese teas were popular before the Indian-British tea trade was established in 1838. After this time, Indian teas became more favourable over the Chinese varieties.
Charles Grey (Earl Grey) was gifted bergamot scented tea when travelling to China. He loved it so much that when he returned, he requested it be recreated.
Earl grey tea was once a light a delicate Chinese black tea scented with bergamot oil, designed to be taken without milk. Over the years, the recipe has changed and now is made with a richer blended black teas and is flavoured with bergamot oil. Darker and bolder teas can be taken with added milk or cream.
The Origins of Earl Grey
Earl grey tea is made from blended black tea and is then flavoured with bergamot oil. Various tea houses and merchants will blend and flavour their teas differently to create an array of flavour profiles across the brands.
The black teas used in this special type of tea can range from any black tea growing regions including from Africa, India, Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka and sometimes Chinese Keemun is added.
These days, Earl grey tea can be made with alternative types of tea including white tea, green tea and even herbal blends such as rooibos.
How Much Caffeine is in Earl Grey Tea
Caffeine is found naturally in all types of true tea, from the Camellia sinensis plant, and in lots of other plants too. Caffeine is used by many growing plants as a natural insecticide. Black tea contains around 40mg of caffeine per cup. As a comparison, green tea contains around 25mg per cup and coffee around 90mg per cup! However, it is extremely difficult to calculate the exact amount of caffeine in tea due to many factors including plant species, growing conditions, type of tea and how it is brewed. Longer and hotter steeping will provide a higher caffeinated drink compared to less time and lower temperatures.
Many tea houses and merchants blend decaffeinated Earl grey teas. Decaf teas should always be taken with caution as some people can have sensitivities to the chemicals used to extract the caffeine. For those wanting to reduce or eliminate caffeine, herbal teas are a great option. Rooibos is a popular naturally caffeine free South American herb that can be enjoyed in the same way as black tea, with a dash of milk and a sprinkle of sugar. It’s also rich and bold enough to add flavourings so it is ideal to use in an Earl grey blend.
Another option for reducing the caffeine levels in tea is to use the cold brewed method. To do this, take 1-2 heaped teaspoons of tea per one cup (8fl oz) of cold water and allow to steep in the fridge for 4 hours to overnight. You can add simple syrup and milk to taste once the tea is fully infused.
The Health Benefits
All types of tea, including black tea, contains antioxidants. Here’s a look at some of the health benefits of drinking black tea:
Antioxidants: Antioxidants are molecules that can aid in the fight against free radicals in our bodies. Tea contains antioxidant compounds known as catechins, in particular Epicatechin (EC) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These catechins can help keep our bodies healthier.
Focus and Energy: Caffeine found in tea can help with increased energy, focus and studies even suggest that the caffeine in black tea may even help fight against depression.
Heart health and cholesterol: A recent 2022 study found that people who consumed 2+ cups of tea each day had a 9% to 13% lower risk of death from any cause than people who did not drink tea! The research showed that greater tea consumption was associated with a lesser risk of death from diseases including cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, and even stroke. Another study was carried out and found that the caffeine in tea alongside a moderately low fat diet may reduce cholesterol and help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Gut health: Black tea has been reported to improve gut microbiome. When black tea is processed, the antioxidants (the catechins) change into flavonols. Black tea flavanols are known as thearubigins and theaflavins. These bioactive compounds aren’t easily absorbed in the gut which means that they hang around for longer positively impacting gut bacteria.
Lower blood sugar levels: Studies even suggest that black tea may help lower blood sugar levels and thus aid in reducing the risk of type II diabetes. The polyphenols found in black tea may help reduce blood glucose levels. The research shows that black tea maybe beneficial to take after food.
The Side Effects
Drinking tea or drinking too much tea can have side effects. Caffeine can cause anxiety, nausea and disrupted sleep patterns. Tea is also acidic and may increase the symptoms of heartburn for some people. Black tea is commonly enjoyed with milk and this is great for offsetting some of the acidity.
Interestingly, there is a condition known as ‘Earl grey tea intoxication’. In 2001 a man who excessively drank Earl grey tea complained of blurred vision, muscle cramps and pins and needles. As soon as he quit his tea habit, his severe symptoms vanished. This man’s condition was known as Earl grey intoxication!
Some people can have allergies to tea or to bergamot oil. Symptoms include itchiness, congestion and digestive complaints.
Mastering the Art of Earl Grey Tea: Brewing, Tasting, and Perfect Pairings
From brewing to tasting and pairing Earl grey tea for a perfect tea experience!
Tasting Earl Grey Tea
Earl grey tea has a unique and recognizable citrusy flavor that falls somewhere between tasting lemon-like and orange-like. This special tea tastes refreshing and fragrant, bold and floral.
Some Earl greys are blended with pretty blue cornflowers. Some blends are made with added sweet vanilla, lavender, rose or additional citrus zest. Lady grey tea is a variation of Earl grey tea but is made with lighter black tea and flavoured with lemon.
Should you add Milk to Earl Grey Tea?
Adding milk to tea is all down to personal preference. Darker and bolder teas are strong enough to withstand the addition of milk. Lighter and more delicate teas, such as green tea is designed to be enjoyed without milk and sugar. The earlier Earl grey blends were delicate and would have most probably have been enjoyed without milk. Nowadays, Earl grey is made with richer black teas and can be taken with or without milk and sugar. Some individuals add a slice of lemon and a drizzle of honey to hot Earl grey.
Is it Safe to Drink Earl Grey Everyday?
Many people enjoy tea everyday, and whilst it is considered safe, it is always best to consume everything in moderation as side effects may occur. It is recommended to limit tea drinking to less than 3-4 cups per day. Always discuss health concerns with your healthcare provider.
How to Make a Lovely Cup of Earl Grey
There are lots of ways to make the perfect cup of tea. Here are some of my most favourite ways to use Earl grey tea:
How to make it hot: Take 1-2 heaped teaspoons of loose leaf tea per one cup of freshly boiled water. Allow your tea to steep for 3-5 minutes and serve with milk and sugar or a slice of lemon and a drizzle of honey. Try making a delicious tea latte. By adding steamy frothy milk and vanilla syrup it makes a fab London fog latte. Alternatively, try this iced Earl grey latte with lavender honey.
How to make a pot of tea: It’s always lovely to make a pot of tea, especially if you have friends over. Firstly, warm your teapot by adding a cup of freshly boiled water and swirling around for a minute before discarding the water. Use 1-2 teaspoons of tea and one cup of freshly boiled water per person. Cover with a tea cosy to lock in the optimum temperature.
How to make it iced: Making iced tea is just as straightforward as making it hot but with a few extra steps involved. Take 1-2 teaspoons to half a cup of freshly boiled water and infuse for 3-5 minutes. Remove the loose leaf and add your preferred sweetener. Pour over a large glass of ice and add slices of fruit or berries. To make cold brewed iced tea simply add your tea to cold water and allow to steep in the fridge for 4 hours to overnight.
How to make it sparkling: You can use the cold brewed method to make sparkling tea using Earl grey. Use your sparkling iced tea for making tasty cocktails and mocktails. If you love tea infused cocktails, here’s how to make an Earl grey whisky sour.
How to make tea cakes: Earl grey works incredible well in cakes and bakes. Try making these Earl grey English pancakes. These pancakes are inspired by Lady M’s famous crepe cake but much easier to whip up for the family on pancake day. Earl grey or Lady grey tea pairs beautifully in this Lady grey lemon drizzle cake. This cake is a firm favourite in our house. Alternatively, for something a little healthier, try these low sugar no grain Earl grey poppy seed muffins.
Perfect Pairings
Earl Grey tea's distinct and aromatic flavors can complement a wide variety of foods. Here are some food pairing suggestions that can enhance your tea-drinking experience:
Citrus Desserts: The citrusy notes of bergamot in Earl Grey tea pair well with desserts that have a citrus or lemony flavor profile. Lemon bars, lemon tarts, or citrus-infused cakes, just like this lemon drizzle cake, can complement the tangy notes of Earl Grey tea, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Chocolate: The robust and bold flavors of black tea in Earl Grey tea can stand up to the richness of chocolate. Try pairing Earl Grey tea with dark chocolate desserts, such as chocolate truffles, dairy free chocolate fudge or chocolate lava cake, for a delightful combination of bitter and sweet flavors.
Earl Grey-infused Foods: Get creative by incorporating Earl Grey tea into your cooking! You can use Earl Grey tea to infuse flavors into baked goods like cookies or cakes, or use it to make Earl Grey salad dressing, sauces or marinades for meats or fish. This can add a unique twist to your culinary creations.
Scones: The classic pairing of scones with tea is elevated when it comes to Earl Grey tea. The citrusy bergamot flavor in the tea can complement the buttery and crumbly texture of scones, whether they are plain, fruit-filled pumpkin scones, or even Earl Grey-infused scones.
Savory Dishes: Earl Grey tea's robust and bold flavors can also pair well with savory dishes. Consider enjoying a cup of Earl Grey tea with dishes like roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even a cheese and charcuterie platter. The tea can help cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of the savory foods.
How to Store Earl Grey
For fresher and tastier tasting tea, here are some helpful storage tips:
Keep it airtight: Store your tea in an airtight container. Clear plastic or glass jars are not ideal as light will degrade the tea.
Keep it cool, dry and dark: Excess temperatures either too hot or too cold will also degrade the tea. A cool, dark cupboard is ideal.
Keep it away from smells: Also keep it away from anything smelly. Tea is porous and will soak up aromas from nearby sources.
Enjoy a Cup of Earl Grey Tea Today!
Earl Grey tea is a beloved classic that has captured the hearts and taste buds of tea enthusiasts worldwide. From its intriguing history and origins to its distinctive blend of black tea and bergamot flavor, Earl Grey tea offers a unique and refreshing tea-drinking experience. With its potential health benefits, aromatic flavors, and versatility in brewing and pairing with foods, Earl Grey tea continues to be a favorite among tea lovers. Whether you're a seasoned Earl Grey tea lover or new to this iconic tea, we hope our comprehensive guide has shed light on its mysteries and inspired you to explore the wonderful world of Earl Grey tea. So brew a cup, savor the flavors, and enjoy the time-honored tradition of indulging in a cup of Earl Grey tea!
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It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.