Earl Grey Tea: History, Benefits and Preparation
Earl Grey tea is one of the most popular tea blends in the world. Renowned for its health benefits, from the heart to digestion, it has an intriguing history that blends the Far East and British nobility. The blend of black tea and bergamot is what makes Earl Grey so special.
Read on to learn all about this legendary tea: its history, its preparation, and some tips for preparing it perfectly.
What is Earl Grey tea?
Earl Grey tea is a black tea flavored with bergamot orange. Flavored teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, infused or blended with fruits, flowers, herbs, spices, or essential oils.
To make Earl Grey tea, black tea leaves are blended with pre-dried bergamot orange peel. Bergamot oil is also used in some blends.
Bergamot oranges are grown in Italy and France, and their appearance is most similar to that of a lime. Their flavor is more similar to that of a grapefruit or lemon, and this type of orange tree is believed to be a hybrid between the Seville orange tree and the Southeast Asian lemon tree.
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Flavor and aroma
Classic Earl Grey tea features notes of lemon, malt, and chocolate. This contrast of flavors makes it a distinctive tea. It's typically made with a blend of traditional black teas such as Assam and Darjeeling.
These types of black tea give the blend hints of caramel and honey, with aromas reminiscent of nuts and wood. The combination of all these flavors gives Earl Grey tea a very aromatic citrus flavor, inviting you to enjoy it slowly and leisurely.
History of Earl Grey tea
Although Earl Grey tea was popularized by the English, it is not an English invention, but rather originated in China. Early Chinese tea masters constantly experimented with ways to make their teas more exotic, not only to capture the attention of the emperors of the time, but also to increase the interest of Western traders who constantly traveled to the Far East in search of new products. From fragrant jasmine flowers and wild rose buds to bitter oranges and sweet lychee fruits, Chinese tea masters infused all kinds of fragrances and flavors into their teas during processing to create distinctive and highly drinkable beverages.
One story of the origins of Earl Grey explains that a Chinese mandarin tea master blended the first Earl Grey tea as a gift for Charles Grey , 2nd Earl Grey and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834. According to the Grey family, the tea master used bergamot as a flavoring to counteract the limescale taste of the well water on Earl Grey's estate in England.
Benefits of Earl Grey tea
- Boosts the immune system
- It has detox properties
- Protects the teeth
- Improves heart health
- Increases energy
- Improves digestion
1. Strengthens the immune system
It's no secret that citrus fruits are a key component in fighting colds and the flu. The bergamot orange is no different. Earl Grey is especially popular in Europe and the United States during the winter months, when colds are common. Earl Grey helps the immune system fight off colds thanks to its vitamin C content. It also prevents fever and parasite infestations.
2. It has detox properties
Earl Grey tea has antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals. These free radicals wreak havoc on the human body, causing everything from premature aging to heart disease. Free radicals are caused by an unhealthy diet, smoking, and environmental factors like pollution. Earl Grey tea helps detoxify the body of these free radicals.
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3. Protects teeth
Earl Grey tea protects teeth from oral infections and cavities. Earl Grey tea contains antioxidants known as catechins, as well as fluoride. These compounds are used in toothpastes and mouthwashes to prevent cavities and enamel degradation.
4. Improves heart health
The antioxidants in Earl Grey tea also promote heart health and prevent serious cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and hypertension. These antioxidants work to eliminate plaque buildup in the blood vessels and heart. Earl Grey tea lowers bad cholesterol, or LDL, when consumed regularly.
5. Increases energy
Since black tea is the main ingredient in Earl Grey tea, it contains a moderate amount of theine, giving you a more subtle and balanced energy boost than coffee. You can read our article " Coffee or Tea? " if you'd like to learn more about how theine affects our bodies.
6. Improves digestion
Earl Grey has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve gastric problems such as constipation and bloating. The tea works to soothe the stomach muscles that cause cramps and uncomfortable pain.
How to prepare Earl Grey tea?
Preparing Earl Grey tea is very simple.
- Bring the water to a boil and let it cool for just a few seconds.
- Add one teaspoon of Earl Grey tea leaves per cup in the teapot or tea filter.
- Add the hot water and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
You can read our blog to learn how to prepare loose tea and enjoy tea to the fullest.
Earl Grey tea with milk
Earl Grey tea pairs very well with milk, honey, or sugar. However, if you buy a good quality Earl Grey tea, we recommend trying it without adding other ingredients that could mask its delicious flavor.
Where to buy Earl Grey tea?
You can buy Earl Grey tea in supermarkets and large stores, but it will likely be of poor quality. If you want to try authentic Earl Grey, we recommend looking for specialty tea shops.
At Replantea you can buy our Earl Grey Supreme Organic tea, made with a blend of premium black teas, authentic bergamot, and cornflower flowers.
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