What do we know about Earl Grey?
Earl Grey is one of the best-loved and most frequently chosen teas. Some order it for special occasions in a restaurant or café, while others drink it daily, perhaps with breakfast. Its distinctive taste and aroma are undoubtedly its appeal. What else might this tea surprise us with? Let us find out.
Earl Grey — the basics
Earl Grey is probably the most recognisable black tea. Its distinctive flavour and aroma come from bergamot essential oil. What is bergamot? A citrus fruit with a slightly tart taste and subtle fragrance, grown mainly in Mediterranean countries. The oil added to Earl Grey comes specifically from the peel. It gives the tea a refreshing, energetic flavour and is associated with various health-related effects, discussed below.
First, let us explain where the name Earl Grey comes from. Several stories exist, but the following is the best known.
The tea is named after Charles Grey, Earl Grey, British prime minister from 1830 to 1834. According to a popular legend, he received bergamot tea from a Chinese official in gratitude after an associate saved the official's son from drowning. The story's truth is questioned and seems unlikely, because the prime minister never visited China, where he was supposedly given the gift.
There are other theories about Earl Grey's discovery, but none has been confirmed. Let us therefore move on to what is certain and useful to the tea drinker!
What is in a cup of Earl Grey, and how should it be brewed?
As mentioned, bergamot oil gives Earl Grey its distinctive flavour and aroma. The infusion has a strong, fresh taste and fragrance with noticeable citrus notes, and a dark colour tending towards amber.
Proper preparation matters because brewing has a fundamental effect on flavour and aroma. How do you bring out Earl Grey's best?
Brewing method: pour filtered water at 100°C over one teaspoon of loose-leaf Earl Grey. Cover and steep for around three minutes. It is then ready to drink.
Earl Grey is ideal with meals, particularly breakfast, and desserts. Plenty of people also love enjoying it on its own.
Earl Grey — properties that make it worth drinking
Earl Grey offers more than good flavour. Its aroma, particularly the bergamot oil, is associated with relaxing and calming effects, making it ideal after an exhausting or stressful working day. It is even regarded as a natural support for low moods.
At the same time, its caffeine supports alertness, sharpens the mind, helps maintain concentration and supplies energy for everyday tasks and responsibilities. That makes it a good alternative to a little black coffee.
Another attributed benefit is digestive support. Tea with bergamot oil is traditionally used for indigestion, nausea and colic, as well as intestinal and stomach complaints.
Did you know that bergamot oil, an ingredient in Earl Grey, is described as a rich source of vitamin C? We need vitamin C to support our defences against colds and flu.
A further benefit associated with Earl Grey is protection against tooth decay and gum disease. This is linked to catechins, powerful antioxidants that help counter oral infections, and fluoride in the tea leaves, which strengthens teeth and protects against decay.
Read also: Fruit tea — surrender to unique flavours and aromas