Earl Grey Tea Buying Guide

Earl Grey tea is a flavoured tea that has gained immense popularity across the world. Named after the British Earl, Charles Grey, who is said to have received a tea blend as a gift from China, this tea is a perfect combination of black tea and bergamot oil. Earl Grey Tea has a unique citrusy aroma and flavour that sets it apart from other teas. With so many brands and varieties of Earl Grey Tea available in the market, it can be a daunting task to choose one. This article aims to provide you with all the information you need to buy the perfect Earl Grey Tea.

History of Earl Grey Tea

As mentioned earlier, Earl Grey Tea is named after the British Earl, Charles Grey. However, the true origin of the tea is still uncertain. One theory is that Earl Grey received a tea blend as a gift from a Chinese Mandarin as a thank you for saving the life of one of his relatives. Another theory is that Earl Grey's tea was a result of blending tea with bergamot oil to offset the taste of lime present in the high iron content water at Howick Hall.

Types of Earl Grey Tea

There are many varieties of Earl Grey Tea available in the market, let's take a look at some of them:

1. Traditional Earl Grey Tea: This is the classic blend of black tea and bergamot oil that has been enjoyed for centuries. The best traditional Earl Grey teas use high-quality black tea and natural bergamot oil.
2. Lady Grey Tea: Lady Grey Tea is a milder version of Earl Grey Tea that contains a blend of black tea, bergamot oil, and additional ingredients like lavender, rose petals or citrus fruit zest. The lavender and citrus flavours give Lady Grey Tea a unique floral and delicate taste profile.
3. Earl Grey Green Tea: In this version of Earl Grey Tea, black tea is replaced with green tea. The result is a lighter and fresher version of Earl Grey Tea that is less bitter than the traditional blend. It also has a lower caffeine content than the traditional blend.
4. Earl Grey Cream Tea: Earl Grey Cream Tea is a delightful version of Earl Grey Tea that has a creamy texture and taste. This blend contains black tea, bergamot oil, and vanilla or other cream flavourings. Earl Grey Cream Tea can be enjoyed with or without milk.

Factors to Consider When Buying Earl Grey Tea

When it comes to buying Earl Grey Tea, there are a few factors that you should consider before making a purchase. Let’s take a look at some of them:

1. Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients used in Earl Grey Tea can affect its flavour and aroma. Look for tea blends that use natural bergamot oil, high-quality black or green tea, and other natural ingredients. Avoid tea blends that use artificial flavourings.
2. Origin of Tea: The origin of the tea used in Earl Grey Tea can also impact its flavour, aroma, and quality. Tea from different regions has different characteristics. For example, tea from Darjeeling is known for its floral and fruity notes, while tea from Assam has a strong, malty flavour. Look for Earl Grey Tea that uses tea from reputable tea-growing regions like India or Sri Lanka.
3. Taste Profile: Earl Grey Tea comes in different taste profiles like floral, fruity, and citrusy. It is essential to choose a taste profile that suits your personal taste preferences. For example, if you enjoy floral teas, Lady Grey Tea might be an excellent choice for you.
4. Caffeine Content: Earl Grey Tea contains caffeine, but the amount of caffeine can vary depending on the type of tea used. Green tea Earl Grey has lower caffeine content than the traditional blend, making it a better choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine.
5. Price: Earl Grey Tea can vary in price depending on the quality of ingredients used and the manufacturing process. Look for a tea blend that is reasonably priced and offers good value for money.

Top Brands of Earl Grey Tea

Let's take a look at some of the top brands of Earl Grey Tea:

1. Twinings Earl Grey Tea: Twinings is a well-known brand that produces some of the best quality Earl Grey Tea in the market. Their traditional Earl Grey Tea contains high-quality black tea and natural bergamot oil that gives it a bold and citrusy flavour.
2. Harney & Sons Earl Grey Supreme: Harney & Sons is a premium tea brand that produces some of the best Earl Grey Tea in the market. Their Earl Grey Supreme contains a blend of high-quality black tea, natural bergamot oil, and cornflower petals that give it a delicate and floral aroma and flavour.
3. The Tea Spot Earl Grey Classic: The Tea Spot is a boutique tea brand that produces organic and fair-trade teas. Their Earl Grey Classic contains organic black tea and natural bergamot oil that gives it a bold and bright flavour.
4. Lipton Earl Grey Tea: Lipton is a popular tea brand that produces affordable and widely available Earl Grey Tea. Their Earl Grey Tea contains a blend of high-quality black tea and natural bergamot oil that gives it a smooth and refreshing taste.

How to Brew Earl Grey Tea

Brewing the perfect cup of Earl Grey Tea requires a few simple steps:

1. Choose the right amount of tea: Use one tea bag or one teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per cup of water.
2. Heat the water: Boil fresh water in a kettle or a pot. The ideal temperature for brewing Earl Grey Tea is 190°F-200°F (88°C-93°C).
3. Steep the tea: Place the tea bag or loose-leaf tea in a cup and pour the heated water over it. Let it steep for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add milk and sugar (optional): Earl Grey Tea can be enjoyed black or with milk and sugar as per your taste preferences.
5. Enjoy your tea: Sit back, relax and enjoy your hot cup of Earl Grey Tea.

Conclusion

Earl Grey Tea is a classic and popular tea blend that has been enjoyed for centuries. With so many brands and varieties available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. When buying Earl Grey Tea, it is important to consider factors like the quality of ingredients, origin of the tea, taste profile, caffeine content, and price. By considering these factors and trying different brands and varieties, you are sure to find the perfect cup of Earl Grey Tea that suits your taste preferences.