Only the finest premium Earl Grey tea!

Loose-leaf Earl Grey tea is one of our most popular teas but is also well known throughout the world.

Earl Grey tea was named after the 2nd Earl Grey who is believed to have been given the recipe by a Chinese Mandarin whose life he saved.

Taste

It is a traditional Chinese black tea flavoured with bergamot oil. A distinctive flavour and aroma that creates a very refreshing cup is a key Earl Grey tea benefit along with health benefits such as boosting our immune system.

Drinking Earl Grey tea can have a natural calming effect and it also supports weight loss.

Origin

It is thought that Earl Grey tea was named after Charles, the 2nd Earl Grey, and also Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830-1834.

There is much debate regarding how and why ‘Earl Grey’ came about, with many versions pointing towards a British diplomat saving the life of a Chinese mandarin or his son.

It is not known whether or not this was actually Earl Grey himself or someone else travelling in the region on his behalf. However, from this story, the popular tea Earl Grey was born.

Although the original recipe has never been traced, it simply calls for premium black loose leaf tea flavoured with bergamot oil. The tea leaves used are said to be covered in juices squeezed from tiny fresh lemons, which had been grown in the warm, sunny climes of southern Europe.

It is quite difficult to explain why Bergamot was used, as it is not a native Chinese fruit and would not have been widely available at the time. It may have been used as a close alternative for Neroli (Bitter Orange) or Citrus Sinensis (Orange Blossom), both native to China and both demonstrating citrusy cup characteristics.

The family of Earl Grey have also put forward that Bergamot may have been added at a later date to offset the taste of high levels of limescale in the water; higher levels were both found at their Northumberland home and also in London too. 

Ingredients

Is a premium loose leaf tea that is flavoured with Bergamot Oil, to create a delicious yet refreshing beverage. Loved by many, it is usually enjoyed with a tasty afternoon tea.

Recommended preparation

Best enjoyed Black but you could try it with Lemon or a splash of milk.

Use approximately 1 heaped teaspoon per cup. Pour over freshly boiled water and cover. Leave to stand for 3-5 minutes. Dispose of the used tea leaves. We would recommend using a strainer or tea pot to avoid the mess.