The Legend of Earl Grey Tea

One of the most popular tea blends and the Queen's favourite, Earl Grey Tea, has an interesting story behind it. 

Bergamot is a fragrant citrus fruit, the size of an orange, with a yellow or green color similar to a lime, depending on ripeness. It is the oil of bergamot that gives Earl Grey its distinct flavour. 

But why the name Earl Grey?

The Earl in question is the former 2nd Earl Grey prime minister of the U.K. in the early 1830s, Charles Grey. According to the legend, the tea was supposed to be a gift to him from the Chinese officials. The vessel carrying the famous Chinese Black tea also contained Bergamots. So, by the time the tea reached England, it had acquired some essence of the Bergamots, thus giving the idea of the final Earl Grey tea.

Tea merchants named it Earl Grey to give it a touch of sophistication. 

Ever since, the tea has been through many variations, like the Earl Grey Lavender, Earl Grey Crème, Red Earl Grey, etc.

HOW TO BREW A PERFECT CUPPA OF EARL GREY?

Step 1. Boil cold water

Step 2. Warm up the teapot.

Step 3. Put tea in the teapot and add hot water.

Step 4. Steep for 3-5 minutes

Step 5. Strain the tea leaves.

Step 6. Pour it into a cup.

You can either add milk and sugar to the tea like the Americans do or opt for the classic British style with lemon and sugar.