Earl Grey Tea

What is Earl Grey tea?

This is a type of black tea with unique flavour and aroma thanks to blending with bergamot oil. This is a citrus fruit; a hybrid of orange and bitter lemon, which gives its rind a delicate flowery aroma with sunny notes.  The blending is done using milder black teas.

The aristocratic origins of this tea are because of its association with Charles Grey, a British aristo who was at one time the UK Prime Minister.  Most tea connoisseurs enjoy this tea without milk or sugar, and so will you. 

You can order many different varieties of Earl Grey tea in Australia online from Tea Leaves, delivered for free for orders over $75.

What are Earl Grey tea benefits?

• A source of powerful antioxidants – The pollution around us brings in all kinds of toxins into our bodies, which leads to the formation of unstable molecules called free radicals in the body. These radicals are what makes body cells mutate and become cancerous. Oxidants destroy these radicals in a process called oxidation, rendering them harmless and lowering your body’s risk from different kinds of cancer.  
• Good for your stomach – Black teas are fermented when processing. This boosts their probiotic properties. Organic Earl Grey tea contains Pseudobutyrivibrio bacteria, which is very helpful in fighting other harmful bacteria in the gut.
• Good for your oral hygiene – Research in Japan showed that people who drank tea were at a lower risk of developing tooth cavities and decay. This is because tea contains catechins, antioxidants which fight to keep your mouth pH levels stable and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.  Tea has also contained trace amounts of fluoride mineral which is useful for oral hygiene 
• Boosts your moods – The amino acid L-Theanine is found only in tea. It is associated with calmness and focus. Drinking tea as a social event is also good for maintaining social relationships which in turn spreads the good cheer all around 
• Boosts your energy – Tea has trace amounts of caffeine, just enough to give your system a slight boost while avoiding the spikes and crashes associated with coffee. The caffeine raises your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) which helps control weight by burning higher calories.

How to drink Earl Grey tea?

You can have Earl Grey tea with milk, or without. You can also add sugar or take it as it is. To appreciate the flavour and aroma of this tea, take it as it is. 

When should I drink Earl Grey tea?

You can drink tea at any time of the day. A cup in the morning will get your body revved up and the mind focused for a busy day. Another cup during the day will keep your energy levels up, while you can enjoy another cup in the evening while wind down with friends. Some people also find a cup of tea after supper helps them sleep better.

How long do you let Earl Grey tea steep?

Tea aficionados prepare Earl Grey tea with water that is slightly below boiling point. But if you don’t have precise temp controls, bring the water to a boil, get it off the heat and add it to a warmed teapot.  Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes, although 5 minutes bring out the citrus aromas better.

Does Earl Grey tea lower cholesterol?

Tea consumption has been seen to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels by as much as 39% while promoting levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and helping keep blood sugar levels low. 

Is Earl Grey tea good for high blood pressure?

Lower levels of bad cholesterol are associated with healthier arteries. This keeps them flexible, which lowers blood pressure levels.  This, in turn, keeps the risks of developing heart disease and stroke low. 

Is it okay to drink Earl Grey tea every day?

You can drink tea every day without risks. Organic Earl Grey tea has low levels of caffeine such that you can have up to 4 cups a day without developing dependency for the caffeine.

What is the difference between Earl Grey tea and English breakfast tea?

Earl Grey tea is usually taken without milk and sugar, while English breakfast tea is rich in milk and possibly a little sugar. 

 

Why is it called Earl Grey?

Legend has it that a Chinese mandarin gifted Charles Grey the British aristo and politician, a tea package. It mixed with some oranges which gave it a citrusy aroma.  The Grey family liked it so much that they took to adding Bergamot oil to replicate this flavour. They passed the recipe down the generations.  However, the story goes, Earl Grey tea has become a favourite for many tea lovers.