When it comes to tea types, Earl Grey is definitely one of the more recognized ones, and the masses love it. It has an incredible history and a distinct flavor created by combining the citrusy goodness of bergamot with the classic bitterness ofblack tea—it’s a pretty unique concoction.

Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What Is Earl Grey Tea and Where Did It Come From

Earl Grey tea is basically black tea leaves infused with dried bergamot orange rind. Some blends also have bergamot oil added to them, and others are created with oolong tea or green tea instead of black tea.

In general, classic Earl Grey is known for its slightly malty and citrusy flavors but also has the nutty and chocolaty aroma of black teas like Darjeeling and Assam.

It’s generally considered English tea, but it’s definitely from China, where tea masters worked to create enriching blends through experimentation for decades. But the citrusy tea eventually made it to England, where it became known as the Earl Grey Tea, named after Charles Grey, who was also the British prime minister in the nineteenth century.

Does It Have Any Health Benefits

Earl Grey tea has many health benefits, making it an excellent everyday beverage. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

• It’s excellent for strengthening the immune system.
• The citrusy components in it may help with seasonal colds.
• It has antidepressant properties, thanks to the bergamot, and therefore it can help with anxiety.
• It is great for digestion and can help with nausea and stomach cramps.
• It’s the perfect blend of caffeine and L-theanine to help you stay focused and energetic without making you feel jittery.
• It can help to regulate blood pressure.
• It’s packed with antioxidants.

Tips to Make Perfect Earl Grey Tea

Of course, there isn’t one right method to brew the perfect cup of Earl Grey tea, but we can help you with tips that can drastically improve the taste. Try these:

• Always use cold, filtered, and fresh water to brew your tea.
• Use a pot made from a non-reactive material like stainless steel or glass.
• Use water that’s heated just below boiling point—208 degrees, to be precise.
• Always warm your pot and cups with hot water before pouring tea into them.
• Always properly measure your ingredients. (this may take a bit of trial and error as you figure out the strength you prefer)
• The perfect steeping time is between 3-5 minutes for Earl Grey tea—make sure to stay within this time frame.

If you’re excited to try Earl Grey tea but not sure where to find it, you can order some from us at Red Bud Tea Company. We have different variations of Earl Grey, including Lady Earl Grey and lavender Earl Grey.

We also have Indian spiced tea online and English breakfast tea—check out all the tea blends!