Vicony Tea Directory

	Earl Charles Grey, the prime minister of Britain in 1830

Earl Grey Tea (格雷伯爵茶）

What is Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea is a blend of tea which is heavily flavored with bergamot. The distinctive flavor of bergamot infuses the finished tea, creating a classic light and refreshing flavor. Many people find the unique flavor of Earl Grey to be their favorite; smoky and fragrant with hints of citrus.

Many people are under the mistaken impression that Earl Grey is one of the types of tea. In fact, all black teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves of the plant are harvested at different times and handled in different ways to produce everything from white tea to black tea, and Earl Grey traditionally blends a mix of Indian and Sri Lankan teas. Some producers also add a hint of lapsang souchong to give Earl Grey tea a slightly smoky, rich flavor. Any black tea with bergamot flavor added is considered an Earl Grey tea. Numerous companies make blends of Earl Grey which are available in both bagged and loose leaf form.

History of Earl Grey Tea

The story of how this tea began is shrouded in mystery and contradiction. The popular myth is that Earl Charles Grey, the prime minister of Britain in 1830, was given the recipe from a mandarin he met while touring China.

Versions of the story claim that he had saved the life of the mandarin, and the tea was a special gift of gratitude.

Earl Charles Grey was then reputed to have demanded his tea supplier in London recreate the tea for him, and the taste became fashionable, eventually spreading worldwide.

Yet, it has also been said that Earl Charles Grey never visited China so the true origin of this popular blend is still a mystery.

	Bergamot

What is Bergamot

Bergamot is an aromatic oil found in the peels of the fruit of the bergamot orange, a citrus tree which flourishes in Italy. The oil is used in essential oil preparations, skin care products, and as a food flavoring, most notably in Earl Gray tea. The flavor of bergamot is floral and rich, with a faintly bitter or astringent flavor. The oil smells of fresh citrus, and is pale gold in color. Caution should be used with oil of bergamot on the skin, because it tends to increase photosensitivity, and the skin may be damaged if it is exposed to excessive light.

The bergamot orange, also known as Citrus bergamia, is native to Southern Asia, but was introduced to Italy, where it flourished. Attempts to cultivate it in other regions have not been nearly so successful, with Italian bergamot oranges producing the bulk of commercially used bergamot. The peels of the oranges were dried and added to early flavored teas, and essence of bergamot was also extensively used in perfumes. The mild citrus scent and flavor are quite appealing to some consumers, leading to enduring demand for bergamot.