Earl Gray tea is a guarantee of a pleasant tea drinking. Description of earl gray tea with bergamot Useful properties for men

Another beautiful story is connected with the birth of earl tea Gray (Earl Gray or Earl Grey). It is generally accepted that the classic recipe for this tea was obtained by the British Foreign Secretary Sir Charles Gray from Chinese mandarin as a result of cunning political intrigue. Or for some cunning merit. Which is less likely, since the result of Gray's activities was a reduction in the tea trade with China. But here's the problem with all of this. We are drinking Chinese teas for a long time already - and we have never seen any hint of aromatization with bergamot oil (this is what gives Earl Gray its specific taste and aroma) in any of them. Moreover, there is reason to believe that Earl Gray is often based on something other than Chinese tea but Indian or Ceylon. And this variety with China is connected only by the fact that the rupture of the "tea" relations between England and China, to which (the rupture), as already noted, Charles Gray contributed in every possible way, perhaps stimulated its appearance. But the legend does not become less beautiful from this.

By the way, “Earl” is a title of nobility (its close, but not exact, equivalent is “Count”). Gray is a surname. So "Earl Grey" is "Earl Grey", not "Grey Earl";)

After this section was ready, we found another legend of the origin of Earl Gray - in Semenov's book.

“The Twining Company, which claims to be the first to introduce unusual bergamot tea to the general English public, gives a slightly different legend. Count Gray, according to this version, saved the life of one Chinese governor during a business trip to China. In gratitude, he gave him a box with fragrant tea and the recipe for it. Returning to England, the earl handed over the recipe to the Twining company, which for several years exclusively supplied this mixture to the earl, and then through his house, where the drink was served to guests at receptions, it became popular among the city's nobility. “Subsequently, Earl Gray graciously allowed Twinings to give the recipe of this exquisite blend its name, and under the name “Earl Gray” it became available to many connoisseurs of tea” (I quote from the magazine “Coffee and Tea in Russia”).

The most plausible explanation of the origin of this tea we found in the "Encyclopedia of Tea" by Y. Ivanov. He writes that a certain George Staunton discovered that the Chinese flavored tea with bitter orange and once simply replaced the orange with bergamot. So everything is simple. And all the other legends are the machinations of marketers;) By the way, bergmot is a citrus plant, from the fruits of which oil is obtained. If there is another pear variety with the same name, but it has nothing to do with tea, it’s just that the shape of the fruit is similar.

The British drink tea several times a day. For breakfast, they like to brew Earl Gray black tea. There is a legend that it was named after Charles Earl Grey. He was in 1830 the famous Prime Minister of Great Britain. During this time, Earl Gray tea became popular and subsequently spread throughout the world. This was largely due to the aroma with citrus notes, since its main component is bergamot oil.

The composition of the drink

Earl Gray most often consists of three types of large-leaf tea: Indian, Ceylon and Chinese. Sometimes only Indian is used, which, however, does not prevent this drink from being unique.

The main ingredient is bergamot oil. Quality tea "Earl Gray" with bergamot should have a good aroma, be strong and useful due to its composition.

It is bergamot that gives the hot drink freshness and some softness of taste. The fruit itself has a sour-bitter taste, as it is a hybrid of citron and orange. Tea with bergamot oil has an exquisite aroma and a slightly citrus flavor, making it popular all over the world.

The right way to brew tea

In order for Earl Gray tea to reveal its unique taste, it must be brewed correctly. In addition to high-quality tea, it is necessary to use clean water - bottled or past the filtration and purification system.

To brew delicious tea, you will also need a special teapot. It is best if it is clay or porcelain, since if you use glass or plastic, the drink may become cloudy from sunlight.

Earl Gray is not brewed very strongly, otherwise the taste of bergamot will not be felt. Usually there are 2 teaspoons of tea per 300 ml of liquid. The correct brewing process can be broken down into steps. To do tasty tea, do the following:

• prepare the kettle. It is necessary to rinse the dishes with boiling water right before brewing;
• fall asleep right amount Earl Gray tea in a teapot;
• fill it with hot water, the temperature of which should be 95 degrees. The drink is usually never poured with boiling water;
• drain after five seconds hot water so that the tea is cleansed and in the future can reveal all its taste and beneficial properties;
• once again fill the tea leaves with hot water and let it brew for 5-7 minutes.

Now you can enjoy rich taste and the aroma of Earl Gray tea. It can be brewed up to six times and will taste the same as it did at the beginning.

Other ways to use "Earl Grey"

Tea can not only be brewed, but also added to pastries. Cupcakes and buns acquire an unusual aroma of bergamot and become a healthy dessert.

There is also a way to make truffles with bergamot. A small amount of Earl Gray tea is added to the cream and brought to a boil. After filter and cool them for four hours. Grated dark chocolate is combined with cream, whipped and formed into balls. Melt some more dark chocolate and dip the balls in it, then roll them in natural cocoa.

Popular brands of Earl Gray tea

Bergamot tea is sold in tea bags. There is also a large-leaf version for brewing in a teapot. Sometimes in stores you can find "Earl Gray" with bergamot and lemon.

Bergamot tea is produced by various companies around the world. Most of all this drink is made in England. In the first place put the company "Twinings". Next on the list is Ahmad Earl Gray tea. In third place among English brands is Bigelow.

In France best tea with bergamot it is considered "Count Jardin". Lipton tea is sold all over the world, which is practically not inferior to the products of Twinings and Ahmad Tea Ltd.

Beneficial features

Benefit from daily use Earl Gray is big enough, because this tea with bergamot

• acts as an antidepressant. A drink with bergamot calms the nervous system, relieves tension and fear;
• contains antioxidants - substances that cope with the oxidative processes of free radicals. Thanks to this, your immunity will be stronger, which will prevent the occurrence of many diseases. To do this, it is enough to drink one cup of tea a day;
• promotes accelerated process weight loss. Earl Gray tea speeds up metabolic processes, but only if you drink it without additional products, such as sugar, honey, milk. It is allowed to add a slice of lemon;
• restores energy. Earl Gray may well replace morning coffee, as it also contains caffeine, but at a much lower dosage. Therefore, in the morning you can brew stronger tea to wake up and recharge your batteries;
• helps regulate blood sugar. Earl Gray tea reduces blood sugar and cholesterol;
• regulates the digestive tract. Tea with bergamot relieves abdominal cramps, nausea, intestinal discomfort;
• useful for colds. It helps to lower the temperature, relieves the symptoms of sore throat, runny nose and pneumonia.

The classic Earl Gray tea is especially popular in the UK. But it is also in demand among Russian connoisseurs. Literally translated, his name sounds like "Earl Grey", which explains interesting story drink.

Black tea Earl Gray appeared on the market about 200 years ago. Then he became famous all over the world.

In the first half of the 19th century, Earl Charles Gray owned a large tea plantation in Ceylon. During the next sea transportation of the collected product, the ship got into a severe storm. Bergamot oil, rare and expensive for that time, was transported next to the tea bags. The bottles broke, it spilled over into the tea.

The sailors were sorry to throw away the "spoiled" product. They dried the tea and brewed it classic recipe. New aromatics and taste qualities drink pleasantly surprised everyone present on the ship. This is how natural flavored black tea with bergamot appeared on sale. It was introduced to buyers as a new sort of tea, which was developed by the count himself. Subsequently, the tea leaves were deliberately soaked in essential oil. To this day, the product is in demand in the market.

In addition to this popular story of the appearance of tea with bergamot, there are others. For example, that the count received a sample of the product from the high-ranking father of the prince he saved. The lid of the tea box contained his recipe. True, there are several stories of salvation. Either Charles Gray pulled the guy out of the water during a severe storm and a shipwreck (we are talking about the son of a Chinese minister), or he protected him from an angry tiger (in this case, we are talking about the heir to the Indian rajah). Today it is hardly possible to find out the truth.

The composition and calorie content of the drink

The composition of Earl Gray tea includes two main components - high-quality black tea leaves and essential oil bergamot. Tea can be either Ceylon or Indian or Chinese. Sometimes three varieties are combined in the same product in equal proportions.

Bergamot is a hybrid of citron and orange that has a surprisingly subtle citrus aroma. Immediately after brewing, it quickly spreads throughout the room and has a calming effect on the participants in the tea party.

Some manufacturers use bergamot zest to flavor the drink, but this is a more economical option that cannot be considered a classic.

It is the oil that makes tea useful for the human body. Such an additive, with regular use of the drink, strengthens the body's defenses, saturates a person with energy and vivacity.

And besides:

• increases concentration and memory;
• improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
• normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system;
• cleanses the liver;
• brings the pressure back to normal;
• favorably affects the condition of the skin (including struggling with age spots and freckles).

The calorie content of the product per 100 g is 15.05 kcal. But this indicator is relevant only for the classic Earl Gray without additional additives.

Recently, manufacturers have begun to actively experiment and mix bergamot not only with black, but also with white, green and even red tea. Such drinks are also often sold under the name Earl Grey. In some versions, in addition to bergamot, jasmine, mint and other aromatic additives are used.

The taste and aroma of Earl Gray tea

The unique taste and aroma of the drink in question has made it so popular among connoisseurs around the world. Properly brewed tea with bergamot turns into a pleasant golden color, shimmering with amber. The taste of the drink is a whole bouquet with the astringency of black tea and bright citrus splashes from bergamot.

Freshly brewed Earl Gray smells like lemon and orange at the same time. It is citrus notes that dominate its aroma.

It is allowed to supplement the drink with fresh citrus slices and milk. Such additives do not spoil its taste and aroma.

Popular tea brands

Earl Gray tea is considered British. For a very long time it was produced exclusively by two English companies. One of them even stated that she received the drink recipe from the count himself back in the middle of the 19th century (this is “Jacksons from Piccadilly”).

Today on sale you can find such tea, produced under a variety of brands. For example, Twinnings. The company has created a version of the drink especially for beautiful ladies. He was named "Lady Grey". The composition of this tea included orange and lemon peel. The taste of the drink turned out to be more tender than that of the classic Earl Grey.

Of the American manufacturers, Stash Tea is engaged in the production of the tea in question, and of the French - Grand Jardin.

There are also cheap Chinese fakes of Earl Gray in stores. Instead of oil and bergamot zest, flavoring is added to them.

How to brew

For brewing such tea, it is better to choose filtered water. As for dishes, both the teapot and the cups should be made of clay or porcelain. The container in which the drink will be brewed is first treated with freshly boiled water.

If black tea is brewed, then the optimum water temperature for it is 90 - 100 degrees. Brewing time - from 2 to 6 minutes.

It is believed that as a sweetener, sugar does not combine well in such a drink with bergamot. It is better to use natural bee honey for this purpose. Both liquid and candied product will do.

Drink only freshly brewed Earl Grey. If the drink stays for more than 4 hours, then it is better to pour it out. Otherwise, tea will do more harm than good.

It is allowed to consume Earl Gray in the amount of no more than 4 cups per day. It is allowed to drink it even before going to bed. This drink has a calming effect.

History of tea

The appearance of the product on the market is associated with beautiful legends. The tea is named after Earl Gray ("Earl" is translated from English as "Earl"). This is a real historical figure. The Earl was an active British politician and lived a long and interesting life. It is possible that it was the tea that he drank every day that helped him lead an active life. The heyday of Sir Gray's political career came at the beginning of the 19th century. It was then that he discovered to the world an amazing tea with bergamot, which was brought to England from his colonies.

According to one version, the count learned the recipe from an Indian rajah. According to another legend, a successful combination was discovered quite by accident. During the transport of bags of tea from Ceylon to England, valuable bergamot oil spilled on them. They did not want to throw away expensive goods and put oil-soaked tea into trade. English tea connoisseurs were simply delighted with such an original product. For two centuries, Earl Gray tea has been loved in other countries, and now the drink is drunk all over the world with pleasure.

Properties of Earl Gray tea

You can find out that this very famous tea is in front of you without even looking at the packaging. Thanks to the unique aroma of bergamot, the drink can be recognized even with your eyes closed.

Earl Gray or Earl Gray tea is made from large-leaf raw materials. The main additive is the essential oil of bergamot, which is a citrus hybrid. Some tea lovers catch the smell of lemon in it, for others it is more like an orange. But everyone agrees on one thing: the fragrance is simply divine, subtle, sensual and soothing.

Earl Gray bergamot tea has the following benefits:

• gives a charge of vivacity;
• stimulates brain activity;
• helps to relieve stress and tension after a working day;
• beneficial effect on digestive system;
• contributes to the preservation of youth (bergamot oil is actively used in cosmetology).

The taste of tea can be described as invigorating and fresh with a slight hint of bitterness. In some varieties of the drink, bitterness is completely eliminated.

How Earl Gray tea is made

Each company has its own subtleties and secrets, but the general scheme looks the same.

1. Black tea leaves are soaked in bergamot essential oil.
2. The raw materials are dried using a special technology.
3. As a result, a thin film is formed on the tea leaves, which, when brewed, reveals the aroma and taste of citrus fruit.

At first, only two British companies were engaged in the production of tea under the Earl Gray brand. But the popular idea was picked up by other manufacturers. This made the drink more affordable, but in some cases it affected the quality.

When buying tea, you need to pay attention to its type and price. Real tea with bergamot cannot be suspiciously cheap, as this tropical fruit is quite rare, and its essential oil is expensive.

Types of tea in descending order of price and quality (and, accordingly, usefulness):

1. Large leaf tea with bergamot essential oil. Contains tea leaves impregnated with oil. Additionally, it may contain other natural additives.
2. Leaf tea with butter and pieces of bergamot peel.
3. A type of raw material not impregnated with oil, but with the addition of zest.
4. Granulated tea with flavored additives.
5. Tea bags with flavors that have nothing to do with the valuable essential oil of bergamot.

Also, the product can be classified according to the country of production. tea leaf. Earl Gray can be made from the following types of tea:

• Indian;
• Chinese;
• Ceylon.

In the creation of tea, Italy was also noted. It is in this country that bergamot essential oil is produced on an industrial scale. By the way, it is actively used by famous perfumers.

Also on sale, in addition to black, you can find green or white teas with bergamot. But still, the real classic Earl Gray is precisely large-leaf black tea.

Recipe

The process does not require special skill. The main secret success: take real Earl Gray and bergamot will do the trick.

Ingredients:

• tea - 1 teaspoon per cup;
• filtered water;
• sugar or honey.

Cooking method:

1. Boil water.
2. Pour boiling water over the teapot (it is preferable to take porcelain or earthenware for brewing).
3. Pour tea leaves and fill with water at a temperature of about 80-90 degrees.
4. Let the drink brew for 5-7 minutes.

Tip: Earl Gray tea should be drunk freshly brewed. If it costs more than two hours, then its taste deteriorates, and its usefulness is rapidly approaching zero.

There are a huge number of tea companies on the world market offering drinks under different brands to the buyer, but almost every one of them has the classic Earl Gray in its assortment, which is especially loved and popular in the UK.

History of creation

Tea has been drunk for several millennia, but in just over 200 years it has become a widespread global commodity. Before that, the so-called Chinese grass was known, which was expensive, had an incomprehensible taste and caused distrust, like everything new. The beginning of the conquest of the world by tea is considered to be the period of development by Europeans of the coffee business in Ceylon, which, having failed, gave place to tea plantations. Earl Gray tea stands out among the favorite varieties of the drink today, which is already considered a classic and the best among flavored products of its kind.

Despite the short history of existence, this drink has acquired a huge number of myths and legends, most of which are just fiction. Some talk about the miraculous rescue of one of the courtiers of the Chinese government by close associates of Sir Charles Grey, the earl and then British Foreign Secretary. As a token of gratitude, the Chinese subject presented the count with a box of incredibly fragrant black tea with a description of how it is produced.

That Charles Gray

At that time, and it was in the first half of the 19th century, the count was the owner of tea plantations in Ceylon, so he correctly perceived and implemented the information about the new product.

According to another version, tea from the plantations of the count was transported to the continent on a ship, in which, along with tea bags, there was expensive bergamot oil at that time. During a strong storm, oil was poured on tea, from which it acquired amazing aromatic and taste properties. It is difficult to find out exactly how black tea with bergamot began to be produced, but its name comes from the name of a famous politician and titled person of the United Kingdom.

History is silent about the exact facts of the appearance of Earl Grey. It is assumed that the Chinese learned to flavor black tea with orange peels, but the tradition of adding oil to tea originated in Ceylon. Be that as it may, but today this product is in demand on the market and is loved all over the world.

Description

Earl Gray Bergamot Tea is a leaf, granular or bagged product consisting of black tea flavored with bergamot oil. On the market you can find Earl Gray with the zest of this fragrant fruit. The composition of the product can only include tea itself and oil or pieces of bergamot zest. In China, there is a tradition to flavor tea with a close relative of bergamot - orange.

Bergamot is a hybrid obtained by crossing two representatives of citrus fruits - orange and citron. The fruit itself has a pronounced bitterness in taste, but the oil from its peel has a unique aroma and beneficial properties. To obtain bergamot tea, its leaves are impregnated with oil and allowed to dry. The description of the aroma of the finished drink can be expressed in a nutshell - light citrus with freshness and bitterness.

Earl Gray black tea is produced on the basis of Chinese, Indian, Ceylon leaves, including long leaf varieties. Not so long ago, a green and even an elite one appeared on the market. White tea with bergamot.

Bergamot oil is today produced in one region of Italy, the fruit is grown insignificantly in Africa

Tropical fruit oil, which is grown in the largest volumes in Italy, is considered to be beneficial for health just like hundreds of years ago. It is used in cosmetology, food and perfume industry. When flavoring a tea leaf, it is covered with an easily weathered film of their bergamot esters, which give it a characteristic aroma and flavor.

Such a product must be stored in airtight containers:

• ideally, first put the tea in a linen bag, and then place it in a glass or tin can;
• do not store it near strong-smelling products, especially coffee and spices;
• such tea is stored less than regular tea, as it tends to lose its aroma.

Many tea brands are engaged in the production of a drink with bergamot. On the Russian market It is represented by brands such as:

• Dilmah;
• Greenfield;
• Ahmad;
• Lipton;
• twinning;
• Newby;
• Wriston;
• Hayles and others.

Leaders among packaged drinks are Lipton, offering Earl Gray in pyramids, and among loose drinks, Greenfield, offering Ceylon leaf tea with Fantasy bergamot.

Earl Gray is not only a delicious and fragrant drink. It combines two amazing properties. On the one hand, it tones, stimulates the brain and nervous system as a whole. On the other hand, it relaxes and helps to fully relax after a working day.