Black tea Earl Gray (Earl Grey) with bergamot. Earl gray tea - a guarantee of a pleasant tea drinking Ingredients: essential oil and other components

The classic Earl Gray tea is especially popular in the UK. But it is also in demand among Russian connoisseurs. Literally translated, its name sounds like "Earl Grey", which explains the interesting history of the 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. The new aromatic and gustatory qualities of the drink pleasantly impressed all those 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 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

Earl Gray tea contains two main components - quality black tea leaves and bergamot essential oil. 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.

One of the favorite types of tea of ​​the inhabitants of Foggy Albion and the British royal family is Earl Grey. The history of its origin is shrouded in secrets, for the rights to own original recipe and the introduction of tea into production are being fought by various English companies. But it is not only popular in the UK. Many Russians also fell in love with Earl Gray tea.

This is a famous and widespread flavored tea, whose history began in the UK.

How is the name translated

The English phrase Earl Gray in literal translation into Russian means "Earl Grey". Also, this tea is often called the "Grey Earl". This name is inaccurate and distorted.

Description

Earl Gray is a black tea flavored with bergamot oil, which is pressed from the rind of the plant's fruit. Today, Earl Gray also includes white and green varieties with bergamot, which is actually incorrect. The plant itself belongs to the genus Citrus, so flavored tea acquires the appropriate notes in taste and aroma.

Origin story

The history of Earl Gray tea suggests several versions of its appearance. It is believed that the variety bears the name of the British Prime Minister of the 30s of the 19th century named Charles Grey. According to one hypothesis, this tea was given to him from a Chinese official as a thank you for saving his son from a shipwreck by British sailors. The version is beautiful, but perhaps not the most reliable.

According to another hypothesis, the creation of the blend took place literally on the deck of the ship. The latter was heading with cargo from Indian lands to Great Britain, but a storm broke out. During a storm, containers of bergamot oil overturned, and it fell on tea leaves being transported in bales. The cargo was so expensive that the owner did not dare to throw it away even in a "spoiled" state. So, accidentally flavored tea began to be sold in English shops and fell in love with the inhabitants of the country. The tea was named after a tea plantation owner in India named Gray.

Another hypothesis says that the Earl Gray brand was created by George Staunton, who, while in China, tried green tea with the aroma of bitter orange. When the diplomatic mission was completed and George returned to England, he turned to his friend Lord Banks to reproduce the taste of the flavored blend. Because bitter oranges from the owner tea shop was not, he used bergamot oil, and instead of green - black tea. Of course, the taste was not what it should have been. But the new blend was also to my liking. The name was given by Banks in honor of Charles Gray, who often came to enjoy tea with bergamot oil.

Beneficial features

The benefits of Earl Gray tea lie not only in the leaf itself, but also in bergamot oil, which is a natural flavoring agent. The main properties of the blend:

• tea strengthens the immune system;
• improves memory and concentration;
• stimulates brain activity;
• Earl Gray is able to simultaneously bring the body into tone and a relaxed state;
• tea fights bad mood, fatigue and nervous tension;
• provides improved metabolism, skin cleansing, etc.

Possible harm and contraindications

Earl Gray tea is not recommended before bed. The tonic properties of the drink can lead to sleepless nights. With caution, tea should be consumed by pregnant women (especially in the first months), because. its excessive amount can cause a threat of miscarriage. Earl Gray is usually contraindicated in:

• allergies to citrus;
• problems with the "thyroid gland";
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• children's age (up to 12 years).

Note! Breastfeeding women can drink tea with bergamot, but not more than 3 times a week. People who have no contraindications are advised to drink Earl Gray in an amount not exceeding 3-4 cups per day.

Famous Russian brands

Finding Earl Gray in stores is not difficult, because, as noted earlier, this is a very common tea. A variety of tea companies in our country produce products under this name. Consider the most popular brands.

Greenfield Earl Gray Fantasy

What tea is one of the most purchased among other products of this brand? This is Greenfield Earl Gray Fantasy. The manufacturer included in the composition: black tea (Sri Lanka), zest, bergamot oil, cornflower and calendula (petals). Sold in loose form and in bags.

Ahmad Tea Earl Gray

For the production of "Count Gray" the company uses raw materials brought from India (Assam tea) and Sri Lanka. The manufacturer himself calls the taste of his Earl Gray piquant, intriguing and bewitching.

Lipton Earl Gray

Consists of black tea, cornflower and calendula petals, bergamot flavor, identical to natural. The manufacturer describes this tea as strong, invigorating with a noble taste.

Richard Royal Earl Gray

To obtain a classic drink, the May company uses tea leaves from the plantations of Sri Lanka. According to the manufacturer, this is an aristocratic tea with an impeccable taste and invigorating bergamot aroma.

Today, companies produce tea novelties called Earl Gray, but their recipes are often far from the original, classic. Tea in pyramids is popular, for example, Greenfield Royal Earl Grey, Lipton Imperial Earl Grey.

How to brew and drink

Brewing Earl Gray is easy. If the tea is loose leaf, then you first need to douse the teapot with boiling water. Then tea leaves are poured into the teapot (in the proportion of 1 tsp per cup) and poured with boiling water. The infusion time is approximately 5 minutes. With brewing bags even easier.

Earl Gray is an obligatory participant in the traditional English evening tea ceremony - five o'clock tea. In England, this tea is usually drunk with milk and sugar. Also a favorite drink of the British and not only can be served with fruit, sandwiches, ham, eggs, cheese and sweet treats (cookies, etc.).

Saturated Ceylon black tea and notes bergamot create a tandem that bears a fabulous name Earl Gray. From this magical name breathes old and good Britain.

Earl Gray tea really capable of taking you to the pinnacle of bliss. Bergamot gives it gentle scent while leaving strong black ceylon tea. At the same time, black tea is the base component, and bergamot oil brings a touch of tenderness.

Earl Gray tea found a lot of fans all over the world. Especially honor he the British. And they know a lot about tea.

Interestingly, researchers still do not know exactly the history of this tea. There are many options, but they do not find unambiguous confirmation. The most famous of them says that this tea was brought as a gift to British Minister Gray from China. And it arose, like many amazing things of our reality, by chance. The ship that carried tea, caught in a violent storm. Bergamot oil spilled on tea leaves. And so it turned out Earl Gray.

Over time, many began to call this tea "gray-haired earl." Obviously drawing an analogy with the word gray, which translates as grey. Apparently, people decided that Mr. Gray was a gray-haired man.

Whatever this tea is called, it has amazing properties. It - natural antidepressant. Indeed, its deep and indescribable aroma will drive away all negative emotions and revive the joy of life. Troubles and troubles will simply dissolve in the air. Bergamot will wrap your home tranquility and tranquility.

Earl Gray tea taste

The brewed tea is colored warm golden color shimmering with sun and amber. BUT taste represents indescribable bouquet, consisting of bergamot, black tea and bright citrus splashes that fill cheerfulness from within.

Earl Gray pairs well with milk and lemon. This will not negatively affect him in any way. palatability. Pour tea into beautiful cups, put cakes and cookies on the table! BUT freshly brewed tea flavor spread throughout the rooms. Your friends and relatives will not remain indifferent.

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 up hot water, the temperature of which should be 95 degrees. The drink is usually never poured with boiling water;
• after five seconds, drain the hot water so that the tea is cleansed and can later 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.

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 zest has a unique aroma and useful 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 industries. When flavoring tea leaf it is covered with an easily weathered film of their bergamot esters, which give it its 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.