Earl Gray black tea (Earl Gray) with bergamot. Earl gray tea - a guarantee of a pleasant tea drinking Earl Gray green tea

Another beautiful story is associated with the birth of Earl Gray tea (Earl Gray or Earl Gray). It is believed that the classic recipe for this tea was obtained by British Foreign Secretary Sir Charles Gray from the Chinese Mandarin as a result of a clever political intrigue. Or for some cunning services. Which is less likely, since Gray's activities resulted in a reduction in the tea trade with China. But what a problem there is in all this. We have been drinking Chinese teas for a long time - and we have never met any hint of aromatization with bergamot oil (it is this oil that 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 not Chinese tea but Indian or Ceylon. And this variety is connected with China only by the fact that the rupture of the "tea" relations between England and China, which (the rupture), as already noted, Charles Gray contributed in every possible way, possibly stimulated its appearance. But the legend does not become less beautiful from this.

By the way, "Earl" is a title of nobility (a close but not exact equivalent is "Count"). And Gray is the last name. So Earl Gray is Earl Gray, not Gray Earl;)

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

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

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

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 Gray", which explains interesting story drink.

Earl Gray black tea appeared on the general 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 fell into a severe storm. Bergamot oil, rare and expensive for that time, was transported next to tea bags. The bottles broke and it spilled into tea.

The sailors were sorry to throw away the "spoiled" product. They dried the tea and brewed it over classic recipe... The new aroma and taste of the drink pleasantly impressed everyone on board. This is how natural flavored black tea with bergamot appeared on the market. It was presented to buyers as a new type of tea, which was developed by the Count himself. Later the tea leaves were deliberately impregnated with essential oil. To this day, the product is in demand in the market.

In addition to this popular history of bergamot tea, 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 tea box lid also contained his recipe. True, there are several stories of salvation. Either Charles Gray pulled the guy out of the water during a strong storm and shipwreck (we are talking about the son of a Chinese minister), or protected from an angry tiger (in this case, it is said 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, Indian or Chinese. Sometimes in one product three varieties are combined at once in the same proportions.

Bergamot is a citron / orange hybrid that has a surprisingly subtle citrus scent. Once brewed, it quickly spreads around the room and has a calming effect on the tea party.

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

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

And besides:

• increases concentration of attention and memory;
• improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
• normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system;
• cleanses the liver;
• brings pressure back to normal;
• has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin (including combating 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. These drinks are also often marketed under the name Earl Gray. In some embodiments, jasmine, mint, and other aromatic additives are used in addition to bergamot.

Taste and aroma of Earl Gray tea

The unique taste and aroma of the discussed drink made it so popular among connoisseurs all over the world. Correctly 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 brands of tea

Earl Gray is considered British. For a very long time, it was produced exclusively by two English companies. One of them even claimed that she had received the recipe for the drink from the earl himself back in the middle of the 19th century (this is "Jacksons from Piccadilly").

Today, you can find such tea on sale, produced under a variety of brands. For example, "Twinings". The company has created a version of the drink especially for beautiful ladies. He was named "Lady Gray". This tea contains orange and lemon zest... The taste of the drink turned out to be softer than that of the classic Earl Gray.

Of the American producers, Stash Tea is engaged in the production of the discussed tea, 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 properly

For brewing such tea, it is better to choose filtered water. As for the 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 processed with freshly boiled water.

If black tea is brewed, then the optimal water temperature for it is 90 - 100 degrees. The brewing time is 2 to 6 minutes.

As a sweetener, sugar is believed to work poorly with bergamot. It is better to use natural bee honey for this purpose. Both liquid and sugared products will work.

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

Earl Gray is allowed to be consumed in an amount of no more than 4 cups per day. It is allowed to drink it even before bedtime. This drink has a calming effect.

When this drink first appeared on the shelves of domestic stores, buyers were amazed at the fact that there are not only classic views of this product. For our citizens, this view was a novelty.

Earl Gray tea immediately became in demand among consumers. It is popular in the world and has a solid history. Like all known species, it has many legends about its birth.

Let's talk about the most plausible versions of creation.

Story # 1. Many years ago, on the tea island of Ceylon, a certain Charles Gray was the owner of several plantations. He sent products to Europe and America. One day the ship that was carrying the Count's goods was caught in a storm. Next to the tea bales was bottled bergamot oil.

They crashed and liquid spilled. When the ship reached the shore safely, the sailors wanted to throw out the soaked products, then changed their minds. After drying the tea and tasting it, they were delighted with the drink they received. The sailors told the planter about this, who created a similar tea.

Story number 2. The Indian Rajah had an unlucky son who often ran away from home. When he went to seek adventure in the jungle, where he was attacked by a Bengal tiger. Nearby was a hunter - an Englishman named Charles Gray, who saved the young man. As a token of gratitude, the Rajah presented him with tea leaves along with a bergamot supplement.

The last legend is repeated in different variations. Sometimes, instead of the Indian rajah, a Chinese mandarin appears, instead of a tomboy, a diligent young man, but this will not make the story more true.

The real version is as follows. In the middle of the 19th century, in the 30s, the politician Earl Gray lived in England, distinguished by independent political views and love affairs. He loved to travel. In China, he was given a box of bergamot tea, which Sir Charles liked. Upon arrival at home, he treated his acquaintances to them. English secular society appreciated the drink. Since then, Earl Gray black tea has been imported to the UK and other countries, and it was named after the politician.

Composition

It has two main participants: tea and bergamot. Moreover, the tea leaves are used Indian, Ceylon or green varieties. Depending on the manufacturer, they are produced different options... Sometimes it is a combination of all three teas plus the oil of the plant.

Bergamot is a cross between an orange and a citron (a relative of a lemon). A combination of fragrant and useful plant with tea classics, which also have a positive effect on the human body, gives a wonderful effect.

Proportioning is difficult. Bergamot oil is so aromatic that it is difficult to catch the edge of this type of ingredients in order to obtain a balanced scent.

Beneficial features

Bergamot is rich in minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins of various groups. It has the following positive effects on human health:

• improves metabolism;
• has an antibacterial effect;
• normalizes the stomach;
• reduces the level of bad cholesterol;
• lowers the temperature;
• useful for angina;
• removes toxins, toxic substances;
• stabilizes pressure;
• helps to fight stress, depression, tones up.

Earl Gray bergamot tea is useful for a strong half of humanity: it increases potency, enhances libido.

Anyone who is struggling with extra pounds should take into account that the calorie content of bergamot is higher than that of ordinary teas: in 100 g of the product - 15.1 kcal.

Contraindications

Having a strong effect on the body, the drink also causes harm to humans. Such a drink should not be consumed:

• pregnant women, lactating mothers;
• children under 12 years old;
• women during the menstrual period;
• allergy sufferers.

Given its tonic qualities, tea should be drunk a few hours before bedtime.

Who makes bergamot tea?

Given the popularity of the drink, well-known manufacturers of tea products in their model lines necessarily have a similar look. "Twinings", "Ahmad", "Bigelow", "Lipton", "Grand Jardin" - the names of popular tea brands in the world, offering customers such a combination. Twinings decided to get ahead of the competition and produces a similar drink for women - "Lady Gray", which is added with citrus zest.

Among domestic manufacturers, Greenfield, Tess and others have this type. Products are produced in classic sheet and packaged versions.

We brew correctly

For brewing, you need to take a porcelain or ceramic container. Warm up the dishes with hot water or boiling water so that the tea components give better healing properties... The proportion is standard: for 1 tsp. - 200 ml hot (85 ° C) water. Insist for 4-5 minutes.

After the process, you need to remove the used leaves from the teapot. Otherwise, a person's ally will turn into his enemy. According to the ancestors of tea drinking, the Chinese, their old tea leaves are equated with a snake bite.

History of tea

The appearance of the product on the market is associated with beautiful legends. Tea is named after Earl Gray ("Earl" is translated from English as "Count"). This is a real historical person. The Earl was an active British politician, lived a long and interesting life... It is possible that it was the tea that he ate every day that helped him to lead an active life. Sir Gray's political career flourished in the early 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 the Indian rajah. According to another legend a good combination was discovered quite by accident. During the transportation of bags of tea from Ceylon to England, valuable bergamot oil was poured on them. They did not want to throw away the expensive goods and put the oil-soaked tea into trade. The British tea connoisseurs were delighted with such an original product. For two centuries, Earl Gray tea has also been loved in other countries, now the drink is enjoyed with pleasure all over the world.

Earl Gray tea properties

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

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

Earl Gray bergamot tea has beneficial properties:

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

The taste of the tea can be described as invigorating and fresh with a slight hint of bitterness. In some varieties of the drink, the 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 impregnated with bergamot essential oil.
2. Raw materials are dried using a special technology.
3. As a result, a thin film forms on the tea leaves, which, when brewed, reveals the aroma and taste of the 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 as well. This made the drink more affordable, but in some cases it resulted in a deterioration in quality.

When buying tea, you need to pay attention to its type and price. Real bergamot tea 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 infusion soaked in oil. Additionally, it may contain other natural additives.
2. Leaf tea with butter and pieces of bergamot zest.
3. A type of raw material, not saturated 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 precious essential oil of bergamot.

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

• Indian;
• Chinese;
• Ceylon.

Italy was also noted in the creation of tea. 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 exactly large leaf black tea.

Recipe

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

Ingredients:

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

Cooking method:

1. Boil water.
2. Pour boiling water over the teapot (preferably for brewing, you need to take porcelain or earthenware).
3. Pour in the tea leaves and fill with water at a temperature of about 80-90 degrees.
4. Let the drink sit 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.

Earl Gray classic, bergamot tea

The price is for 5 0 gr

TeaEarl Gray- the tea king! Refined and refined taste Earl Gray tea allows you to get real pleasure.

Delicate taste classic tea Earl Gray pleases with subtle citrus notes. The sweetish aroma allows you not only to enjoy this drink, but to feel joy and relief from worries. It is not for nothing that Earl Gray tea is called the king among all types of tea.

Earl Gray tea is the clear leader in many tea collections. It is a blend of three varieties of black large-leaf tea - Indian, Chinese, Ceylon, with the addition of natural bergamot oil.

“But, excuse me,” someone will exclaim, “after all, bergamot is a pear!” Yes, this sort of pear really exists, but it has nothing to do with tea. Earl Gray, a description of which can be found in the books of famous tea growers, contains the oil of another bergamot, the citrus family. It is a hybrid of orange and lemon. Its slightly sour-bitter hue will not be appreciated by anyone, but the oil from it is amazing. To buy Earl Gray tea means to taste a unique drink with a delicate aroma.

A good Earl Gray tea should be aromatic, strong, and healthy. And the British will add: "And necessarily with the taste of bergamot!" Bergamot gives the tea a soft and fresh taste. Earl Gray tea with bergamot for many is the best and favorite. The exquisite aroma and sweet-citrus taste of Earl Gray tea will give you true pleasure. The tea has a rich golden color. Earl Gray Black Tea with Bergamot perfectly invigorates, improves well-being and increases vitality.

Today Earl Gray with bergamot is one of the most famous and demanded varieties of tea with aromatic additives. An aromatic, spicy tea that contains a real spectrum of iridescent flavors - this is tea with bergamot. You can buy Earl Gray tea from China with delivery throughout Russia on our website. For several years now, the price of Earl Gray tea has remained unchanged.

How Earl Gray tea appeared, according to the legends ...

Earl Gray tea has its roots in the early 19th century. It was at this time that Sir Charles Gray was serving as British Home Secretary. He was the first Englishman to receive tea as a gift from a Chinese mandrill for a successful political scam. Charles Gray liked the drink so much that he unwittingly became its popularizer. The British liked Earl Gray tea, they loved it for its softness and freshness of taste.

Another legend says that this drink was presented to the count by the Chinese governor. It was a reward for saving his son after a shipwreck. Count gray tea was different the most delicate taste, jasmine and rose petals were added to it. The name of this tea is translated into Russian as “gray-haired graph”.

There is another version that explains how Earl Gray Black appeared. They say that a certain Lord George Staunton decided to aromatize the familiar in the same way as it was done in China. While traveling to this country, he had the opportunity to taste tea flavored with bitter orange, and he was fascinated by this drink. When he returned home, he tried to reproduce this taste and aroma, but the right ingredient was not available. So he used bergamot.

And is it so important who invented Count Gray tea! The main thing is its unique taste and aroma, which we enjoy to this day.

You can buy graph gray tea in our online store. And do not forget to thank mentally those who came up with such a wonderful tea count gray!

Earl Gray tea tastes like nothing else and cannot be confused with any other. Subtle tropical notes shimmer with lime, kiwi and barely perceptible vanilla. Bergamot is not a pear at all, as many believe. Bergamot is a hybrid of the citrus family, obtained from crossing an orange and a citron. An essential oil is obtained from it by cold pressing, which is subsequently used as an aromatic additive. Count Gray tea is delicate, airy and velvety. It has various shades and flavors.

Useful properties of Earl Gray tea with bergamot

Earl Gray tea has not only delicious taste, but also mass useful properties... Regular consumption of tea has a beneficial effect on the human body. Tea has a tonic and cleansing effect. It improves the body's metabolism. Drink a cup of Earl Gray tea with bergamot daily and the result will not be long in coming. You will see how your skin color is evened out, it becomes smoother and more silky. Age spots and freckles will begin to fade, and facial pores will become less visible.

Earl Gray tea with bergamot helps to cope with depression and relieve internal stress. The citrus scent can boost your mood and feel better. The benefits of bergamot tea will be invaluable for a weakened or tired body. Earl Gray Tea increases the body's resistance, making it resistant to various infections. The high concentration of essential oils contained in this tea boosts immunity. Tea with bergamot should be bought first of all for those who often suffer from colds.

For people of mental labor, a cup of tea with bergamot will be very useful. Erg Gray tea classic is able to influence the brain activity and improve the concentration of the mind. The drink opens a second wind, gives strength and energy. Black tea with bergamot improves memory and brain function, it increases creativity. The benefit of bergamot tea lies in the fact that it is able to simultaneously tone and relax. Black tea with bergamot allows you to forget about a hard day. This drink relieves fatigue, makes it possible to forget about troubles and stress. It is said that just one cup containing Earl Gray Black works wonders. To find out if this is so, you need to buy Earl Gray and experience its wonderful properties.

The benefits of bergamot tea are invaluable for people suffering from hypertension. It normalizes blood pressure. Also, tea will be beneficial for diabetics, since bergamot helps to lower blood sugar. Earl Gray tea perfectly copes with the problems of the gastrointestinal tract, improves digestion and stabilizes the intestines.

Earl gray tea will not be superfluous to buy for people experiencing problems with cholesterol in the blood - tea contributes to its normalization. Tea with bergamot can also be bought for those who are on a diet. It burns fat cells in the body perfectly. Of course, drinking tea alone does not promise magical transformations, but the pleasant taste of this drink will allow you to enjoy the process of drinking tea without sugar and sweets, which will undoubtedly give the desired effect.

Some are wondering if bergamot tea can be used in cosmetology? Yes, Earl Gray Black Tea removes freckles and leaves skin looking fresh and healthy.

When is bergamot tea harmful?

It seems that it is enough just to buy tea with bergamot, and you can endlessly "sing praises" to this drink. But there are some peculiarities of its use. In order for tea with bergamot (the benefits and harms of which are discussed separately) to bring only benefits, you should not drink it in large quantities. If you drink more than 3-4 cups a day, then bergamot tea will be harmful.

Bergamot tea - benefits and harms always go hand in hand. Bergamot tea in large quantities will be harmful to those people who have trouble sleeping. However, in reasonable quantities, it will not harm. If you are allergic to citrus fruits, use Earl Gray Bergamot Tea with caution.

A high content of essential oils, on the one hand, is useful, on the other hand, it can cause allergic reactions and even swelling of the nasopharynx. Here's tea with bergamot - both benefits and harms. The same effect of oils, if consumed too often, can cause problems with blood pressure and weakness. In general, it cannot be said that tea with bergamot will certainly harm. But when using it, you need a sense of proportion.

Read our tips carefully, and there will be no harm from bergamot tea.

Do you use Earl Gray Black for baking? Try it, you will like it

Earl Gray needs to be bought in order to use its remarkable properties in the manufacture of some confectionery... Earl Gray tea with bergamot can be used in muffins by a famous chef. The baked goods are light and airy, and also acquire a delicate bergamot aroma. This cake stays fresh longer. So do not forget to get Earl Gray, the price of which matches its high quality.

To get the maximum taste and benefit from Earl Gray tea, you need to master the intricacies of the tea ceremony.

Let's learn how to brew Earl Gray tea properly. The description of the tea ceremony will allow you to get maximum taste and pleasure from tea. In order for bergamot tea to be tasty, to reveal the benefits of bergamot tea, use purified water. Bottled water or filtered water will do. A teapot is best made from earthenware or porcelain. Elite teas, such as black tea with bergamot, do not require strong brewing. Therefore, do not use more than 2 teaspoons per 300 ml. water.

Before brewing Earl Gray tea, rinse the kettle hot water... Drain the first infusion after 5 seconds to purify the tea and reveal its properties. Then pour the Earl Gray tea with water no hotter than 95 degrees (boiling water is the enemy of tea). Let the tea infuse for 5 minutes and you can enjoy its delicious taste. Large leaf teas can be brewed up to 6-7 times. Each new brew will surprise you with its wonderful taste and aroma.

Can bergamot tea be drunk with milk? To your taste, you can add milk or lemon, honey or ginger to the tea, and then the tea will reveal its entire bouquet of taste. Can bergamot tea be drunk cold? The tea can be chilled or some ice can be added to it if necessary. On hot summer days, this tea is an excellent thirst quencher. We hope that the taste of Earl Gray tea will delight you and your loved ones. Enjoy your tea!

To avoid buying fake tea Earl Gray, use our online store!