Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey tea is a popular and classic black tea blend. The most common version features a strong, aromatic flavor that is characterized by the aroma of citrus and Bergamot. It is named after the 2nd Earl Grey, Charles Grey, who held office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the early 19th century.
Ingredients
Earl Grey tea is traditionally made with black tea as a base. The essential ingredient, however, is the Bergamot oil, which provides the distinct flavor and aroma characteristic of Earl Grey tea. Here is a list of the common ingredients:
- Black Tea: The base of Earl Grey tea, black tea gives the blend its strong and robust flavor.
- Bergamot Oil: This is the ingredient that defines the flavor of Earl Grey tea. Bergamot oil blends well with black tea and has an unmistakable citrus aroma.
- Lemon Peel: Lemon peel gives the blend a more subtle citrus aroma compared to the Bergamot oil.
- Orange Peel: As well as adding flavor to the blend, orange peel can also help to enhance the aroma of the tea.
How it’s Made
The process of creating Earl Grey tea is very similar to other varieties of black tea. The leaves are withered, rolled, oxidized and dried. The addition of the Bergamot oil comes when the tea leaves are hot, as this allows it to infuse the tannins and flavors into the tea. Generally speaking, the Bergamot oil is added to the tea to make it look more appealing, as well as imparting the flavor.
Conclusion
Earl Grey tea is a classic black tea blend that has remained popular for centuries. Its distinctive flavor comes from the addition of Bergamot oil, as well as other citrus elements such as Lemon and Orange peel. The process for creating Earl Grey tea is similar to other types of black tea, with the Bergamot oil being added during the hot rolling stage.
