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Offering up wonderful, fresh flavours of bergamot, Earl Grey is a delightful large leaf tea that, while typically served as a black tea, is just as enjoyable when served with milk. With flavours derived from oil extracted from the rind of the fragrant bergamot orange, Earl Grey makes for a distinctive, unique and very refreshing tea.
Want to learn more about Earl Grey Tea? Read our article - Fragrant and Fabulous Earl Grey Tea - Distinctively Divine.
Ingredients
Ceylon Black Tea, Bergamot Oil
Allergens
While we try to keep to the strictest standards in our treatment of allergens, please be aware that our factory handles nuts, milk and soy ingredients. Please check our ingredients lists for specific information on each tea.
Your Guide to Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey tea, with its distinctive bergamot flavour, is one of the most popular tea blends. Traditionally made as a blend of Chinese black tea flavoured with aromatic bergamot oil, Earl Grey may also be made with other black teas, as well as green, white, oolong and rooibos. Its delicate flavour lends itself to be blended with other ingredients, such as flower petals, fruits and spices.
The History of Earl Grey Tea
There are various interpretations of why Earl Grey tea was so named, but it’s generally accepted it was named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, and Britain’s Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834, who was also author of the Reform Bill of 1832 and the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. One such story is that the tea was specially prepared for him by a Chinese friend, with bergamot oil added to the leaves to offset the taste of minerals in the water at the Earl’s Northumberland estate. It’s also been suggested that Chinese diplomats sent the Earl a gift of black tea, and on its passage to England it took on the flavour of bergamot oranges being shipped at the same time. Whether Earl Grey tea was created on purpose or by accident, most stories suggest the tea was gifted to the Earl as a token of gratitude.
Various tea companies have argued about ownership of the original recipe for Earl Grey tea, but since it has never been registered as a trademark, tea companies have been able to produce their own versions of this well-loved tea.
Types of Earl Grey Tea
The versatile flavour of Earl Grey tea means it can be enjoyed in various forms. Below are a few examples:
Earl Grey Tea gives you a luxurious blend of large leaf Ceylon black tea and fresh, citrusy bergamot oil, that will awaken your senses as soon as you open the pack. Typically served as a black tea, it can also be enjoyed with a splash of milk or a slice of lemon.
Earl Grey Decaffeinated Tea is flavoured with the natural oils of bergamot to create a strong, black decaffeinated tea full of delicate notes and a wholly unique aroma.
Earl Grey Green Tea delivers the intoxicating aroma of bergamot in a Chinese green tea blend. It makes a delightful alternative to traditional Earl Grey tea.
Rooibos Earl Grey Tea is made using South African rooibos flavoured with bergamot for a delightful twist to classic Earl Grey flavours.
Reviews of Earl Grey Tea
Below are comments and opinions from some of our customers who have enjoyed our Earl Grey tea products:
Earl Grey Tea
A wonderful large leaf, Ceylon black tea infused with the fresh flavour derived from oil of bergamot oranges, Earl Grey Tea is sometimes regarded as the quintessential English tea. Delicious served as a black tea, or with milk if desired, Earl Grey also works well as an energising iced tea.
“This is my regular Earl Grey tea purchase now and yes I drink plenty of it. The balance with Bergamot is just right and it is a proper pick you up type of tea.”
Jane R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“some can be too citrusy for my taste - this one maintains that perfect blend of bergamot with black tea - not overwhelmed with other flavours”
Dr. B. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Earl Grey Decaffeinated Tea
A decaffeinated tea that is still full of flavour, made with Ceylon black tea leaves flavoured with aromatic bergamot oil. A wonderful Earl Grey decaf tea, full of delicate notes and a distinctive aroma.
“I have recently changed to leaf tea from tea bags. I was very happy to try the Earl Grey Decaf Tea and it was everything I hoped it would be. I was not disappointed.”
Michael B. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Earl Grey Citrus Tea
This glorious blend of Earl Grey tea with aromatic lemon and orange flavours makes a delightful fresh and zesty beverage to be enjoyed at any time of day.
“Love this tea - enjoy several cups throughout the day. Just the right amount of citrus flavour. Would recommend.”
Judith H. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Earl Grey Green Tea
A flavoursome Earl Grey variety made with China green tea, making it a good source of antioxidants. Earl Grey Green Tea offers a well-balanced beverage with an intoxicating aroma.
“I’m a fan of green tea .....and Earl Grey! During the pandemic my daughter sent me Earl Grey Green Tea for my birthday. I was so pleased because my old source no longer sold this tea. I loved the tea and have now replenished my supply with the bargain bulk buy. I’m so pleased to have found tea-direct ......supplier of the tea I like.”
Brenda S. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rooibos Earl Grey Tea
Made using South African rooibos, offering zesty citrus aromas and a rounded orange rind flavour for a wonderfully refreshing tea.
“Very refreshing, lovely drink”
Marianne T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Love this! So much better loose.”
Amelia P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Russian Earl Grey Tea
A luxury black tea blend made with orange pekoe leaves, naturally dried orange peel, cornflower petals and lemongrass. Revealing zesty citrus notes and a subtle sweetness, Russian Earl Grey is a most refreshing drink.
“An intense and rich flavour which makes this tea feel like a special treat.”
Louise W. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
French Lavender Earl Grey Tea
Classic Earl Grey flavours are evident in this exquisite mix of luxury black tea, aromatic French Lavender and pretty cornflower petals. Slightly sweet and fruity, it reveals wonderful floral flavours and an incredible aroma.
“Very delicious!”
Pat M. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
FAQs
What gives Earl Grey its unique flavour and fragrance?
Earl Grey tea gets its wonderful flavour and aroma from the addition of oil of bergamot, extracted from the rinds of bergamot oranges (Citrus bergamia). This citrus fruit is a cross between a lemon, lime and a bitter orange and is green or yellow in colour; they are grown commercially in Calabria, Italy. Although its taste is quite acidic, it complements the full-bodied flavour of black tea perfectly, as well as green, white, oolong and rooibos varieties, providing a fresh, citrusy scent with sweet, floral and spicy notes. Earl Grey flavours also work well when used in baked goods, confectionary and desserts, such as Earl Grey ice cream. An Earl Grey tea cocktail is a refreshing treat to sip on a summer’s day, and a ‘London Fog’ made with Earl Grey tea, frothed milk and vanilla syrup, is a delicious hot beverage.
How should I prepare and serve Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey tea should be prepared using freshly boiled water; filtered tap water or bottled spring water are the best options. Use one teaspoon (5 ml) of Earl Grey loose tea leaves for every 200 ml of water. Allow the leaves to steep at temperatures between 90 ºC (194 ºF) to 95º C (203 ºF) for 2-3 minutes. Take care not to infuse for too long as tannins in the tea may overcome its delicate flavour. Earl Grey tea is often enjoyed black, but it may be taken with a little milk, and the addition of sugar, honey or lemon if desired. And if you fancy something cooler, a refreshing iced Earl Grey tea or cold-brewed Earl Grey tea are delightful alternatives.
Where can I buy the best Earl Grey Tea?
If you’re looking to buy Earl Grey loose leaf tea online, Tea-Direct have a fabulous selection to choose from. You can view the whole range here to find some of the best Earl Grey teas around. Whether you’re looking to buy for yourself, or an Earl Grey tea gift for someone else, there’s sure to be a fabulous tea to please.