Organic Earl Grey

Earl Grey tea has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. The story begins with a British aristocrat named Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who was a prominent figure in British politics during the early 19th century.

In the early 1800s, Earl Grey was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and was known for his progressive ideas and commitment to social reform. He was also a tea enthusiast and enjoyed a good cuppa.

According to legend, Lady Maria Grey, the Countess of Grey, was fond of drinking Chinese black tea flavored with bergamot oil, which was considered a rare and exotic ingredient at the time. The Earl himself was not a fan of traditional black tea, finding it too bitter, so he asked his personal tea merchant to create a special blend that would suit his taste.

The tea merchant, who was known for his innovative approach to blending teas, created a unique combination of black tea leaves and bergamot oil, which became known as Earl Grey tea. The exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret to this day, but it is believed to involve a base of Chinese black tea leaves, such as Keemun or Yunnan, combined with bergamot oil and possibly other ingredients like lemon peel or rose petals.

Earl Grey tea quickly became popular among the British aristocracy and upper classes, who appreciated its unique flavor profile. The tea’s popularity soon spread to other parts of Europe and eventually around the world.

In the late 19th century, Earl Grey tea began to be mass-produced by tea companies like Twinings and Taylor’s, which helped to further popularize the blend. Today, Earl Grey tea is enjoyed worldwide, and its distinctive flavor profile has become synonymous with luxury and sophistication.

Interestingly, the history of Earl Grey tea is not without controversy. Some tea enthusiasts argue that the original recipe was lost or altered over time, and that modern Earl Grey teas do not accurately reflect the true flavor profile of the original blend.

Regardless of its exact origins, Earl Grey tea remains a beloved and iconic blend that continues to be enjoyed by tea lovers around the world. Its rich history, unique flavor profile, and associations with luxury and sophistication have cemented its place as one of the most popular and enduring tea blends in the world.