Earl Grey tea is a bitter yet floral and sometimes citrus flavored beverage named after the British Prime minister Charles Grey of the early 19th century.
It is a refreshing beverage that is enjoyed by many tea drinkers throughout the world, and remains one of the most popular black teas in the western world.
Traditionally, Earl Grey tea is a blend of either Assam, Darjeeling, Ceylon, or Lapsang souchong black tea varieties. But, in order for this beverage to acquire the famous name, the leaves must be infused with the oil from the bergamot orange, a small fragrant citrus fruit.
The legend behind this tea is that the recipe was given to the Minister by a grateful Chinese mandarin whose life was saved from drowning by one of Grey's men.
Now although this tea is more commonly known as a black tea, Early Grey is showing up as a green and white tea infused with the bergamot oil as well.
I am yet to try this type of tea, that is, I haven't purchased it and steeped it loose leaf style yet.
However, I did have it one afternoon at work while on a break. It was in tea bag form, and although it didn't taste that awful, I still rather give my opinion after I've experienced it the right way...brewed by the whole leaf!
