If you had to give up coffee and choose only one tea to replace it, English Breakfast tea would probably be first on the list!
Not to say that this tea resembles coffee, but it does remain one of the most popular morning tea varieties available. It is made from Keemun loose black tea and brews a dark, rich, and smoky cup.
It's flavor is further enhanced by adding milk and honey, and goes great with eggs, pancakes, sausages, bacon, cereal, toast, or any other breakfast food. Although it has nice depth, English Breakfast black tea is not strong on the palate, and has a rather warm and humble taste.
This tea received its name since the English required a nice full bodied cup of tea to accompany their common "fry up" breakfast. Fry up is made with eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms and tomatoes. The teas robust earthy flavor went particularly well with this meal, and deservingly got its name English Breakfast tea.
Another good thing about this tea are its health benefits, more specifically the ones that help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. A good thing since fry up is loaded with it!
Brewing instructions are simple...heat water to a boil and steep for 4 to 5 minutes. Do not over-steep, unless you like a little bitterness in the mix, otherwise keep it to the average brewing time.
When it comes down to it, this really isn't a "sit by the window" beverage and may be a bit overwhelming by itself at times (unless you sweeten it). But remember its true purpose, to go well with a nice morning meal.
So, if you like tea with your breakfast and want something with stronger earthy tones and less "tarty" flavors, give this variety a go.
