Earl Grey tea in cup on top of loose leaf tea
Discovering New Blends

Tea Blend Spotlight: Earl Grey

6 minutes

One of the most commonly enjoyed tea blends in the western hemisphere, Earl Grey tea is composed by adding a hint of bergamot, a citrus fruit native to Italy, to a foundation of black tea leaves. Named after England's Earl Charles Grey, who served as its prime minister in the 1830s, this classic blend is popular for its tannic balance and bright citrus flavor.

Reaching for a Loose Tea Canister of Earl Grey tea.

Earl Grey is available in Loose Tea Canisters, as well as Event Boxes and One Pound Bags. Photo by Emily Laurae.

A BALANCED BLACK TEA

Tea Forté's Earl Grey blends blue cornflower petals into the traditional duo of Assam tea leaves and bergamot, subtly elevating it with an ethereal floral note and delighting tea connoisseurs in search of a perfect cupful.

Known for its distinctive aroma, the zing of bergamot rising slightly above the comforting scent of black tea. Its leaves are sourced from the Assam region of India, known for its production of fine black teas, while its citric flavor comes from the gentle pressing of bergamot peel to extract its fragrant oil. Its sprinkling of blue cornflowers lends a delicate floral quality to the flavorful blend, heightening its visual appeal and deepening its copper hue when steeped. Warm and robust, this timeless blend is a favorite of tea lovers everywhere, even including fictional characters like Star Trek's Captain Picard, who famously enjoys his "Earl Grey, hot."

Earl Grey ingredients: Black tea, bergamot and blue cornflower petals

HEALTH BENEFITS OF EARL GREY

Black tea is made from the most mature leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, used for all black, green, oolong, and white tea blends. Naturally containing moderate levels of caffeine, it's the most broadly consumed of the five primary tea types, including herbal tisanes. Providing a gentler boost of energy than coffee, black tea is a highly popular morning and afternoon beverage for many people of English descent. Earl Grey in particular is known for its use in the tea latte recipe known as London Fog, a delicious and aromatic café drink.

Thanks to its black tea leaves and bergamot, Earl Grey is a health-forward beverage, conveying a bounty of antioxidants in every sip. Its antioxidant content comes primarily from its polyphenols, which are associated with benefits as wide-ranging as diabetes prevention, "bad" (LDL) cholesterol reduction, gut health, and cardiovascular support. Studies also show some promise of cancer prevention and inhibition when black tea is consumed moderately and regularly. For bergamot's part, it offers antibacterial properties, a mood-boosting aroma, and an array of flavonoids, which support anti-inflammatory processes and heart health.

Earl Grey is typically enjoyed on its own or with a hint of sugar and/or twist of lemon, although some prefer a splash of milk instead. Do note that lemon and milk together may curdle in your cup, so it's wise to choose one or the other, or simply enjoy the tea without accompaniment.

Earl Grey Tea Latte and loose tea canisters

Cut through the morning fog with a London Fog Latte, made with Earl Grey tea. Photo by Emily Laurae.

 

Experience the pleasure of Tea Forté's Earl Grey or explore the full selection of fine black teas, each carefully sourced and thoughtfully crafted for you.

SHOP EARL GREY

Earl Grey
Earl Grey tea in a canister of loose tea
Earl Grey tea in a one pound pouch of loose tea
Earl Grey Event Box of 40 pyramid tea infusers
Café Cup in Bone White with lid and infuser peeking out of the top.
Poom double-walled glass with pyramid infuser inside

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London Fog Latte