Which Earl Grey Tea Has The Most Bergamot

Best Earl Grey Tea Brand

The Earl Grey tea is fast becoming one of the most consumed beverages in the world today, known for its numerous health benefits and unique taste, no wonder everyone wants a taste of it. But the question still remains what do we really know about this amazing tea.

In this post I will show you guys not only how to properly prepare the Earl Grey tea but also introduce you to so much useful information about this awesome tea including the best Earl Grey tea brand money can buy.

Best Organic Tea O Organics Earl Grey Tea

O Organics’ blend was so delicious that it almost made our runner-up mix. It’s the next strongest tea in our list after Stash’s, and it has a delicious amount of citrus flavor to boot. The fact that it’s organic while still being one of the most affordable choices on our list doesn’t hurt either. If organic products are important to you, or you’re just a Safeway customer on a budget, then you won’t be disappointed by this buy.

Buy It: $2.99, Safeway

Caffeine Content In Earl Grey

The caffeine content in an Earl Grey made with a black tea base will be similar to any other cup of black tea. Like any beverage brewed from a caffeinated plant, however, there are a lot of factors that can determine caffeine levels in your cup of Earl Grey black tea, including how the plant was processed and how the beverage was brewed. Between coffee, black tea and green tea, coffee generally has the most caffeine content per 8 oz. cup , then black tea , followed by green tea .

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Whats It Doing In My Earl Grey Tea

The history of Earl Grey tea is, lets say, a little complicated.

Some think that it was a happy accident, others a diplomatic gift. Or if Twinings are to be believed, a blend made at the request of Charles Grey, the Second Earl Grey.

And while theres no firm origin story. Theres no denying that this highly utilised fruit works wonders in black tea.

Even Queen Victoria was said to have enjoyed a cup of the bergamot flavoured tea from time to time.

Origin Of This Amazing Tea

There are so many theories as to the origin of the Earl Greytea but the most common and popularly accepted origin of the tea is that it was named after former British prime minister Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, in the 1830s.

It was reported that he received the flavored tea as a gift from a thankful Chinese mandarin whose son was rescued from drowning by one of the Earl Greys men. But this tale appears not to be true, as records show that the Earl never visited China. Also, bergamot oil wasnt used to scent tea then in China. However, as this tale was increasingly told, so it became increasingly believed.

According to the Grey family, the tea was specially blended by this Chinese mandarin for the Earl, to suit the water at Howick Hall, the family home in Northumberland in the north of England. Bergamot was added to offset the high lime content of the local water.

There are also other theories of the Earl Grey tea being originated by the Jacksons of Piccadilly tea manufacturers in the 1800s, there were claims by the Jacksons that the recipe has always been with them. The Earl himself having given it to them. And another that a 19th-century tea merchant called William Grey created Earl Grey. Indeed, records show that William Grey advertised his blend in publications at the time.

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Earl Grey Caffeine Content

Bergamot oil doesn’t contribute anything to the amount of caffeine in Earl Grey teas. The caffeine content comes purely from the tea base, which is usually black tea.

The caffeine content of black tea varies depending on the variety, e.g. Darjeeling, as well as how long you steep the tea leaves and how many grams of tea leaf you use per cup. Whether the tea is in tea bags or loose leaf, doesn’t impact the caffeine levels.

On average, a standard black tea blend contains around 47mg of caffeine.6

Other Preparations And Variations

• A beverage called “London fog” is a combination of Earl Grey, steamed milk and vanilla syrup.
• There are variations available including such ingredients as jasmine, as well as various flowers. A blend with added rose petals is known as French Earl Grey, which has become the most popular blend at Australian tea store T2.
• A variety called Russian Earl Grey often contains ingredients such as citrus peels and lemon grass in addition to the usual black tea and bergamot.
• A variety called Earl Grey Crème contains ingredients or flavors such as black tea, lavender, bergamot, and vanilla.
• Several companies make a tea called Earl Grey Green or “Earl Green” tea, replacing black tea with green tea leaves. A similar variation called Earl Grey White or “Earl White” tea combines white tea leaves with bergamot flavouring.
• Rooibos Earl Grey is a variation using this South African herbal tea as a substitute for black tea.
• Fortnum & Mason produce Smoky Earl Grey, containing bergamot, Lapsang Souchong, and Gunpowder tea. It is reputedly the favoured tea of Queen Elizabeth II.

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Best Decaffeinated Teatwinings Of London Earl Grey Black Tea

There’s no reason that decaf drinkers shouldn’t be able to find a decent cup of earl grey. And to prove it, Twinings has crafted a pretty delicious mix that even caffeine fiends may find worthwhile. While the black tea in Twinings mix is certainly not as strong as some tea drinkers might prefer, the bergamot comes through beautifully, creating a lighter-tasting earl grey that’s already full of citrus flavor. For those looking to skip the jitters, or for those who simply aren’t looking for a strong cup, Twinings has you covered.

Buy It: $3.26, Walmart

Grosche Safe Water Project

783 million people dont have access to safe water. At GROSCHE were on a mission- a mission to reduce that number and give people in need this basic necessity that we often take for granted. Thats why, for every 100 g of this tea sold, we provide 50+ days of safe water to someone in need through our GROSCHE Safe Water Project. Thank you for helping us B the Change. #Everycupfillsanother

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How The Tea Is Flavored

When we say a tea is flavored it basically means that the tea whether black, blue, or oolong has been scented or mixed with fruits, oils, spices, etc. There are indeed many ways the Earl Grey tea is flavored, some of which may include:

• The tea is flavored by blending the finished tea with herbs and spice, this makes the ingredients look very appealing, it also infuses the tea leaves with their flavor and aroma.
• Another way of flavoring the tea is by spraying and coating the finished tea with essential oils, extracts during the drying process. It is often said that this adds a much stronger flavor to the tea.
• When the tea leaves have dried, they are scented and flavored during manufacturing towards the end of processing. This also adds a strong aroma to the leaves.

Variations Of Earl Grey Tea

Bergamot, in its sweet, sour, yet bitter profile creates a full-bodied delight when mixed with black tea, and there are many variations of Earl Grey tea that have been adopted in many parts of the world.

A few twists on this classic include:

• The unconventional blending of Earl Grey in green tea, rather than the usual black tea
• The addition of lavender to create a distinctive Parisian variety
• A blend of Earl Grey and the Lapsang Souchong black tea of China is an all-time favorite for the English
• Lady Grey is a subtle and tasty derivative of Earl Grey that includes lemon and orange peel
• The African red rooibos herb is flavored with the essence of bergamot and marketed as Rooibos Earl Grey, which is a great option for tea lovers looking for rich, caffeine-free options

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How Much Caffeine In Earl Grey Tea

The caffeine content in every Earl Grey tea varies depending on how the caffeinated plant is processed and how the tea was brewed but basically, the caffeine content in the Earl Grey tea is usually lower compared to that of any cup of tea gotten from a caffeinated plant.

Coffee has the most caffeine content per 8 oz. cup , then black tea , followed by green tea .

Pregnant women should as much as possible try to avoid consumption of this tea in large quantities as this might affect the baby. Please kindly consult your doctor for instructions on consuming large quantities of Earl Grey.

Davidsons Tea Bulk Earl Grey Tea

An excellent choice if youre seeking to buy a reasonably priced pack of Earl Grey tea, this item from Davidson boasts a delicious blend of black tea and natural oil from the bergamot orange.

One outstanding factor about this tea is that it has been certified to be made of organic ingredients by the USDA. Additionally, the product has also been Fair Traded Certified.

The double-layers package that the tea leaves are stored in ensures that the freshness of your tea will be properly preserved. Therefore, you can enjoy this premium blend of tea with its outstanding freshness and flavors.

Key Features:

You can see the quality of the tea leaves and learn how to brew a cup of Earl Grey with this product in this video here:

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All About Bergamot Tea

For almost 200 years, bergamot has been one of the most popular oils for scenting black tea leaves. In fact, even people who are not regular tea drinkers are likely to have tried bergamot tea at least once in their life. This oil is an essential ingredient of Earl Grey tea blends and had an enormous impact on the western tea culture. Today, Earl Grey is a synonym for bergamot tea. And definitely, there is something relaxing and joyful in drinking a good cup of Earl Grey tea.

Best Overallstash Earl Grey Black Tea

When craving a good cup of earl grey, there’s two things I look for: strong black tea taste and discernible citrus flavor. Stash’s earl grey blend had both in spades. Even with only three minutes of steeping, the black tea taste was almost too strong, and the citrus taste so noticeable that I’m not certain a lemon wedge would have been necessary if I wanted it. Despite its strong taste, Stash’s mix avoided bitterness another plus. If you don’t want to worry about potentially weak tea, then Stash is definitely the brand for you.

Buy It: $3.99, Walmart

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Determine Your Flavor Preferences

There is no singular best Earl Grey tea flavor, because everyone has different taste buds. So finding the right flavor for you may involve some trial and error.

As noted above, natural bergamot oil will likely taste better than synthetic options.

To narrow down your choices even more, think about whether you prefer a fruitier or sharper flavor profile. In the former case, opt for teas that are flavored with bergamot oil, which is sourced from the peel of the bergamot fruit. If you prefer a sharper brew, look for Earl Greys that mix dried bergamot peels directly into the tea.

Benefits Of Earl Grey Tea

Because its most commonly made from black tea, Earl Grey tea may offer many of the same benefits of plain black tea.

While research into the benefits of tea is still ongoing, studies suggest black tea may support cardiovascular health, is high in antioxidant properties, and may support anti-inflammatory processes.

Additionally, black tea contains caffeine so Earl Grey tends to have an energizing effect.

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Not Our Favorite Numi Organic Aged Earl Grey Tea

Given that Numi’s mix was assuredly the most expensive pick on our list, we were rather excited to try out their offering. Unfortunately, this tea is only suitable for drinkers who prefer hot water to actual tea. The blend was so weak that we had to struggle to discern any bergamot notes at all, much less taste a decent amount of black tea. Maybe we just picked up a box full of Numi’s duds, but if not, the company may want to consider aging their earl grey a tiny bit longer.

Buy It: $5.68, Kroger

Tea With Blue Flowers

Youll often see loose leaf Earl Grey tea with tiny blue flowers in it, and often goes by the names Blue flower Earl Grey Tea or blue Earl Grey just two of many names for a type of Earl Grey tea that has been blended with dried blue cornflowers flowers. Typically, the flowers are added to give the loose leaf tea some color.

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How To Drink Earl Grey Tea

For the most part, classic Earl Grey tea blends are enjoyed by itself.

If you are looking for a boost in flavor, you could try adding a slice of lemon or a splash of lemon juice. This should help to increase the overall lemony depth of the drink.

These days, though, Earl Grey tea is made with milk as well. This is despite the fact that the tea contains citrus flavors. If you add steamed milk and vanilla, it is known as a London fog or London fog latte. The addition of milk is a personal choice. Some people enjoy it while others find that it takes away from the original notes.

Depending on your taste buds, you can also add a teaspoon or two of sugar for sweetness as well.

What Is Earl Grey

Earl Grey tea is a British tea that blends black tea leaves typically Assam, Ceylon, or Darjeeling black teas with bergamot orange rinds. The bergamot flavor adds a citrusy touch to black tea, making this tea blend a bit more vibrant than other breakfast teas. The black tea leaves are flavored using dried or fresh bergamot rinds, bergamot oil, or artificial bergamot flavoring. For high-quality flavor, look for blends that are made using oil of bergamot and bergamot rinds rather than artificial flavorings.

Bergamot oranges are a special type of citrus tree that can be found in Calabria, Italy. These oranges aren’t like a typical orange. From the outside, they look more like limes and they offer a flavor that blends notes of orange, lemon, and grapefruit. Italian bergamot oranges feature a green rind rather than an orange one and the rind is also bumpier and more pear-shaped. The flesh of the orange is green rather than orange in color as well. The fruit tree is likely a hybrid between sweet lime trees and bitter orange trees.

Earl Grey tea is sold as a loose leaf tea as well as in tea bags like those from tea companies like Twining’s, Bigelow, and Harney & Sons. You can also find blends in larger sachets like those from Stash and Numi organic teas. The roots of the tea can be traced back to English society in the early 1800s. The tea is believed to be named after Lord Charles Grey the Prime Minister of Great Britain during the early half of the century.

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Buying And Storing Earl Grey

As with any green or black tea, storing a flavored tea properly will ensure your tea will remain fresh as long as possible in your cabinet. Its always a good idea to buy tea from a reputable company that can tell you when and how the tea was processed and packaged as well as provide storage and freshness tips.

Generally, an oxidized black tea is more shelf stable than its delicate green tea cousin. But teas that have been flavored have a shorter shelf life than a straight black tea. While your flavored tea wont really go bad, it will get stale if it sits around too long and it will definitely lose its flavor potency. If stored properly in a cool, dark place and in an opaque, airtight container away from light, moisture and pantry items like coffee and spices that can leach flavor into the tea leaves, flavored teas can last six months to a year before they should be used or replaced.

For more information about how to best care for your tea, visit our How to Store Tea page.

Everything You Need To Know For The Best Earl Grey Tea

Published: by · Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links.

Earl Grey tea is the most popular flavored tea internationally. Not sure which brand to choose? Here are the best Earl Grey brands and why they are so special.

Earl Grey tea has a delicious citrusy aroma. This classic signature blend is perfect for an afternoon tea – preferably with scones.

I confess that for a long time, I never liked Earl Grey. Every blend I tried tasted like drinking perfume. Am I alone here?! Always willing to try a new tea, I never gave up. I finally came across an Earl Grey that I liked, a full-bodied black tea with a light citrus note. It was absolutely delicious!

I had to find out why. What made this one stand out from all the other Earl Greys Ive tried? Why was this tea so superior?

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