While traditional Earl Grey teas are famously infused with Bergamot oil, our very own Grapefruit Earl Grey adds an extra citrus punch for those looking to be adventurous! Combining these two flavours creates a rich and powerful infusion which continues to dance on your palate long after you drain your cup. This bright, lively and refreshing take on everyone’s favourite Earl Grey brew is sure to win you over with its summery sensations and zesty zing!
Contrary to popular belief, the origins of how Earl Grey tea obtained its name are steeped in mystery, with no definitive answer as to why it came to be! Despite donning the name of the former Prime Minister of Great Britain (in Office from 1830 – 1834), Earl Grey Tea’s most commonly told story associated with the late Lord has been proven to be completely unfounded, time and time again!
The tale refers to Earl Grey embarking on a diplomatic trip to China, whereupon one of his men saved a local Mandarin’s son from drowning. The grateful father gave the Lord the gift of a black tea, heavily scented with Bergamot oil, but this has been largely discredited, accounting for the fact that the Earl never set foot in China during his entire life!
However, what we do know is that originally, pure Chinese teas were often flavoured with fine oils from Bergamots in an attempt to preserve the produce during difficult trade routes across land and sea. This tart orange fruit is native to Southern Vietnam, with research suggesting that it is, in fact, a cross between the sweet lemon, Citrus limetta, and the sour orange, C. aurantium.
The oil used for flavouring Earl Grey is often taken from the fruit’s rinds, giving this beloved beverage its characteristic taste and aroma. Now with the addition of grapefruit, this Earl Grey tea truly aims to please those who enjoy citrus in all its many forms! Here at the Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, we believe the great Earl would have approved!
About Grapefruit Earl Grey Tea
Type of Tea: Flavoured Loose Leaf Earl Grey and Grapefruit Black Tea.
Origin: China
Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
How to Serve: Although this blend is best served as it is, consider adding Lemon or Honey as optional extras.
Tasting Notes: While the aroma of this flavoured brew is far subtler than other, more traditional Earl Grey blends, its distinctive taste is particularly prominent, with the flavours of grapefruit gradually seeping through, leaving a nice, sweet aftertaste.
Colour in Cup: Golden liquor, light in tone.
Health Benefits of this Tea: Grapefruit Earl Grey tea, as well as other similar blends, have a wealth of outstanding health benefits, including the improvement of cardiovascular, skin and digestive system health, Cholesterol regulation, and even reduced anxiety!
Further to this, the combination of Caffeine with the compound L-theanine, offers a calmer mental state, with an increased speed of perception, high concentration levels, reduced fatigue and an overall better performance in day-to-day life! If this was not enough, then it should also be noted that Scientific Studies have suggested there might be correlations between Earl Grey consumption and weight loss!