Surprise a loved one with this Earl Grey Tea Gift Pack. On the outside, the beautiful packaging depicts Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Brighton Pavilion, the Cutty Sark and the Seven Sisters. It showcases the best of south-east England, which indeed is also the home of The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company!
Inside, one has the finest quality Earl Grey Tea Bags. This is a scrumptious infusion of Black Tea with bergamot oil. It has long adorned the silver-plated Tea trays catered to English ‘upper’ class gentry. Today, however, it certainly doesn’t matter if you’re a Lord, a Count, a Baron or indeed an Earl – this Tea is for everyone!
About Earl Grey Tea
So how and why did a flavoured Tea from China become known as Earl Grey Tea? The truth is, no one knows for sure! Before taking on the name of a 19th Century British Prime Minister, this Tea came about because of long journeys overseas. Traders added bergamot to Black Tea to preserve the leaves when travelling. It eventually became a popular beverage in its own right.
One legend suggests that Lord Grey travelled to China for a diplomatic mission. There, Lord Grey (or one of his men, depending on the variation of the tale) saved a local boy from drowning in a river. The boy’s father, overcome with gratitude, gifted the Earl with Black Tea leaves scented with bergamot oil to say thank you for saving his son.
Upon his return to Britain, the Earl grew accustomed to the brew and sent for more. In time, the beverage ‘acquired’ his name. However, no records suggest that Earl Grey (the man, not the Tea!) ever visited China in his life. For this reason, the story is but a myth! Alas, we’ll likely never know the truth. But that doesn’t change how much we love Earl Grey Tea!
Type of Tea: Black Tea.
Origin: China.
Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water. Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
How to Serve: Some add milk; some add sugar; some add honey or lemon. Most, however, choose to enjoy this Tea served black!
Tasting Notes: This Tea offers everything one expects from an Earl Grey: strong citrusy flavours and delicious malty undertones.
Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor, light in tone.
Health Benefits of Drinking Earl Grey
What better gift can one offer than the gift of good health? This beverage contains a wealth of antioxidants capable of combating free radicals in the body. These free radicals are the product of natural, though harmful, oxidation. When left unchecked, the introduction of free radicals through oxidation can lead to numerous health complications. The antioxidants in Earl Grey, on the other hand, can slow down this process, thus reducing the risks of several chronic conditions. In fact, the frequent consumption of it can help in the fight against cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes and even, very potentially (though not yet confirmed), cancer.