Organic Ceylon Op Grade Tea, Floral & Citrusy, 110+ Cups

The history of Earl Grey tea is a fascinating one, marked by mystery and intrigue. Most agree that the tea was named after Charles Grey, who was both an Earl and former Prime Minister of England. There is irony in the fact that the man who oversaw the abolishment of slavery in the British Empire is best known for a citrusy black tea, but history often takes unexpected turns.

There are three prevailing legends surrounding the origins of Earl Grey tea. One story suggests that Earl Grey was visiting China and saved a tea brewer's son from drowning. As a gesture of gratitude, the brewer blended this special concoction and named it after the Earl. Another legend claims that two separate items, bergamot oranges and black tea, were shipped to England, and when the boxes broke, the products became mixed, resulting in the distinctive orange-citrusy flavoring that made the tea so popular.

The third explanation, and the one favored by the Grey family today, is that the blend was made especially for Lord Grey, as Howick Hall, where he stayed, had unpleasant mineral flavors in the water. This account has been challenged by Twinings, who argue that the first explanation is the correct one.

The origins of Earl Grey tea have been the subject of such controversy that in 2012, the Oxford English Dictionary issued a call to action to find the earliest mentions of this specialty flavored tea. Their research revealed that bergamot-flavored tea was first mentioned in the early 1800s, but contrary to the tea's elevated status, the bergamot flavoring was originally used to disguise low-quality or stale tea leaves from China.

It wasn't until the mid-1800s that advertisements for Earl Grey's special blend began to appear, though the exact origin of the tea itself remains unclear. Regardless of the history, Earl Grey tea is now considered a staple in the tea world, with its mild, balanced taste making it a useful point of comparison for different teas. Additionally, as it is a tea that has been tasted by almost every tea drinker, it serves as a healthy reference point.

Originally popular only in England, Earl Grey tea has now become a truly global drink. Its flavored black tea uses bergamot oil and organic black Ceylon tea leaves to create a bold, rich flavor that speaks to Earl Grey's stature as an anchoring point in tea culture. The natural astringency of the flavor profile makes it pair especially well with desserts or rich foods, while its bright, citrusy, floral notes and 50-90 mg of caffeine per cup make it a great morning tea to start the day.

This loose leaf Earl Grey blend is a certified organic product, free of pesticides, ensuring a bold, complex taste without the chemicals and additives found in other brands. The tea is primarily made of black teas picked from the luxurious tea gardens of Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, which adds a brightness and boldness to the flavor, complemented by the lemony citrus tones of the bergamot.

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