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BENEFITS OF EARL GREY TEA
Characteristics of Earl Grey tea
Earl Grey tea is a type of blend (mixture of tea) which is made with black tea and bergamot flowers.
It is also called scented tea or flavored tea.
The name Earl Grey was designed in honor of who was the Second Earl Grey and the British Prime Minister in 1830.
There are several legends about the origin of this blend. Looks like it was a gift of a Mandarin Chinese to Earl Grey as an expression of gratitude because some men of this Count’s order saved his life.
Earl Grey black tea is usually made with India’s Darjeeling and with flowers or essence of bergamot. Some are made with Lapsang Souchong (smoked black tea).
This blend has a strong flavor and unmistakable pungent aroma, that combines with the unmistakable fragrance of bergamot. The infusion is red amber, very aromatic.
Photo of infusion with tea leaves
(Camellia sinensis)
Earl Grey tea properties
Earl Grey tea is a drink containing a moderate quantity of caffeine. It has tonic and stimulating properties for the nervous system and metabolism. Useful to treat mild depression and in situations that require an extra physical or mental effort.
Among the properties of essential oil of bergamot, it is a good relaxing tea, soothing for skin care (psoriasis, eczema, etc..) and a natural antidepressant.
Another key feature of black teas like this one is its astringent taste. This is due mainly to theaflavins and thearubigins, which provide a strong flavor to the infusion and give it its characteristic red or orange tinge.
Taken too often during the day or in high doses, black tea can cause palpitations or heartburn.
* More information: Properties of black tea.
How to prepare Earl Grey tea?
Preparation: infuse at 90-95 º C a teaspoon of Earl Grey tea leaves (2 – 4g.). Never let the water boil. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes (with longer time it may taste very astringent). It is typically drunk at breakfast, served with a little milk or lemon.
This type of tea is never drunk cold.
* More information: How to prepare a good tea
More information about tea.
