Love it or not, Earl Gray is undeniably the great champion of tea flavors. It is one of the most commonly consumed teas in the world. Earl Gray blends come in hundreds of varieties and are the inspiration for culinary endeavors around the world. The demand for this tea is so great that it is sold almost everywhere, from tea blenders to local grocers – evidence of its many years of fame. But where did Earl Gray come from?
Traditionally, Earl Gray tea refers to black tea flavored with bergamot oil. This oil is a flavoring agent derived from the peel of the bergamot orange and gives Earl Gray its characteristic citrus aroma.
Although the origin of this tea is a matter of debate, the name “Earl Grey” comes from the name of Charles Grey, Prime Minister of Great Britain between 1830 and 1834.
Charles Gray is not the most interesting or outrageous historical figure, but many things happened in his four years as prime minister: the Slavery Abolition Act, the Factory Act, and the end of the East India Company’s monopoly on British trade with China. In particular, it was the end of the monopoly on trade with China that radically changed the way tea was imported into the UK. This caused a sharp increase in the popularity of tea throughout the UK and significantly reduced the burden on Chinese merchants. In this regard, it is believed that the original Earl Gray tea was of Chinese origin.
Although this is just a guess, one plausible version is that the tea was given to Charles Gray by a Chinese ambassador. The original tea that Charles Gray enjoyed was probably not flavored with bergamot. After all, bergamot orange production was limited to Italy at the time.
Bergamot oil could be added later by the British, trying to replicate the taste of tea given to Charles Gray.
Traditionally, Earl Gray tea refers to black tea flavored with bergamot oil. This oil is a flavoring agent derived from the peel of the bergamot orange and gives Earl Gray its characteristic citrus aroma.
Although the origin of this tea is a matter of debate, the name “Earl Grey” comes from the name of Charles Grey, Prime Minister of Great Britain between 1830 and 1834.
Although this is the most likely version, there are several other theories about the origin of Earl Gray tea. According to another version, the recipe was given to a British soldier for saving the life of a Chinese farmer, and according to another version, the recipe appeared by chance, after tea and oranges were mixed in one box.
Regardless of how events unfolded, the Earl Gray we drink today is indeed named after Charles Grey. Undoubtedly, he played a role in its creation. As big fans of Earl Grey, we’re certainly glad he did!
