Earl Gray classic tea is especially popular in the UK. But among Russian connoisseurs, he is in demand. In a literal translation, its name sounds like "Earl Gray", which explains the interesting history of the drink.
Material Content:
History of creation
Earl Gray black tea appeared on sale about 200 years ago. Then he became famous throughout the world.
In the first half of the 19th century, Earl Charles Gray owned a large tea plantation in Ceylon. During the next sea transportation of the collected product, the ship fell into a severe storm. A rare and expensive for that time bergamot oil was transported next to tea bags. The bottles broke, it spilled on tea.
Sailors felt sorry for throwing out the "spoiled" product. They dried the tea and brewed it according to the classic recipe. New aromatic and gustatory qualities of the drink pleasantly impressed everyone present on the ship. So the natural flavored black tea with bergamot appeared on sale. It was presented to customers as a new variety of tea, which was developed by the count himself. Subsequently, the gulls were deliberately soaked in essential oil. To this day, the product is in demand in the market.
In addition to this popular story of the appearance of tea with bergamot, there are others. For example, that the count received a product sample from a high-ranking father of the prince he saved. The recipe was contained on the lid of the tea box. True, there are several stories of salvation. Either Charles Gray pulled the guy out of the water during a severe storm and shipwreck (we are talking about the son of a Chinese minister), or he protected him from an angry tiger (in this case, he is talking about the heir of the Indian Raja). Today it is unlikely to be able to find out the truth.
The composition and calorie content of the drink
Earl Gray tea contains two main components - quality black tea leaves and bergamot essential oil. Tea can be either Ceylon, Indian or Chinese. Sometimes three varieties in the same proportions are combined in one product at once.
Bergamot is a hybrid of citron and orange that has a surprisingly delicate citrus flavor. Immediately after brewing, it quickly spreads around the room and has a calming effect on the participants in the tea party.
Some manufacturers use bergamot zest to flavor the drink, but this is a more economical option that cannot be considered classic.
It is oil that makes tea useful for the human body. Such an additive with regular use of the drink strengthens the body's defenses, saturates a person with energy, vigor.
And besides:
- increases concentration and memory;
- improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
- normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system;
- cleanses the liver;
- brings pressure back to normal;
- favorably affects the condition of the skin (including struggling with age spots and freckles).
The calorie content of the product per 100 g is 15.05 kcal. But this indicator is relevant only for the classic Earl Gray without additional additives.
Recently, manufacturers have begun actively experimenting and mixing bergamot not only with black, but also with white, green and even red tea. Similar drinks are also often sold under the name Earl Gray. In some embodiments, in addition to bergamot, jasmine, mint and other aromatic additives are used.
The taste and aroma of Earl Gray tea
The unique taste and aroma of the drink in question made it so popular among connoisseurs around the world. Properly brewed tea with bergamot is painted in a pleasant golden color, cast with amber. The taste of the drink is a whole bouquet with astringency of black tea and bright citrus interspersed from bergamot.
It smells freshly brewed Earl Gray lemon and orange at the same time. It is citrus notes that prevail in its aroma.
It is allowed to supplement the drink with slices of fresh citruses and milk. Such additives do not spoil its taste and aroma.
Popular brands of tea
Earl Gray is considered British. For a very long time, it was produced exclusively by two English companies. One of them even stated that she had received the recipe for the drink from the Count himself back in the mid-19th century (this is Jacksons from Piccadilly).
Today on sale you can find such tea, produced under a variety of brands. For example, "Twinings". The company created a variant of the drink specifically for beautiful ladies. He received the name "Lady Gray." The composition of this tea was orange and lemon zest. The taste of the drink was softer than that of the classic Earl Gray.
Of the American manufacturers, Stash Tea is engaged in the manufacture of the tea under discussion, and of the French manufacturers Grand Jardin.
Found in stores and cheap Chinese Earl Gray fakes. Instead of oil and zest of bergamot, flavoring is added to them.
How to brew
For brewing such tea, it is better to choose filtered water. As for the dishes, the kettle and cups should be made of clay or porcelain. The container in which the drink will be brewed is first processed with freshly boiled water.
Next, tea is poured into the kettle. The amount is calculated according to the scheme - 1 tsp. on 1 standard glass of water. According to this recipe, the drink will turn out tart and fragrant, but without bitterness.
If black tea is brewed, then the optimum water temperature for it is 90-100 degrees. Brewing time - from 2 to 6 minutes.
It is believed that as a sweetener sugar does not mix well with bergamot in such a drink. It is better to use natural bee honey for this purpose. Both liquid and sugared products are suitable.
Drink should be exclusively freshly Earl Gray. If the drink is idle for more than 4 hours, then it is better to pour it.Otherwise, tea will do more harm than good.
Earl is allowed to consume no more than 4 cups per day. It is allowed to drink it even before bedtime. Such a drink has a calming effect.
