Sirocco tea tin Medium Gentle Blue (80g)

Buy Sirocco Tea Bags Medium Gentle Blue (80g)

This noble classic black tea delights with a hint of lemony freshness, thanks to organically cultivated bergamot. Earl Grey is a tea blend that originally consisted exclusively of Chinese tea varieties and was lightly flavored with the fine, fragrant, bitter oil of bergamot. The tea was named after Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey (1764–1845). In 1833, as British Prime Minister, he ended the East India Company’s monopoly on tea trade with China. However, the tea was not actually invented by this Earl Grey. Legend has it that during a storm on the crossing, the cargo was tossed around violently and bergamot oil spilled onto the tea bales. When the ship arrived in London, Lord Grey had the damage shown to him and decided to taste the tea first before deciding whether the cargo should be destroyed. However, the tea was so well received by friends and acquaintances that the Earl decided to put the “flavored” tea on the market. Today, Earl Grey is no longer blended exclusively from Chinese tea varieties, but also from Indian varieties, and pairs wonderfully with lightly salted dishes and small snacks.

Preparation

Earl Grey should be brewed at a water temperature of 95–98°C (after boiling the water in the kettle, let it stand briefly and wait until it is no longer boiling).