Earl Grey tea is perhaps one of the most popular teas. It's a black tea with an acidity unique to bergamot. It has a very mild flavor, but its peel is what gives it its special aroma and from which its oil is extracted. Today we'll talk about: Is Earl Grey tea acidic? Or is Earl Grey tea alkaline?

One of the legends that explains the origin of Earl Grey tea is that the term Earl comes from an English noble title, which in Spanish means Count. This Earl existed in 19th-century England, specifically between 1830 and 1834. Other legends say that Count Grey saved a Mandarin traveler on one of his trips to China. To thank him, the Mandarin offered him a Keemun-based tea with bergamot oil, which was later given the name by which it is known today:Organic Earl Grey Tea .

What kind of tea is Earl Grey?

To explain whether Earl Grey tea is sour, it's important to know that many people think it's a brand name and associate it with English tea. In reality, Earl Grey is based on Chinese black tea, flavored with bergamot. The black tea must be top-quality, with natural bergamot; artificial flavorings should not be used, as they would lose all its charm.

Bergamot is typically native to Italy and is a highly aromatic citrus plant. Its essential oil, which has a lemony flavor, is extracted from the peel of the fruit. Both its flavor and smell are distinctive, distinct from that of lemon or yuzo. Today, there are many variations; they have been combined with spices, citrus fruits, green tea , blue tea , etc., but the true and authentic flavor is the classic one.

Among the variants that we find and that contain bergamot are:

• Lady Grey tea. A combination of orange and lemon.
• Earl Green. It's based on green tea, not traditional Chinese tea.
• White Grey tea. This variant blends white tea .
• London Fog. It is a hot mixture with vanilla.
• Earl Grey Cream tea. When cream or caramel is added.
• Darjeeling Earl Grey Tea . It is an organic tea with a bergamot flavor.

Effects of its antioxidants on health

The benefits of Earl Grey tea are many, including those derived from its antioxidants. Polyphenols protect against some chronic disorders, precisely because of their antioxidant action. These are part of the flavonoid group, such as catechin, quercetin glycosides, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, thearubigins, and theaflavonoids.

Another benefit of this black tea is weight loss , as it absorbs lipids, controls digestion, and reduces complex carbohydrates. Therefore, it reduces lipid accumulation by preventing fat cells from spreading.

Furthermore, theaflavin has chemoprotective effects on some tumors, especially breast tumors, demonstrating its activity against cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, polyphenols have antibacterial action that significantly reduces bacterial infections. The fluoride present in tea is a component that protects against cavities. Caffeine promotes good cognitive performance, alertness, and endurance.

The bergamot found in Earl Grey tea is composed of bergamottin, limonene, linalyl, citrate, and bergapten, which give it anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Another benefit of bergamot oil is that it helps reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, thanks to its anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects.

At Tétique, we offer a variety of Earl Grey teas to suit your preferences. We offer Earl Grey tea in single-serve cups , perfect for quick and convenient preparation. We also offer loose Earl Grey tea , for those who prefer a more personalized experience and want to enjoy the experience of measuring and preparing their tea to their liking. At Tétique, we have all the options so you can enjoy the delicious flavor and aroma of Earl Grey tea in the way you like best.

Earl Grey tea is not recommended during pregnancy due to the caffeine content of black tea.

What is Lady Grey?

To answer the question, is Earl Grey tea sour? We need to know one of its variants: Lady Grey, produced by the 300-year-old Twining company, which differs only slightly from the Earl Grey version. Its name comes from the Earl Grey's wife, Mary Elizabeth Gray. The Twining company adopted the names of both at the beginning of the 19th century, including bergamot oil in both beverages. However, the Lady Grey version incorporates other citrus flavors that tend to be milder.

Bergamot is a combination of lemon and orange, and depending on the brand, its flavor can be strong or mild. The main difference with Earl Grey tea is that the bergamot in Lady Grey is derived from lemon and orange peel. It's typically drunk in the afternoon for its delicate flavor. So, making Earl Grey tea is an excellent choice.

One advantage of Lady Grey tea is its quality, otherwise its flavor would be perceived as bitter, stale, and oily. Fortunately, since the brand is patented by Twining, its leaves are of the highest quality. This type of tea is becoming increasingly popular, especially in tea bags.

At Tétique, we specialize in Earl Grey tea distributors for bakeries, cafes, and hospitality businesses. Our high-quality, exquisitely flavored Earl Grey tea is the perfect addition to your menu and delight your customers with an exceptional tea experience.

You can learn much more about this tea with " 5 O'Clock Tea with Jessica"