Who Is Earl Grey & Why Is The Tea Named After Him?
TIL he was a British Prime Minister!
By Laila Zain — 05 Apr 2024, 08:35 AM
Earl Grey tea is a blend of black tea flavoured with oil extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit primarily grown in Italy
The precise origins of this tea blend are somewhat murky, but it is generally agreed that it was named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who served as British Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834.
The popular legend behind Earl Grey tea's creation involves a diplomatic mission to China. According to this tale, Earl Grey saved a Chinese man's son from drowning, and in gratitude, the man named the tea after him. However, there's no historical evidence to support this romanticised version of events as Grey never even visited China.
Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, also known as Viscount Howick, served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834.
Image via Good Life TeaAccording to reports, there was nothing outstanding about Grey, however many things happened during his tenure as Prime Minister
This includes the Abolition of Slavery Act, the Factory Act, and the end of the East India Company's monopoly over Britain's trade with China.
The end of the trade monopoly over Chinese drastically changed the way tea was imported to the UK, causing tea to surge in popularity. As a result of this, many believe the original Earl Grey tea was Chinese in origin.
The most plausible explanation for the creation of Earl Grey tea is that it was a gift from a Chinese ambassador
The tea would not have been flavoured with bergamot, as the fruit was only found in Italy at the time. Thus, some historians believe the bergamot oil could have been added later by the British, as a means to replicate the original tea gifted to Grey.
According to the Grey family, the tea was custom-blended to accommodate the lime-laden water at Howick Hall, their ancestral residence in Northumberland.
The addition of bergamot not only counteracted the distinct flavour of the water but proved to be such a delightful enhancement that visitors began requesting his wife, Lady Grey, offer the tea for sale.
Many believe that the earl didn't even know what was in the tea, and that is was Lady Grey who popularised it among the British upper class.
British tea company Twinings would later create Lady Grey tea in the early 1990s, named after her, as a variation of Earl Grey tea. Lady Grey tea contains less bergamot and more lemon and orange peel, providing a softer, milder taste.
Bergamot is a type of orange that is primarily grown in the province of Reggio di Calabria in Italy.
Image via SapadillaDespite its uncertain origins, Earl Grey tea quickly gained popularity in Britain and beyond, becoming a staple in households and tearooms
Its distinctive citrusy aroma and bold flavour have cemented its reputation as one of the most popular teas in the world.
Whether enjoyed hot or cold, with a splash of milk or a slice of lemon, or in the form of countless desserts and dishes, Earl Grey is as versatile as it is delicious!
