Earl Grey tea facts for kids
Earl Grey tea is a very popular type of tea. It has a special taste and smell because it's flavored with oil from a fruit called bergamot orange. This fruit is a type of citrus, like lemons or oranges. The tea was named after Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, who was a British prime minister in the 1830s.
Originally, "Earl Grey" only referred to black tea flavored with bergamot. But today, you can find many different kinds of tea, like green tea or white tea, that are also called Earl Grey if they have bergamot oil or a similar flavor. A famous British tea company called Twinings even uses a picture of Charles Grey on its Earl Grey tea packages.
Contents
What is Earl Grey Tea?
Earl Grey tea is a type of flavored tea. It's made by adding the special oil from the bergamot orange to tea leaves. This gives the tea a unique, fresh, and slightly citrusy smell and taste. It's one of the most well-known flavored teas around the world.
The Special Flavor: Bergamot
The key ingredient that makes Earl Grey tea special is bergamot oil. Bergamot oranges are mostly grown in Italy. They look a bit like a small, bumpy orange or a lime. The oil is pressed from the peel of this fruit. This oil is then used to give Earl Grey tea its famous aroma and flavor. It's what makes the tea smell so fresh and bright.
Who Was Earl Grey?
The tea is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey. He was an important person in British history. He served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1830 to 1834. A prime minister is the main leader of the government in many countries, similar to a president.
Charles Grey: A British Leader
Charles Grey was known for making big changes during his time as prime minister. One of his most famous achievements was helping to pass the Reform Act of 1832. This law changed how people could vote in Britain, making the voting system fairer. He also worked to end slavery in the British Empire. It's believed that he received the recipe for the tea as a gift, though the exact story is not fully known.
How Earl Grey Tea is Made
Most Earl Grey tea starts with black tea leaves. These leaves are picked, dried, and then processed. After the tea leaves are ready, they are sprayed or mixed with bergamot oil. This oil soaks into the leaves, giving them the distinct Earl Grey flavor. Sometimes, bergamot flavorings are used instead of pure oil.
Different Kinds of Earl Grey
While traditional Earl Grey uses black tea, you can now find many variations. Some popular ones include:
- Earl Grey Green Tea: This uses green tea leaves instead of black tea, offering a lighter taste.
- Earl Grey White Tea: Made with delicate white tea, it has a very mild flavor.
- Lady Grey Tea: This is a variation that often includes orange and lemon peel along with bergamot for an even fruitier taste.
Earl Grey tea can be enjoyed hot or cold. Many people like to drink it with a slice of lemon or a splash of milk.
Images for kids
-
Hot Earl Grey tea in a glass cup
-
Earl Grey tea leaves
-
Mug of Earl Grey tea
