Earl Grey is a blend originally composed exclusively of Chinese tea varieties and lightly flavored with the delicate, bitter oil of bergamot.
The tea is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey (1764-1845). In 1833, as British Prime Minister, he ended the East India Company's monopoly on tea exports from China. However, tea was not invented by Earl Grey himself. Legend has it that during the voyage from China to England, a storm threw the ship's cargo all over the hold, causing bergamot oil to spill onto the tea bales. When the ship docked in London, Lord Grey inspected the damage and decided to taste the tea before deciding whether the cargo should be destroyed. The tea proved so popular among his friends and acquaintances that the Earl thought it best to put the "flavored" tea on the market.
Nowadays, Earl Grey tea is not only made from Chinese varieties, but also includes Indian varieties. It is an excellent accompaniment to savory dishes and light snacks.
