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What is This Type of Tea?
This is one of the most classic teas, with a rich history and worldwide recognition, although it is especially consumed in Europe and the British Isles. In fact, this tea is named after the first British Prime Minister, Earl Charles Gray.
It is a type of strong black tea with an intense flavor. Its aroma comes from the essential oils derived from the rind of the bergamot, a citrus fruit that gives it a particularly characteristic aroma and taste.
Bergamot is a distinctive fruit, originating from the Mediterranean, specifically in the Italian region of Calabria, with a floral flavor. It reminds us of a blend of orange and lemon, with a touch of lime and grapefruit.
We can summarize this tea as strong, with a very pronounced taste, a bit bitter, and with citrus undertones. Although it is most commonly enjoyed hot, accompanied by sweets and cakes, it is also good when served cold.
Properties of Earl Grey Tea
As we mentioned, it is a combination of black tea and bergamot, so it combines the properties of both components.
It is characterized by having a moderate amount of caffeine, which causes a tonic and stimulating effect on the body, awakening our nervous system, accelerating our metabolism, and helping us in situations that require mental or physical effort.
Thanks to bergamot, we can also appreciate a relaxing, calming effect. It will take care of our skin and can also act as a natural antidepressant.
Another very important aspect of this blend is its astringent taste, that is, between dry and intense.
In addition to all this, we would highlight the following key properties:
- Antiseptic and antidepressant
- Contains caffeine and L-theanine
- Rich in catechins
- Contains fluoride that helps care for our oral health
- Provides vitamins B, C, and E
Benefits
By combining the benefits of tea with those of citrus fruits, it is an ideal beverage to boost our immune system, especially during the winter months.
Boosts Your Energy
Its moderate caffeine content raises our energy levels and helps us stay active throughout the day. Unlike coffee, it does not have dehydrating properties, so it will not deplete vitamins and minerals from our body.
Promotes Hydration
We know that the daily recommendation for water is around two liters, so Earl Grey tea, being sugar-free and calorie-free, makes it a good healthy substitute for water.
What's most remarkable is that it is rich in antioxidants and has an important diuretic function that will help you eliminate excess fluids and prevent you from feeling bloated.
Aids in Weight Loss
It is a great substitute for sugary or carbonated beverages, especially when following a diet based on sugar and calorie control. Similarly, its citrus content will help stimulate our metabolism, which is key in weight loss.
The caffeine it contains helps stimulate fat burning and acts to prevent its accumulation.
Helps with the Common Cold
It can help maintain your body temperature during nights and winter climates, a time when it is most consumed. It was traditionally used to prevent common colds and the onset of the flu.
Its citrus extracts have antimicrobial properties that help stimulate our immune system's antibodies, protecting our body from various ailments.
Helps Care for Your Skin
Free radicals affect the healthy cells of our skin and prematurely age it. The antioxidants in this tea will help improve the appearance of your skin, making it clearer and younger-looking.
It is also good for people suffering from acne, eczema, psoriasis, and certain types of skin allergies. The mentioned antioxidants help accelerate healing and prevent the appearance of scars as it can be applied topically when it's cold.
How to Prepare It?
It is prepared very simply and can vary depending on the product used. Our recommendation is to consume it in powder form. Did you know that many tea bags contain microplastics?
In addition, when we consume tea in powder form, we not only avoid consuming microplastics but also absorb all the nutrients and antioxidants contained in the ground tea leaf.
An ideal option is Matcha & CO's Earl Grey, of high quality and with a higher degree of oxidation (100%). To make this tea, black tea is mixed with bergamot oil from Calabria, an exclusive Mediterranean citrus that creates a unique flavor loved by the English since the 19th century.
