In a recent trip aboard the UK’s newest aircraft carrier, the Royal Navy HSM Queen Elizabeth, they found themselves to have run out of Earl Grey Tea, leaving them in a tea crisis.

Although they managed to replenish their stock, why was this such a big deal?

What is Earl Grey Tea and its origin?

Earl Grey tea is a blend of black tea which has been infused with bergamot oil. It is one of the most popular and well-known flavoured Tea. Earl Grey is a quintessentially British Tea and is famously known to be the Queen’s favourite flavour of Tea. It is so popular, it has the whole month of June dedicated to it, Earl Grey Month.

It is believed to have acquired its name from British Prime Minister Earl Grey in the 1800’s.

Although it’s exact origin still remains unclear, we’d like to thank Grey for his wonderful contribution to this glorious beverage.

How to make Earl Grey Tea?

Teabag: Boil fresh water to 100C and pour over the teabag. Leave the teabag to infuse for 5 minutes or longer if desired, for a fuller, stronger taste. Once the tea has finished steeping, immediately remove the teabag and stir.

Loose-leaf: Boil fresh water to 100°C. Using an infuser add 1 teaspoon of tea per person and pour water over the tea leaves. Leave the tea to infuse for 5 to 7 minutes or longer if desired, for a fuller, stronger taste. Once the tea has finished steeping, immediately remove the tea and stir.

Want to know the health benefits of tea? Read our blog here