EARL GREY

"Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.
And whoever this "Earl Grey" fellow is,
I'd like to have a word with him... "
Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek, The Next Generation

Earl Grey is not only a favorite in Britain but is one of the most popular teas in the world. It is not only found on the menu of tea rooms, it is preferred by fictional characters as well such as Jean-Luc Picard (Star Trek), Bruce Wayne (Batman), Frasier Crane (Frasier), Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard (NCIS) and of course piglet! However, it was named after a very real person, the 2^nd Earl Grey of Britain back in the 1830’s. He was born on March 13, 1764, the son of General Sir Charles Grey, educated at Eton and Trinity College, elected to Parliament at the age of 22 and was Prime Minister from 1830-1834. Although during his time as Prime Minister, an act was passed abolishing slavery in the British Empire a generation before the American Civil War, most people know him for his wonderful tea. Legend has him given the recipe by a Mandarin Chinese friend or as a diplomatic gift by someone whose son was rescued from drowning by Lord Grey’s men, but whatever the true source, the Earl served the tea at social events, and as demand grew, he gave permission for it to be sold publicly. Originally made with unsteamed China black tea by Jacksons of Piccadilly who claim Lord Grey gave them the recipe in 1830, another company, Twinings also claims that the Prime Minister requested them to replicate a sample and that they were the first to sell the Earl Grey tea to the English public.

A blend of plain black Indian and Ceylon teas, Earl Grey gets its distinctive flavor and aroma from the addition of oil of bergamot which creates a classic light and refreshing blend – a perfect afternoon tea. Oil of bergamot comes from the fruit of a tree which is native to South East Asia, Citrus bergamia. It was introduced to Europe and was named after Bergamo, Italy, where the oil was first produced and sold. The plant bears a citrus fruit resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit with the shape of a pear and is also called the “prince’s pear.” The fruit is inedible but the peel produces the oil which is not only added to produce Earl Grey tea, but also is used in the perfumery and toiletry industry. The unripe bergamot fruit is picked in winter and the essence is extracted by a cold-pressed method and then the oil is stored in special containers for a year or longer before use. It is known to aid digestion and relax the nervous system as well as have an energizing aromatherapy effect. This is not the plant called Bergamot or Bergamot mint which is also called bee balm or Oswego tea, although the mint tea was consumed after the Boston Tea Party since it had a similar taste.

Earl Grey tea can be served hot with or without milk or sugar and can also be used to make iced tea. It is a very versatile tea that pairs well with spicy and nutty foods, strong cheeses and fish, meat or game. Traditionally, the term “Earl Grey” was applied only to black tea, however, today it can also be white, green and oolong teas as well as tisanes, such as Rooibos, that contain oil of bergamot.

TEA TRIVIA
Many teas are sold with additions to the basic Earl Grey
such as “Lady Grey” with a touch of lavender,
“French Earl Grey” with rose petals
and even some add a hint of Lapsang Souchong
for a slightly smoky, rich flavor

TEA TIME RECIPES

EARL GREY TEA COOKIES

EARL GREY TEA CAKES
1c butter
1/2c powdered sugar
2 1/4c flour
1/4tsp salt
1tsp loose Earl Grey tea leaves
          Cream together butter and sugar. Combine flour, tea and salt and then add dry ingredients into butter mixture. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 14 to 16 minutes. Cool on a rack.

Glaze:
1 tsp loose Earl Grey tea leaves
2Tbs hot milk
1Tbs butter
1/3c powdered sugar
          To prepare glaze, steep tea in hot milk for 5 to 10 minutes then add butter. Stir in powdered sugar and mix thoroughly. Drizzle glaze over tea cakes before serving.

EARL GREY HONEY BUTTER
1/2c softened butter
1Tbs honey
1tsp finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves
pinch of salt
½ Granny Smith Apple, peeled & shredded
1 tsp lemon juice
          Blend butter, honey, ground tea and salt. Toss apple with lemon juice and squeeze out excess liquid before adding to butter. Great as spread on smoked turkey tea sandwiches made with pumpernickel bread.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
Psalm 34:8