Specifications

Earl Grey Black Tea

Information:

Earl Grey tea is enjoyed the world over by real people who appreciate its depth of character, sweet citrus notes, and palate cleansing finish. The tea is however also enjoyed by people who are not real in any way, other than on the printed page or silver screen. Perhaps more than any other tea, Earl Grey appears to have been the beverage of choice for one fictitious character after the next. From James Bond, to Star Trek’s Captain Jean-Luc Picard, to Sir Leigh Teabing of the DaVinci code, Earl Grey holds a special place in the world of storytelling. And why not? The tea itself has quite a story having apparently been given as a gift to a British diplomat by a Chinese Mandarin in thanks for saving his life.

Whether or not you believe that story, one fact that is definitely beyond reproach is that Earl Grey is a wonderful and soothing tea any time of the day. The organic variety we offer here is no exception. This tea is 100% natural, no chemicals or pesticides were used in its production - what you see, smell, and taste - is what you get. We’ve not been approached by any movie producers yet about sponsoring any upcoming 007 productions, but if Hollywood producers do come a-knocking, with their healthy Californian lifestyles, this is the tea we’re going to be serving!

Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour boiling water into teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes to desired strength - the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea. Although milk and a dash of sugar may help enhance the flavor of this tea, it is perfectly acceptable to consume it ‘straight-up.’

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Add 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water. Steep 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Strain the tea into the pitcher. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water]. Please note that this tea may tend to go cloudy or ‘milky’ when poured over ice; a perfectly normal characteristic of some high quality black teas and nothing to worry about!