earl grey bravo tea

What is full-leaf Earl Grey tea, and how is it made?

Full-leaf Earl Grey tea is a type of flavored tea made from whole tea leaves that have been scented or blended with the oil or essence of bergamot, a fragrant citrus fruit. The addition of bergamot oil gives the tea its distinctive aromatic citrus character that sets it apart from straight black teas. The base tea used in Earl Grey can vary widely depending on the producer and style. Our Earl Grey is made with premium full-leaf Ceylon tea. After the black tea leaves are fully processed (withered, rolled, oxidized and dried like any black tea), they are flavored by coating them with bergamot essential oil extracted from the rind of the citrus fruit, and accented with dried orange peel, allowing the citrus aroma to infuse the leaves.

What does full-leaf Earl Grey tea taste like?

Full-leaf black Earl Grey tea has a distinctive citrusy and aromatic flavor that sets it apart from straight black teas. You still taste the lively notes of a high-grown Ceylon black tea that forms its base, but what defines our full-leaf Earl Grey tea is the bright, citrus character from bergamot oil, a fragrant citrus fruit that tastes somewhere between lime and lemon with floral and slightly bitter edges. When brewed properly, Earl Grey is smooth and balanced, with clear citrus notes up front, subtle floral undertones, and a clean finish that is refreshing and lively. The bergamot adds a zesty, slightly spicy brightness that complements the tea’s black-tea backbone, giving the cup a layered profile that many describe as both uplifting and complex.

Is Earl Grey tea high in caffeine?

Yes. Earl Grey tea does contain caffeine because it is made with a black tea base, and black teas naturally have moderate caffeine levels. An average 8-ounce cup of Earl Grey typically contains about 40 mg to 70 mg of caffeine, though the exact amount can vary with the specific tea leaves, brewing time and strength of the brew. By comparison, a similar serving of coffee usually has significantly more caffeine, so Earl Grey delivers a noticeable but gentler energy boost than coffee while still supporting alertness and focus. If you want to avoid caffeine, we offer a decaffeinated Earl Grey option that has much lower caffeine levels, though even that still contains trace amounts of caffeine.

How should loose leaf Earl Grey tea be brewed for the best flavor?

To brew loose-leaf Earl Grey tea for the best flavor, follow a simple yet effective method that lets both the black tea base and the bergamot shine. Start with fresh, cold, filtered water and bring it to a boil or very close to boiling — around 90 °C to 100 °C (195 °F to 212 °F) — because black teas extract best with hotter water. Pour about one rounded teaspoon of loose leaf per 8-ounce (250 ml) cup into your teapot or infuser. Once the water is hot, pour it directly over the tea leaves and let them steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Aim for about 4 minutes as a balanced starting point; shorter steeping yields a lighter, brighter cup while longer brewing creates a stronger flavour but can risk bitterness. After steeping, strain the leaves and serve while hot. Earl Grey is delicious on its own, but you can also add a slice of lemon, honey or a splash of milk depending on your taste preferences.

What are the health benefits of drinking Earl Grey tea?

Drinking Earl Grey tea can offer several potential health benefits, largely because it combines the beneficial plant compounds found in black tea with the aromatic citrus components of bergamot. Black tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols such as theaflavins and catechins, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a factor linked to inflammation and chronic disease. Regular consumption of black teas like Earl Grey has been associated with heart health benefits, including support for healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The bergamot oil used to flavor Earl Grey brings its own set of plant compounds that may support healthy digestion and cholesterol metabolism and contribute additional antioxidant activity, though research specifically on bergamot in tea is still emerging. Caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine in the black tea base can also provide a gentle boost in alertness and focus without the stronger stimulant effect of coffee. Some people find that drinking Earl Grey regularly correlates with enhanced metabolism and improved mood, though many individual effects remain preliminary and can vary from person to person. Overall, moderate Earl Grey consumption can be a healthful, zero-calorie beverage choice when enjoyed without excessive added sugar, contributing to hydration and complementing a balanced lifestyle.

Where can I buy loose-leaf Earl Grey tea online?

Buy premium loose-leaf Earl Grey tea online at Adagio Teas. Our version is a perfect afternoon tea: zesty and exhilarating with fresh citrus aroma and a balanced orange rind flavor to match the tang of Ceylon black tea. Our full-leaf Earl Grey tea is available in sample packs, pyramid teabags, various bulk sizes, as well as single-serve portions.