Organic Ceylon OP Grade Tea, 110+ Cups, 8oz

The origins of Earl Grey tea are shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The consensus is that the tea was named after Charles Grey, who was both an Earl and a former Prime Minister of England. There is an irony in the fact that the man who oversaw the abolition of slavery in the British Empire is best known for a citrusy black tea, but history has a way of taking unexpected turns.

Several legends surround the origins of Earl Grey tea. One story suggests that Earl Grey was visiting China and saved a tea brewer's son from drowning. As a gesture of gratitude, the brewer blended a special concoction and named it after the Earl. Another legend tells of two separate items, bergamot oranges and black tea, being shipped to England, with the boxes breaking and the products mixing, giving the tea its distinctive citrusy flavor. Finally, some believe the blend was created specifically for Lord Grey, as the water at Howick Hall, where he stayed, had an unpleasant mineral taste.

The Grey family favors the latter explanation, while Twinings argues that the first legend is the correct one. The controversy became so heated that in 2012, the Oxford English Dictionary issued a call to action to find the earliest mentions of this specialty flavored tea. Their research revealed that bergamot-flavored tea was first mentioned in the early 1800s, but it was originally used to disguise low-quality or stale tea leaves from China. It wasn't until the mid-1800s that advertisements for "Earl Grey's special blend" began to appear, though the exact origins of the tea remain unclear.

Regardless of its history, Earl Grey tea has become a staple in the tea world. Its mild, balanced taste makes it an excellent point of comparison for different teas, and its widespread popularity means that most tea drinkers are familiar with it. Originally popular only in England, Earl Grey tea has now become a truly global drink.

U.S. Wellness Naturals' certified organic Earl Grey tea is made with 100% organic black tea leaves from the lush tea gardens of Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon. The addition of bergamot oil creates a bold, rich flavor that pays homage to Earl Grey's place in tea culture. The natural astringency of the tea pairs well with desserts or rich foods, while its bright, citrusy, and floral notes, combined with 50-90 mg of caffeine per cup, make it an excellent morning tea to start the day.

As a certified organic product, this Earl Grey blend is free of pesticides, ensuring a bold, complex taste without the chemicals and additives often found in other brands. The tea is sourced from the pure, metal-free soils of Sri Lanka, which contribute to its terroir and overall quality.

Earl Grey's versatility is one of its many strengths. It can be enjoyed hot, with milk and sugar, or British-style, with lemon and sugar. It also makes a refreshing iced tea for the summer, and many people use it as a tea base for their own homemade kombucha.

U.S. Wellness Naturals takes great pride in the quality and sustainability of its products. The company has personally visited the tea estates, ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing, and each bag is hand-packed at their headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. Customers can trust the quality of this Earl Grey tea and are encouraged to reach out if they have any questions or concerns.

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