Is Paris Earl GREY Tea?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a tea lover, chances are you’ve come across the term “Paris Earl Grey” at some point. But what is it, exactly Is it a type of Earl Grey tea or something completely different

The Origins of Paris Earl Grey

Paris Earl Grey is a black tea blend that originated in France. The exact recipe varies from one tea company to another, but generally, it’s a blend of black teas with bergamot oil and vanilla flavoring. Some blends may also include other ingredients like lavender, rose petals, or fruit pieces.

The name “Paris Earl Grey” is somewhat misleading since it doesn’t actually contain any real earl grey tea. However, the blend was likely inspired by traditional Earl Grey tea which is made from black tea and bergamot oil.

What’s in Traditional Earl Grey Tea

Traditional Earl Grey is made from Chinese or Indian black teas that are flavored with oil extracted from the rind of bergamot oranges. Bergamot oranges are not actually oranges but a type of citrus fruit that’s grown mostly in Italy and France.

The exact origins of Earl Grey tea are not clear, but it’s believed to have been named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey who served as Prime Minister of Britain in the early 19th century. According to one legend, the blend was created when a Chinese mandarin presented Lord Grey with a specially flavored tea as a gift for saving his son’s life. Another story suggests that Lord Grey received the recipe from a British diplomat who had picked it up during his travels to China.

How Paris Earl Grey Differs From Traditional Earl Grey

While both Paris and traditional earl grey teas have similar flavor profiles, there are some key differences between the two. For one, Paris Earl Grey is typically a blend of black teas from different regions, whereas traditional Earl Grey is usually made from a single type of tea.

Paris Earl Grey also often includes vanilla flavoring and other ingredients like lavender or rose petals, which give it a more floral and sweet taste compared to traditional Earl Grey. Additionally, Paris Earl Grey tends to be less astringent than traditional Earl Grey, which can be attributed to the use of different tea blends and flavorings.

Conclusion

In short, Paris Earl Grey is not technically an Earl Grey tea since it doesn’t contain any real earl grey tea leaves. However, it’s still a delicious blend that’s worth trying if you’re a fan of black teas with unique flavor profiles. Its floral and sweet taste makes it a great choice for afternoon tea or as a dessert tea.

  • Paris Earl Grey is a black tea blend that originated in France
  • The exact recipe varies from one tea company to another
  • Paris Earl Grey is typically a blend of black teas from different regions
  • Paris Earl Grey often includes vanilla flavoring and other ingredients like lavender or rose petals
  • Paris Earl Grey tends to be less astringent than traditional Earl Grey

If you’re unsure whether you’ll enjoy Paris Earl Grey or not, consider trying out different brands to see which one suits your taste best. Who knows You might just find your new favorite tea blend!