In Honor of an Earl...

It might be said that Americans lost their affection for tea over 225 years ago. But to say that would certainly not be true.

While coffee might be our national hot drink for morning and any other time, tea holds a place in our hearts just as strong and true.

There are times when, during the course of the day, something more gentle and relaxing than coffee is just what is needed. For me, I can think of nothing better than a cup of Twinings Earl Grey Tea.

Earl Grey Tea is a blended tea named for Charles Grey, the Second Earl Grey, who served as Prime Minister of the united Kingdom in the 1830 to 1834. He is said to have recieved a gift of tea flavored with bergamot oil. Bergamot is a citrus fruit typically found in South East Asia and also commercially grown in Italy.

The tea was specially blended by a Chinese mandarin for Lord Grey to suite the high lime content of the water at his estate in Northumberland. It became so popular with their guests there and in London, that they were asked to make it available to the public, which is how Twingings came to market it as a brand.

Twinings Earl Grey is a light aromatic blend of fine black tea, scented with the distinctive bergamot flavor.

So how to enjoy a perfect cup of tea?

First, tea absorbs moisture and kitchen smells. To keep your tea fresh and avoid spoiling the flavor, keep loose tea or teabags in a sealed jar or tin.

Using loose tea involves a ritual which many find a pleasure, and it certainly means you must take time out of your day to relax and enjoy not only your cup tea, but the entire process as well. And some tea drinkers believe that the quality of loose tea is superior to that used in tea bags, as the loose tea tends to have a larger leaf size than tea bags. Regardless, both types of Twinings tea will produce a equal quality cup of tea.

When brewing tea, be sure the use freshly drawn cold water in kettle. Tea loves oxygen and it helps the flavor develop. And only pour on freshly boiled water, don't over boil it.

Make sure your tea pot is clean and warm it by swirling a small amount of boiled water inside it.

Add one teaspoon of loose tea per person and one teaspoon for the pot is the standard measure, but feel free to add as much or little to create to perfect strength tea for your tastes.

You should allow the tea to brew in the teapot for up to seven minutes. the general rule is the larger the leaf, the longer the brewing time. In the case of Twinings Earl Grey, you should allow about five minutes for it to brew.

Sugar can be added, though some people feel sugar will mask the flavors of teas. And while not typically added to Earl Grey tea, milk may also be added. Historically milk was added first to protect the bone china cups in which the tea was served, but today that choice is a very individual one.

Regardless of how you choose to take your tea, an afternoon cup is a wonderful way to relax during the day and enjoy life for a moment and Twinings Earl Grey tea is a terrifically traditional tea with which to enjoy those moments.

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