No matter how the blend got its name the fact is it’s become a favorite all over the world for several years. There are a few steps in the process of making your cup of Earl Grey tea that will enhance the flavor and overall enjoyment of this popular blend. These steps include:
The water
A perfect cup of Earl Grey tea, as with any other blend, starts with the water. You should always start with fresh, cold water. Never use hot water from the tap, or water that has already been boiled and then left to cool, then reboiled.
You should also only use a non-reactive pot to boil your water for any blend of tea. This means that your teapot should either be made of glass or stainless steel. The reason for this is so that there aren’t any impurities from the pot being transferred to the tea.
The temperature of the water
Earl Grey should always be steeped in water that has been heated to 208° Fahrenheit, or just below the boiling point. If you don’t have a thermometer or temperature controls on your teapot, a good way to reach this temperature is to bring the water to a boil, then turn the fire off while you warm the pot.
Warming the pot
Most people leave this step out whenever they make any type of tea, but it’s actually pretty important to the best cup of tea. Tea should be enjoyed at exactly the proper temperature. When hot water is poured into a cold cup it will begin to cool quickly, which doesn’t allow the blend to steep properly.
Warming the pot will ensure that the steeping of the tea remains consistent. To do this all you need to do is first pour some of the hot water into your pot or cup and swirl it around, then pour the water out. This will ensure your pot remains at the proper temperature throughout the steeping process.
Measurement
The measurement of tea will vary according to the strength preference of the tea, how large your cup is or how many cups your pot holds. For loose tea, the rule of thumb is one teaspoon per six-ounce cup or two teaspoons for every eight-ounce glass of iced tea.
It may become necessary to adjust this measurement to suit your taste or the size of your teacup.
Steeping time
As with any blend of tea, the steeping time is a matter of taste. Most people who are regular drinkers of the blend claim that Earl Grey should be steeped for three to five minutes to reach the full benefit of the citrus aroma and taste.
How the drink Earl Grey is also a matter of taste. Traditionally, this blend is served with a slice of lemon and sugar to taste. This brings out the crisp, fresh citrus flavor and aroma. Or you can enjoy the tea just as it is, no matter how you prefer to drink it after your first cup you’ll see why Earl Grey has been a favorite of tea lovers for several years.
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