Omni Tea, Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey Tea is a blend of tea which is heavily flavored with bergamot. The distinctive flavor of bergamot infuses the finished tea, creating a classic light and refreshing flavor. Many consumers think of Earl Grey Tea as the quintessential English tea, and it is indeed often served at tea and other social events in Britain.

The Earl Grey blend is named after the 2nd Earl Grey, British Prime Minister in the 1830s and author of the Reform Bill of 1832, who reputedly received a gift, probably a diplomatic prerequsite, of tea flavoured with bergamot oil, taken from bergamot, a citrus fruit typical of Southeast Asia and grown commercially in Italy.

According to one legend, a grateful Chinese Manderine whose son was rescued from drowning by one of Lord Grey's men first presented the blend to the Earl in 1803. The tale has no basis in fact, as Lord Grey never set foot in China and the use of bergamot oil to scent tea was then unknown in China.

Jacksons of Piccadilly claim they originated Earl Grey's Tea, Lord Grey having given the recipe to Robert Jackson & Co. partner George Charlton in 1830. According to Jacksons the original recipe has been in constant production and has never left their hands. Theirs has been based on China tea since the beginning.

Bergamont is a citrus tree that is cultivated on the south coast of Italy. Also known as the Princes Pear, the fruit is inedible but the oil extracted from it is used to fragrance perfume as well as tea. The oil was an ingredient of one of the first Eau de Cologne ever made. (It is quite different from the herb called bergamot) The fruit is a cross between lemon, orange and grapefruit, sometimes compared to orange blossom.In the winter months, before it ripens, the fruit harvest is picked by hand. Specially made cold presses are used to extract the bergamot essence, which is then stored for at least a year. Bergamot is used in aromatherapy to treat depression, and also has anti-microbial effects that can strengthen the resistance of the body to colds and illnesses. Perhaps Earl Grey tea is a good remedy for winter sniffles

Even Jean Luc Picard of the Enterprise enjoys Omni "Tea, Earl Grey, Hot"



The Earl Grey Tea favored by Jean Luc, is available for every one from http://www.omnitea.com/