What is it about this tea anyway? It does not matter what type of tea is used, it is the oil of bergamot that is added. Bergamot is the Turkish name given to a pear-shaped fruit (Citrus bergamia) which is grown around the Mediterranean for the oil which can be pressed out of the rind and used in perfumery. The age-old question is how did it get in the Earl’s tea? An Australian, Ian Bersten, may have finally figured it out. During the time of the exile of Jews from Israel, bergamot was used as the fruit ritually used in the Jewish Succoth festival. The bergamot was obtained from Corfu which also served as the Mediterranean base for the British Royal Navy from the Napoleonic wars until 1848. The tea-addicted, British naval officers were stationed in the world’s main bergamot market throughout Earl Grey’s entire career in London, not even a month’s sail away. Apparently he liked the bergamot tea enough to be remembered for starting the craze.
The history of Earl Grey may be uncertain, but one thing for certain it is still an international best-seller!
Springtime in Paris is a black tea with the delightful aroma and taste of bergamot, grapefruit and mandarin. A delicious tea to be enjoyed anytime - but always better with a friend.
