Black Tea Basics
Black tea originates from the Camellia sinensis plant. Black tea undergoes a thorough process involving withering, rolling, oxidization, and firing. Black tea leaves are more oxidized than oolong, green, and white tea leaves. The oxidization is what gives black tea leaves their dark color and rich flavor. The oxidation process not only changes the color of the leaves, but also enhances the flavor and aroma. Assam, Darjeeling and Ceylon are among some of the popular black teas although there are many.
Today, we will be exploring the difference between two popular black tea blends, Organic English Breakfast and Earl Grey. These teas tend to get mixed up, but they have distinct differences. We will explore the flavors, caffeine content, and health benefits that make each of these teas unique so you can pick the right tea for you.
Organic English Breakfast
Organic English Breakfast is a classic black tea blend celebrated for its rich, bold flavor and invigorating aroma. This blend offers a full-bodied taste that pairs well with milk or honey. The strength of English Breakfast makes it a perfect morning companion. English Breakfast differs from, for example Assam, because English Breakfast is a blend of black teas often including Assam.
Customer Review
"I think the quality is excellent. I use the Black tea to make pitchers of iced tea for my lunches. It brews up really well and the flavor is very good." - Leslie H.
Organic Earl Grey
Organic Earl Grey, on the other hand, is known for its distinctive bergamot aroma and citrusy finish. This tea combines the richness of black tea with a light, floral brightness that makes it both refreshing and elegant. A popular way to enjoy Earl Grey is in a London Fog which is traditionally Earl Grey Tea, steamed milk and vanilla.
If you want to explore even more vibrant variations, try Organic Kingston Earl Grey, which enhances the traditional bergamot flavor with a lively grapefruit twist for an extra layer of zest.
Customer Review
"I think the quality is excellent. I use the Black tea to make pitchers of iced tea for my lunches. It brews up really well and the flavor is very good." -Elizabeth D.
Is One Healthier Than The Other?
Both Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea are similar in terms of health benefits. Since they are both black teas, they provide antioxidants which can improve cognitive function, reduce stress and fight inflammation. L-theanine is an amino acid compound found in black tea, so it is present in both Earl Grey and English Breakfast. L-theanine helps improve mental focus and alertness.
One slight difference between the two teas when it comes to health benefits is form the bergamot in Earl Grey. Bergamot oil, which comes from the bergamot orange plant can potentially reduce stress, lower cholesterol and reduce pain, so there could be some added benefits with the Earl Grey. For the most part, it just comes down to which taste your prefer.
Caffeine Content
Both Organic Earl Grey and Organic English Breakfast have high caffeine content levels. This is typically between 40 to 70 milligrams of caffeine. Black tea in general is higher in caffeine then green tea, making it a great choice if you are looking to replace your morning coffee with tea. Another great option if that is your goal, is to explore Organic Pu-Erh teas. This tea is similar to black tea, but it is fermented. Pu-Erh teas deliver a bold flavor, high caffeine and many benefits.
Summary
While both teas share a black tea base and deliver an energizing caffeine boost, their flavor profiles set them apart. English Breakfast offers a strong, full-bodied flavor. Earl Grey, by contrast, provides a floral, aromatic experience with notes of citrus that brighten the palate.
- English Breakfast offers a strong, malty flavor
- Earl Grey provides a floral, aromatic experience with notes of citrus
- Each tea offers similar health benefits
- Both English Breakfast and Earl Grey provide between 40-70 milligrams of caffeine.
Learn More About Organic English Breakfast
Related Reading
FAQs
How do you steep black tea?
Add 1 tsp of black tea to an infuser. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes in 8 oz of boiling temperature filtered water. After the tea is done steeping, remove the tea leaves from the liquid and enjoy!
Where can I buy black tea?
Black tea can be found online! Shameless plug: but as of writing this, we sell 15 different types of Black Teas teas. We’re USDA certified organic, and our products are vegan and free of GMO’s. To top it all off, we have over 10,000 positive reviews, so feel free to try us out!
Do these teas have any additives or chemicals?
Both teas hold the USDA organic certification, ensuring it is grown and harvested without any pesticides or harmful chemicals from seed to cup. Additionally, our products are free from artificial ingredients and additives.
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for reading this weeks blog all the the differences Organic Earl Grey and Organic English Breakfast.
Whether you're curious to learn more or are searching for your new go to black tea, we hope this was helpful!
Once again, thank you for being a part of our tea-loving community. We look forward to sharing more tea discoveries with you in the weeks to come. Until then, stay warm, stay curious, and sip on! 💖
Sources
Enloe, A. (2024, December 10). 9 Possible Health Benefits of Black Tea. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-tea-benefits#focus Healthline
Whelan, C. & Fletcher, J. (2023, January 30). Bergamot Oil Uses and Benefits. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/bergamot-oil#uses Healthline
