If you should happen to be in London during afternoon tea time take a peep into the luxurious dining room of one of the city’s top hotels or department stores tea rooms and you are likely to see a lot of elegantly dressed old ladies. They are highly likely to be oh so elegantly sipping tea from delicate bone china or porcelain tea cups,along with scones,strawberry preserves,clotted cream and finger sandwiches. The chances are also quite good that the tea they will be sipping from the fine porcelain cups will be Fortnum and Mason.s Earl Grey Tea.

You do not have to spend 15 pounds on afternoon tea at the Ritz, Claridges,Dorchester or Brown’s hotel to enjoy F & N Earl Grey tea. Many airlines serve Earl Grey tea,as do tea rooms,and your local food store,grocer or supermarket will probably stock this tea.

Earl Grey tea has a lengthy and illustrious history. It was created for Charles Grey-the 2nd earl of the line-who was originally given the recipe by a Chinese Mandarin friend. It is ,of course, Earl Grey who was the architect of the 1832 Reform Act and he was the British Prime Minister to King William IV during the early 19 th century.

Earl Grey,a black tea,is an amalgamation of Indian and Sri Lankan tea. A premium tea it is made from tender young tea leaves. It is,however,scented with Oil of Bergamot. Bergamot is a small acidic orange with a peel that produces an essential oil known as bergamot oil.

It is a delicate,refreshing,gentle and very flavourfull tea with a decided smooth taste and has a subtle hint of citrus. Personally,I prefer it black or with a touch of milk. Experts advise that you do not add lemon-this will detract from its flavour.

Whenyou might ask should you drink Fortnum & Mason’s Earl Grey tea ? Some argue it is ideal at breakfast time. For me it does not matter one iota whether it is breakfast,afternoon or evening, I enjoy Earl Grey anytime of the day. F & N Earl Grey tea is a good tea although I do not think this particular brand is any better than the likes of,say, Twinings.

Purchase Price (INR):	No Comment
How do you feel after its consumption?	Refreshed