About This Classic Earl Grey Tea Blend
Earl Grey tea has been a beloved beverage around the world for generations, and our Raven Tea offers a fresh interpretation of this traditional Earl Grey blend. This flavored black tea combines the robust character of organic black tea leaves with the distinctive citrus notes of natural bergamot oil and a subtle lavender finish.
Unlike many flavored teas on the market, our earl grey tea blend uses only natural ingredients with no artificial flavors or additives. Each batch is hand-blended in the USA, ensuring quality and consistency in every jar. The result is a flavorful and smooth cup that honors the classic earl grey tradition while adding a unique floral dimension.
The Story Behind Earl Grey
The history of Earl Grey is as rich as the tea itself. This iconic flavored black tea is named after Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey, who served as British Prime Minister in the 1830s. According to legend, the Earl received this distinctive tea blend as a gift, and it quickly became popular throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.
The grey family's connection to this beloved beverage has made Earl Grey one of the most recognizable types of tea in the world today. Different brands have created their own versions of this classic, from Lady Grey with its additional citrus fruit notes to Earl Green, which uses green tea as a base instead of black tea leaves. Our Raven Tea stays true to the traditional earl grey blend while adding organic lavender for a sophisticated twist.
What Makes Our Earl Grey Tea Blend Special
Premium Organic Black Tea: The foundation of any great Earl Grey is quality black tea. We use organic black tea leaves that provide a full-bodied, robust base capable of standing up to the bold bergamot and delicate lavender. Black tea contains natural antioxidants and offers a moderate caffeine content – typically about half the amount found in a similar cup of coffee.
The black tea leaves in our blend come from plants carefully selected for their flavor profile and quality. Unlike some teas that use tea bags, our loose leaf tea allows the leaves to fully expand during brewing, releasing their complete range of flavors and aromas. This loose tea format also gives you control over the strength of each cup you brew.
Natural Bergamot Oil: Bergamot is a citrus fruit grown primarily in southern Italy. The bergamot orange provides the distinctive citrus aroma and taste that defines Earl Grey tea. We use natural bergamot oil extracted from the rind of this unique citrus fruit, never artificial flavors or synthetic essences.
The bergamot oil infused into our tea blend creates bright, uplifting notes that complement rather than overwhelm the black tea base. This careful balance ensures that each element of the tea can be appreciated – the robust tea, the citrus bergamot, and the subtle lavender all work in combination to create a harmonious cup.
Organic Lavender Flowers: What sets our Raven Tea apart from a plain Earl Grey is the addition of organic lavender flowers. Lavender adds a light, floral dimension that enhances the overall tasting experience without dominating the flavor. The flowers provide a soothing aroma and a subtle finish that makes this tea perfect for moments of contemplation.
We've carefully balanced the lavender so it serves as a finishing note rather than the main feature. Many people discover they enjoy this variation on traditional Earl Grey, finding it adds depth and character to their daily tea ritual.
Brewing the Perfect Cup of Earl Grey
Basic Brewing Instructions: Creating the ideal cup of Raven Tea is simple and requires just a few steps
1. Start with fresh, clean water for the best taste.
2. Heat water to 180-185°F (just below boiling). Water that's too hot can make black tea taste bitter, while water that's too cool won't properly extract the flavors.
3. Measure 1 teaspoon of loose tea leaves into your favorite steeper, infuser, or teapot.
4. Pour 8 oz of hot water over the tea and let it steep.
Steep for 3-5 minutes depending on your preferred strength. 5. Longer steeping times will result in a stronger, more robust cup, while shorter times produce a lighter, more delicate beverage.
6. Remove the tea leaves to prevent over-extraction.
The brewing process is an important part of the tea experience. Take a moment to enjoy the aroma as the tea steeps – the combination of bergamot and lavender creates a distinctive scent that's part of what makes Earl Grey so special.
Enhancing Your Tea
While our Raven Tea is delicious on its own, there are several ways to enhance your cup:
- Add milk or cream: Like traditional Earl Grey, this tea pairs beautifully with dairy. The robust black tea base stands up well to milk while the citrus and floral notes still shine through. This is how many people in the United Kingdom have enjoyed their Earl Grey for generations.
- Sweeten with honey or sugar: A touch of natural sweetness can complement the bergamot and lavender notes. Add to taste, remembering that you can always add more but can't take it away.
- Include a twist of lemon: While the tea already contains citrus notes from the bergamot, a fresh lemon slice can brighten the flavor even more.
- Try it iced: Earl Grey makes an excellent cold beverage. Brew it strong, let it cool, and serve over ice with a sprig of fresh lavender or a citrus garnish.
Recipe Ideas and Creative Uses
Lavender London Fog: This popular variation transforms our Earl Grey blend into a creamy, comforting tea latte. Brew the tea strong using 2 teaspoons per 8 oz of water. Steep for the full 5 minutes, then add steamed milk (dairy or plant-based), a touch of vanilla extract, and honey to taste. The result is a sophisticated drink perfect for any time of day.
Raven Iced Tea: For a refreshing summer beverage, brew your Raven Tea at double strength using twice the usual amount of tea leaves. Allow it to cool completely, then pour over ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender and a slice of lemon for an elegant presentation. This makes a wonderful alternative to sugary drinks and is perfect for warm weather.
Earl Grey-Infused Butter: Create a unique ingredient for baking by infusing softened butter with our tea blend. Combine 1 cup of room-temperature butter with 2 tablespoons of tea leaves. Mix well and let sit for 30 minutes, then strain out the leaves. Use this flavored butter in shortbread cookies, scones, or other baked goods for a subtle Earl Grey flavor.
Tea Poached Pears: For an elegant dessert, use strong-brewed Raven Tea as a poaching liquid for pears. The bergamot and lavender notes complement the fruit beautifully, creating a sophisticated treat that's perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Add a touch of honey to the poaching liquid for additional sweetness.
Comparing Earl Grey Variations
The world of Earl Grey tea offers many variations, and understanding the differences can help you find your perfect cup.
Classic Earl Grey Tea: Traditional Earl Grey consists of black tea flavored with bergamot oil. This timeless combination has been enjoyed for nearly two centuries and remains one of the most popular types of flavored tea.
Lady Grey: A variation that typically includes additional citrus peels and sometimes cornflower petals alongside the bergamot. It's named to complement Earl Grey and offers a lighter, more floral profile.
Earl Green: Uses green tea as the base instead of black tea, resulting in a lighter beverage with less caffeine. This variation appeals to those who prefer the taste of green tea but enjoy the bergamot flavor.
Our Raven Earl Grey: Combines traditional Earl Grey's black tea and bergamot with organic lavender, creating a unique blend that adds floral depth while maintaining the classic character people love about Earl Grey.
Caffeine Content and Energy
One common question about Earl Grey tea concerns its caffeine content. Our Raven Tea contains a moderate level of caffeine from the organic black tea base. A typical cup contains roughly half the caffeine found in a similar serving of coffee, making it an excellent choice for those who want a gentle energy boost without the jitters that can come from drinking coffee.
The caffeine in black tea is released more slowly than coffee's caffeine, providing a more sustained, steady energy rather than a sudden spike and crash. Many people find this makes tea a better choice for focus and concentration throughout the day.
It's worth noting that caffeine content can vary depending on several factors including how long you steep your tea, the water temperature you use, and the specific batch of tea leaves. The ranges provided are typical, but your individual cup may vary slightly.
Storage and Freshness
To preserve the delicate bergamot aroma and lavender notes in your Raven Tea, proper storage is essential. Keep your tea in the original glass jar with the lid tightly sealed. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors.
Tea leaves can absorb smells from their environment, so avoid storing them near spices, coffee, or other strongly scented items. With proper storage, your loose leaf tea will maintain its flavor and aroma for many months, ensuring every cup is as fresh and flavorful as the first.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Earl Grey's distinctive flavor profile makes it versatile for pairing with various foods. The citrus notes from the bergamot oil complement both sweet and savory items.
For breakfast or brunch, try pairing Raven Tea with scones, croissants, or light pastries. The tea's moderate caffeine content and bright flavor make it an excellent way to start your day. Add a bit of lemon curd or orange marmalade to your pastry for a citrus-on-citrus pairing that enhances the bergamot notes.
For afternoon tea, consider pairing with finger sandwiches, particularly those with cucumber or smoked salmon. The tea's floral and citrus elements cut through rich flavors while complementing lighter fare. Cookies and shortbread are also classic companions to Earl Grey.
With chocolate, the tea creates interesting flavor combinations. Try it with dark chocolate to bring out the tea's subtle complexity, or with white chocolate for a sweeter pairing that highlights the lavender notes.
The Art of Tea Appreciation
Drinking tea can be more than just a beverage – it's an opportunity to slow down and savor a moment of calm in a busy day. The ritual of brewing tea, watching the leaves unfuse and release their aroma, and taking that first sip can be a form of mindfulness.
Many people find that having a regular tea time, whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening, provides a welcome break and a chance to reset. The act of preparing tea – measuring the leaves, heating the water, timing the steep – can itself be meditative. And the moderate caffeine in black tea can help maintain focus without the overstimulation some people experience with coffee.
Our Raven Tea is designed to enhance these moments. The distinctive aroma, the balanced flavor, and the smooth finish make each cup something to look forward to and enjoy fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the caffeine content compare to coffee?
Our Raven Tea contains a moderate level of caffeine from the organic black tea base, typically about half the amount found in a similar serving of coffee. This provides a gentler caffeine experience that many people prefer, offering energy and focus without jitters.
Will the lavender flavor be overwhelming?
Not at all. We've carefully balanced the lavender to serve as a delicate finishing note that complements the bergamot and black tea rather than dominating the flavor profile. The result is a harmonious blend where each element is distinguishable yet cohesive. If you're new to lavender in tea, start by steeping for the shorter recommended time.
Can I add milk to this tea?
Absolutely! Like traditional Earl Grey, Raven Tea pairs beautifully with milk or cream. The robust black tea base stands up well to dairy while the floral and citrus notes still shine through. Many people enjoy it as a London Fog-style latte with steamed milk and vanilla.
How should I store my tea?
For maximum freshness and to preserve the delicate bergamot and lavender aromas, store your tea in the original glass jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Proper storage ensures your tea maintains its quality and flavor.
Is this tea available in tea bags?
Our Raven Tea is available as loose leaf tea, which allows the leaves to fully expand during brewing and release their complete range of flavors. While this requires a tea steeper or infuser, many tea enthusiasts prefer loose tea for its superior taste and the control it provides over brew strength.
How many cups can I make from one jar?
Each 2.6 oz container provides approximately 20 servings when using the recommended 1 teaspoon per 8 oz cup. The actual number may vary depending on how strong you prefer your tea.
Is this tea organic?
While not certified organic, our Raven Tea uses organic black tea and organic lavender, along with natural oil of bergamot. We believe in using pure, natural ingredients without artificial flavors, colors, or additives of any sort.
What is bergamot?
Bergamot is a citrus fruit, specifically the bergamot orange, grown primarily in southern Italy. The essential oil is extracted from the rind and provides Earl Grey tea with its characteristic citrus flavor and aroma. Natural bergamot oil gives tea a bright, distinctive taste that's been prized for generations.
Why Choose Loose Leaf Tea
While tea bags are convenient, loose leaf tea offers several advantages for those seeking the best possible cup. Loose tea leaves are typically higher quality and less processed than the contents of most tea bags. The leaves have room to fully expand in water, releasing their complete flavor profile, subtle notes, and natural beneficial compounds.
With loose tea, you also have more control over your brew. You can adjust the amount of tea you use and the steeping time to find your perfect cup. Many people discover that once they try quality loose leaf tea, they prefer it to bagged varieties.
Using loose leaf tea is easy with the right tools. A simple tea steeper, infuser, or teapot with a built-in strainer is all you need. These items are inexpensive and reusable, making loose tea an eco-friendly choice as well.
Gift Ideas
Raven Tea makes a thoughtful gift for tea lovers, book enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates quality beverages. The literary inspiration behind the name, combined with the sophisticated flavor profile, creates a unique present that shows you put thought into your selection.
Consider pairing a jar of Raven Tea with a classic book, a beautiful teacup, or a quality tea steeper for a complete gift set. The eco-friendly glass packaging means the jar can be repurposed after the tea is gone, extending the life of your gift.
Mix and Match Savings
We offer a special discount when you purchase multiple jars of our tea varieties. Save 15% when you order 3 or more jars, making it easy to stock up on your favorites or try different blends. This is perfect for those who enjoy having various tea options available depending on their mood and the time of day.
Order and Shipping Information
All orders ship via UPS Ground to ensure your tea arrives safely. Please note that we do not ship to PO Boxes due to carrier restrictions. If you're local to the Owings Mills, Maryland area, you can also order online and pick up your purchase from our Honey House location, saving on shipping costs and getting your tea even faster.
Your Perfect Cup Awaits
Whether you're a longtime Earl Grey enthusiast looking for a new variation or someone new to the world of flavored black tea, our Raven Tea offers a distinctive and flavorful experience. The combination of organic black tea, natural bergamot oil, and organic lavender creates a balanced, sophisticated beverage that's perfect for any time of day.
From your morning cup to an afternoon break to evening contemplation, Raven Tea provides a moment of calm and flavor in each serving. The moderate caffeine content, pure natural ingredients, and carefully crafted flavor profile make it a tea you'll return to again and again.
Try our Raven Earl Grey Tea today and discover why this lavender-infused blend has become a favorite for tea lovers who appreciate quality, flavor, and a unique twist on a timeless classic.
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