Earl Grey - black tea

STORY: Traditionally Earl Grey was a blend of Chinese and Indian teas scented with oil from the citrus bergamot fruit - a sort of orange. Stories about the origins of Earl Grey are numerous. One such tale tells how a British diplomat on a mission to China saved the life of a Mandarin. As a gift of gratitude, the diplomat was given the recipe for this flavoured tea. Upon his return to Britain, the diplomat presented the tea to the Prime Minister of the day, Earl Grey. Another story says it was the Prime Minister himself who saved the Mandarin. In any event it was the Prime Minister of England (1830-1834) Earl Grey who made this tea fashionable.