Talk:Earl Grey tea
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We're being told here that Charles, Lord Grey was hanging out with his friend, a Chinese mandarin, who gave him the recipe for a black fermented Indian tea flavored with bergamot? is that what we're reading here? ;) I'll bet there's quite a sensible explanation for Lord Grey's connection with this particular blend. Who marketed "Earl Grey" tea blend first, for a starter?Wetman 08:01, 26 Feb 2004 (UTC)
Actually, the packet of Twinings Earl Grey that I have, as well as the Twinings website, indicates that it is a blend of China tea, scented with bergamot. No mention of Ceylonese, Indian or any other type of tea, and certainly not Lapsang Souchong. I agree that the story about the mandarin is probably a tall tale, but it is quite possible that somebody made a gift of this China tea to Earl Grey and when it ran out, he asked Twinings to recreate it for him.--Patevans99 17:39, 1 May 2006 (UTC)Pat Evans
It's disgusting stuff. Like drinking perfume. Unfortunately unless you specifically say that you don't want it, US restaurateurs will often serve it to you when you request "hot tea". At least that's been my experience, so be warned. -- Derek Ross
Well there is a strong view indeed Derek! I have found that, often, in the US they serve a nasty individual bag of tea by Lipton which is impossible to identify as any specific variety. You'll certainly encounter this if you fly by Continental or visit a diner in around New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania. What I'd really like to know is, was Earl Grey traditionally (originally?) served with either milk or lemon? - Kalgari 21:43, 6 Sep 2006
There seems to be a conflict: is Earl Grey flavored with bergamot orange or bergamot herb? Each article claims its subject is the flavoring. BTW, I'd be thrilled if restaurants in the US did default to Earl Grey, since I like it, and in my experience they usually just give you a nasty old bag of Lipton. If it's a decent restaurant, they'll bring the case to you to choose from. -Cmprince 21:43, 4 Feb 2005 (UTC)
- Earl Grey is flavored with the bergamot orange; specifically, an oil extracted from the peel. [1] [2] [3]
- I've never heard of any restaurant serving Earl Grey as default. Enough people dislike it that this would be surprising. Personally, I think Earl Grey's great... but I didn't start really liking it till about age 20. EventHorizon talk 21:57, 4 Feb 2005 (UTC)
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- Earl Grey Tea should be great. It was a type of trademark favorite of Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation since he gets some from the replicators in almost every episode. That alone should be enough for a trekkie to try some before they buy some. --Seishirou Sakurazuka 22:24, 25 June 2006 (UTC)
Mr. Bond, James Bond drank coffee and had harsh words for tea as I remember from the novels.
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[edit] Advertising?
Maybe the pictures of the bag and package of tea should be removed because they are an advertising. --Magmait 13:19, 20 June 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Allergy
A comment about some people being allergic to bergamot perhaps? (Not that Wikipedia should be a medical reference, but it might be useful).
[edit] Lady Grey
I think the reason for the name of Lady Grey may be wrong. Some time ago (over five years) I heard a radio interview with somebody from Twinings, at the time that Lady Grey was introduced. It was not in any way for women, any more than men. It was just that is like Earl Grey, but milder. Because of this, I have put a "verify source" tag on the comment about the feminine impluses.
[edit] Toxic?
I heard if you drink too much Earl Grey, you get poisoning and have to be treated. A man in HK had this happened to him years ago (too bad I can't pull the article out). Can anyone verify if Earl Grey, when consumed in large quantities, are toxic? Arbiteroftruth 04:21, 8 December 2006 (UTC)
I believe this may be the story you were referring to: http://www.everybody.co.nz/page-c2054051-664b-4873-96ea-5b0c289539fc.aspx . Seems to indicate that it is the bergamot oil/essence which (in large enough quantities) may be the culprit. Before I read that, I figured it might have been caffeine poisoning, but even 4 litres of black tea shouldn't be enough to cause that. --HoosTrax 04:15, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
Should we list that on the page? It is a serious health issue, afterall. Arbiteroftruth 22:50, 9 December 2006 (UTC)
