Earl Grey Tea: History, Benefits, and Why Bergamot Makes It Special

The Surprising Origin of Earl Grey

Earl Grey is the most famous flavoured tea in the world, yet its true origin remains disputed. Named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey and British Prime Minister (1830-1834), the blend combines black tea with bergamot oil — a citrus fruit grown almost exclusively in Calabria, Italy.

Our Plutus: God of Abundance reimagines the classic Earl Grey with mango and vanilla, creating a luxurious twist on the traditional formula while maintaining the signature bergamot character.

Bergamot: The Secret Ingredient

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is what makes Earl Grey, Earl Grey. This small, bitter orange produces an essential oil with remarkable properties:

Mood Enhancement

Bergamot oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate — compounds shown in a 2017 systematic review to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Inhaling bergamot aroma for just 15 minutes was found to reduce cortisol levels in study participants.

Cholesterol Management

A 2019 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that bergamot polyphenols significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL in patients with metabolic syndrome. The effect was comparable to some statin medications.

Digestive Support

In Italian folk medicine, bergamot has been used for centuries to ease digestive discomfort. Modern research attributes this to its anti-inflammatory flavonoids.

How to Brew the Perfect Earl Grey

• Water temperature: 96°C (just off the boil)
• Steep time: 3-5 minutes. Under 3 minutes = weak bergamot. Over 5 = bitter tannins.
• Milk: Optional. Purists say no; the British working class says yes. Both are valid.
• Best time: Afternoon. The caffeine is moderate (~40mg per cup), and the bergamot provides a gentle lift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Earl Grey have caffeine?

Yes — Earl Grey is made from black tea, which contains approximately 40-70mg of caffeine per cup (compared to 95mg in coffee). For a caffeine-free alternative, try our rooibos-based Morpheus or Ares blends.

What makes Plutus Earl Grey different from regular Earl Grey?

Our Plutus blend adds mango and vanilla to the traditional bergamot-and-black-tea base, creating a richer, more complex flavour. It's formulated by a pharmacist to balance taste with genuine health benefits.