If you're a tea lover, then you've likely heard of English breakfast tea. It's a classic beverage that's often enjoyed in the morning but can be consumed at any time of the day. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes English breakfast tea so special, including its history, ingredients, health benefits, and brewing instructions. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive in!
A Brief History of English Breakfast Tea
English breakfast tea is a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Its history can be traced back to the 19th century when tea became a popular drink in England. It is believed that English breakfast tea was first created by a Scottish tea master named Drysdale, who was looking for a tea blend that would appeal to the English palate.
The original blend was made with black teas from China and India, with Assam tea being the primary ingredient. The robust and malty flavour of Assam tea gave the blend a full-bodied taste that was perfect for breakfast. Over time, the blend evolved to include other types of black tea such as Ceylon and Kenyan teas, which added their own unique characteristics to the blend.
English breakfast tea quickly became a popular beverage in England, and by the early 20th century, it had become a staple of the English breakfast. It was also commonly served in tea rooms and hotels across the country.
Today, English breakfast tea is enjoyed around the world, and many tea companies offer their own unique blends. We, for example, have a delicious loose-leaf English breakfast tea blend that is made with high-quality Assam and Ceylon leaves. Our tea is hand-picked and carefully blended to create a bold and flavourful cup of tea that is perfect for starting the day.
Overall, English breakfast tea has a rich history and continues to be a beloved beverage for many people. Whether enjoyed with a full English breakfast or simply on its own, it is a tea that is sure to delight the taste buds.
Ingredients in English Breakfast Tea
English breakfast tea is a blend of several black teas from different regions, such as India, Sri Lanka, and Africa. The combination of these teas results in a robust and full-bodied flavour profile that is perfect for starting the day.
One of the main ingredients in English breakfast tea is Assam tea, which comes from the Assam region in India. This tea is known for its strong, malty flavour and is often used as a base for breakfast teas. Another common ingredient that can be found in English breakfast tea is Ceylon tea, which comes from Sri Lanka. Ceylon tea has a bright, citrusy flavour that adds a refreshing note to the blend.
English breakfast tea may also contain Kenyan tea, which is known for its bold and robust taste, and African tea, which adds a smooth and mellow flavour to the blend. Additionally, some blends may include Chinese Keemun tea, which has a slightly smoky flavour that complements the other ingredients.
The blending of these different teas creates a balanced flavour profile that is bold and robust, yet also smooth and mellow. The ratio of each ingredient in the blend can vary depending on the specific brand and recipe used, resulting in slightly different flavours and strengths.
Overall, the combination of these different black teas is what gives English breakfast tea its unique and satisfying taste that has made it a beloved beverage around the world.
Health Benefits of English Breakfast Tea
English breakfast tea not only has a rich and robust flavour, but it also offers several health benefits. Here are some of the top health benefits of English breakfast tea:
- Boosts Energy: English Breakfast Tea is a great alternative to coffee for those looking for an energy boost. It contains caffeine, which can help improve alertness and focus.
- Supports Heart Health: The black tea blend used in English Breakfast Tea has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Enhances Digestive Health: The blend of black teas used in English Breakfast Tea has been shown to improve digestion and relieve constipation.
- Aids in Weight Loss: English Breakfast Tea can aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and suppressing appetite.
- Contains Antioxidants: The black tea blend used in English Breakfast Tea contains antioxidants that can help protect the body against free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety: English Breakfast Tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation.
Overall, English breakfast tea offers a delicious and healthy way to start your day. With its energising effects and numerous health benefits, it is no wonder that it has become a popular choice for tea lovers worldwide.
Brewing English Breakfast Tea
To brew English breakfast tea, you'll need some good quality loose leaves and ideally an infusion style teapot. If you’re not sure on the best kind of teapot when it comes to brewing up your Berty’s Brews than have a skim through out post on everything teapot’s.
Add the leaves to the pot and let them steep for around 3-5 minutes. Once the tea has been steeped you can enjoy it plain, with milk and sugar, or with a slice of lemon.
We have a more in depth post on the best brewing methods for loose leaf tea that is worth a read if you want to know more. Best Brewing Methods
Conclusion
English breakfast tea is a beloved classic that's been enjoyed for centuries. Whether you're a seasoned tea drinker or just starting to explore the world of tea, this delicious beverage is definitely worth trying. So, why not brew a pot of English breakfast tea and savour the rich, bold flavours for yourself?