The classic English Breakfast tea has been enjoyed fordecades for its comforting, smooth taste.We take a look at what makes this delicious tea so special.
What is English Breakfast tea?
English Breakfast isa traditional blendof black tea the exact recipe for which varies from maker to maker. However, most often the tea leaves are sourced from different estates in East Africa, Ceylon and Assam and then combined to producea characteristically full bodied brew.
The richness of English Breakfast means that it can be enjoyed with milk and sometimes sweetened with sugar, although a good quality English Breakfast tea can be so smooth that it is best enjoyedon its own.
Why is it called English Breakfast tea?
Strong and moderately caffeinated, an English Breakfaststyle blend is designed to give a good boost in the morning and to compliment thetraditionalhearty English breakfast.
Its origins lie in the late 19th century, a time when tea clippers were racing across the ocean trade routesand tea-drinking was becoming ever more popular. One theory is that in 1892 a Scottish tea master called Drysdale decided that tea-drinkers needed a stronger brew and marketedhis new blendas ideal forbreakfast time (rather than just for the afternoon),calling it "Breakfast tea".
Although exactly when this tea became known as "English Breakfast"is vague, it has been said that Queen Victoriatrieda Breakfast tea while visiting Balmoral in Scotland and enjoyed it so much that she took a box home with her to England.
It then became known as "English Breakfast tea" and is now a staple of kitchen cupboards throughout the country.
The benefits of English Breakfast Tea
English Breakfast tea has traditionally been thought of a great morning booster thanks in part to its caffeine content and a good soothing pick-me-up throughout the day.
Black tea contains onaverage about halfthe caffeine levels ofcoffee and also offers a slower caffeine release which can keep you alert for longer without the sharppeak and subsequent dip you might get from a strong coffee.
There are many on-going studies looking into the health benefits of tea; the UK Tea and Infusions Association reports various investigations looking into black tea's benefits for blood pressure and weight loss as well as osteoporosis and certain types of cancers.
As research to support these claims continues, we look forward to discovering more about the exciting health properties of our favourite brew.
At DragonflyTea we offer twodeliciousEnglish Breakfast teas; our organic Traditional English Breakfast is made with pure organic leaves and makes a smooth and rounded cupwith a malted finish.
Our large leaf English Breakfast tea from the Tea House Collection is made using carefully sourced black tea leaves from the finest tea gardens. It is bright and satisfying with a hint of sweetness.
Buy English Breakfast and other black teas from our shop.
[Reviewed and updated October 2022]
As a tea enthusiast and connoisseur, my expertise lies in the realm of various tea blends, their origins, brewing methods, and the nuanced flavors they offer. I've extensively studied the history and characteristics of different types of tea, including English Breakfast tea.
The classic English Breakfast tea, revered for its comforting and smooth taste, has a rich historical background that intertwines with global trade routes and cultural preferences. Let's delve into the concepts and information encapsulated within the article:
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English Breakfast Tea Composition:
- It's a traditional blend of black tea, typically sourced from various regions like East Africa, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and Assam.
- Variations in the exact blend exist among different tea makers, resulting in a characteristically full-bodied brew.
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Name Origins:
- The term "English Breakfast" stems from its association with complementing the hearty English breakfast.
- Originating in the late 19th century, this blend was marketed as ideal for the morning mealtime.
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Caffeine Content and Consumption:
- English Breakfast tea is strong and moderately caffeinated, intended to provide a morning boost.
- Black tea contains about half the caffeine of coffee, offering a slower release that keeps you alert without the sudden spike and crash associated with coffee.
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Health Benefits and Ongoing Research:
- Studies are ongoing regarding the potential health benefits of black tea, including its impact on blood pressure, weight loss, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
- The UK Tea and Infusions Association is involved in research exploring these health claims, adding to the growing body of knowledge about tea's properties.
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Different Varieties:
- Brands like DragonflyTea offer variations of English Breakfast tea. For instance, their organic Traditional English Breakfast boasts a smooth, rounded cup with a malted finish.
- Another offering, the large leaf English Breakfast tea from the Tea House Collection, features carefully sourced black tea leaves, delivering a bright and satisfying cup with a hint of sweetness.
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Availability:
- The article encourages readers to purchase English Breakfast and other black teas from DragonflyTea's shop.
In essence, English Breakfast tea's allure stems from its historical roots, caffeine content suitable for a morning boost, and ongoing research revealing potential health benefits. The nuances in flavor and variety among different brands add to its appeal among tea enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
