Flavored tea variations are endless, a mix of different ingredients blended to produce a unique flavor. It was one of these variations, a mix of African and Asian teas, that led to what’s now known as an English breakfast tea.
But with all of these, not very English teas producing it, why is it called English breakfast tea?
English breakfast tea’s story.
With more than a hundred years of history, English breakfast tea’s story is an old one. Like all old stories, it’s shrouded in uncertainty and legend.
The most accepted version attributes this blend to Robert Drysdale. A Scottish tea master from the late 18th century that wanted people to be more active in the morning. Robert’s blend, mixed with a hearty English breakfast, was a potent combination.
This combination (sort of) was enjoyed by Queen Victoria during her stay at Balmoral Castle. It’s to her that the popularization of the English breakfast tea is attributed to. Upon her return from Scotland, she brought a supply back to London. Soon after the English breakfast tea became a staple in UK’s cuisine.
However, this was not the first time a blend of tea was named like that. A couple of decades before Robert’s brilliant idea came to life, an English immigrant in New York had a similar idea.
His name was Richard Davies an English immigrant in New York. He created a blend of Asian teas and branded them English breakfast tea. This blend quickly became popular in the big apple but was unheard of in the country it referred to.
Ultimately it was Robert’s blend the one that’d become popular around the world.
Robert’s blend
To make a strong flavored tea Robert made use of the imports coming to Britain from the furthest places within the empire.
Assam (India), Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Kenyan (Kenya), and Keemun (China) are the most common teas used in this blend.
Together they produce a strong, malty tea with a strong but pleasant aroma. Often taken with milk and sugar, this beverage is enjoyed throughout the world. It’s also very good for your health.
After the first sip, alertness and well-being are immediately experienced. Vitamin E, Potassium, Caffeine, and other nutrients are quickly absorbed by the body, producing a vast array of benefits.
The end
So, there it is, the reason why a flavored tea mix is called English breakfast tea. The produce of tea blending experimentation, and a staple in British cuisine famous around the world.