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Country of Origin: Sri Lanka
Region: Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula or Uva districts
Shipping Port: Colombo
Grade: OP (Orange Pekoe)
Altitude: 4800 - 7600 feet above sea level
Manufacture Type: Orthodox
Cup Characteristics: An unbelievable aroma that portends
an unbelievable taste. A correct balance of flavoring that
results in a piquant and refreshing true Earl Grey taste that goes well with pastries and
cakes. The true taste from the natural flavoring oils create an Earl Grey that calls you back
for more.
Infusion: Bright and Coppery.
Ingredients: Premium black tea, Cornflower petals, Natural flavors.
Information: Traditionally Earl Grey was a blend of Chinese and Indian teas scented with
the oil from the citrus bergamot fruit, a sort of orange. The stories of Earl Grey are
numerous. One such tale tells how a British diplomat on a mission to China saved the life
of a Mandarin and as a gift of gratitude was given the recipe for this flavored tea. This
diplomat upon his return to Britain presented the tea to the Prime Minister of the day, Earl
Grey. Another story says it was the Prime Minister himself who saved the Mandarin. In an
event it was the Prime Minister of England (1830-1834) Earl Grey who made this tea
fashionable.
What type of tea do we use, how do we flavor the tea and why do we use natural flavors?
We only use high grown teas from the top 3 tea growing regions of Sri Lanka - Nuwara
Eliya, Dimbula and Uva. These three high-grown districts produce flavorful teas that have
classic Ceylon tea character which is noted by floral bouquet and flavor notes, touches of
mild astringency, bright coppery color and, most importantly - perfect for use as the base
tea of our flavored teas. (We have tested teas from various other origins around the world
as base stock for our flavored teas, but none of these teas made the grade.) Dimbula and
the western estates of Nuwara Eliya have a major quality peak during Jan/Feb, whereas
Uva and the eastern estates of Nuwara Eliya have their peak in July/Aug. This ‘dual peak
period’ allow us to buy the best for our flavored tea blends several times during the year,
ensuring top quality and freshness.
We use flavoring oils not crystals to give the tea drinker an olfactory holiday before
indulging in a liquid tea treat. Thirdly, we specify natural flavors. High quality tea tastes
good and natural flavors do not mask the natural taste of the high grown Ceylon tea. (The
norm for many making flavored tea is to use overpowering artificial flavors which can be
used to hide lower quality tea). Natural flavors do not leave an aftertaste giving the tea a
clean and true character. It should be noted that natural flavors tend to be somewhat soft
and the flavors slightly muted, but for many this is a refreshing change and one of the
desired attributes of our naturally flavored teas.
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1
teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover
and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger
the tea). Even though milk and a dash of sugar help enhance the flavor character on this
tea, it is perfectly acceptable to consume this tea straight-up.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or
heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5
minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher
straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten
to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of
hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water]. Please note that this
tea may tend to go cloudy or "milky" when poured over ice; a perfectly normal
characteristic of some high quality black teas and nothing to worry about!
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About Camille's Tea:
Camille's Tea, based in the San Antonio, Texas area, offers a wide variety of gourmet teas, including flavored teas, traditional teas, green teas,
herbal teas, decaffeinated teas, decaf teas, caffeine free teas, and iced teas, and lavender, Shea butter, Chantal teapots, Lomonosov teapots, tea
infusers, tea accessories, Bearington Bears, tea linens, neck warmers, Herbal Concepts slippers and eye pacs, and Pre de Provence bath and
body products. We also feature multiple tea of the month clubs. Read more >>
Camille's Tea, based in the San Antonio, Texas area, offers a wide variety of gourmet teas, including flavored teas, traditional teas, green teas,
herbal teas, decaffeinated teas, decaf teas, caffeine free teas, and iced teas, and lavender, Shea butter, Chantal teapots, Lomonosov teapots, tea
infusers, tea accessories, Bearington Bears, tea linens, neck warmers, Herbal Concepts slippers and eye pacs, and Pre de Provence bath and
body products. We also feature multiple tea of the month clubs. Read more >>
| To pay by check or money order, email camille@camillestea.com. |
