50 Shades of Earl Grey

According to the Grey family, the tea was specially blended by a Chinese mandarin for Lord Grey, to suit the water at Howick Hall, the family seat in Northumberland, using bergamot in particular to offset the preponderance of lime in the local water. Lady Grey used it to entertain in London as a political hostess.  Earl Grey was one time Prime Minister of England in the 1800’s, and had a colourful personal history, especially with the ladies. Could he have been the inspiration for Fifty Shades? An overwhelming Bergamot aroma that portends an unbelievable taste. We have been told repeatedly: "This is the best Earl Grey I have ever tasted!" INFORMATION:Traditionally Earl Grey was a blend of Chinese and Indian teas scented with oil from the citrus bergamot fruit - a sort of orange. Stories about the origins of Earl Grey are numerous. One such tale tells how a British diplomat on a mission to China saved the life of a Mandarin. As a gift of gratitude, the diplomat was given the recipe for