I'm comparing teas this afternoon. Earl vs. Earl, dukin' it out. Ever since I discovered Lady Grey, I've wanted to go back and rediscover the Earl.
Maybe this isn't a fair comparison. In one corner we have fresh, loose leaf Earl Grey from Jing Tea. On the other, a box of Private Selection Earl Grey tea in bags, newly bought, but of questionable freshness. I'm afraid one is quite the heavy weight, and the other is a sickly toad.
Actually, comparing the two teas in color, the PS is stronger. I steeped them for the same amount of time, and the PS tea is notably darker. But I suspect that has to do with something I read on the Bigelow tea blog, about how some companies use tea dust in their tea bags, which makes the tea "color" more quickly:
Tea dust is the smallest size tea leaf possible; however, the problem with tea dust is that although it provides quick color into the cup, it has no real tea flavor. It also happens to be an inexpensive tea to purchase.
So, the important thing here is the flavor, and there's no contest, none at all. In both smell and taste, the Jing tea is better. The citrus is amazing, very light, but full. And there's a spice I can't identify that jumps out in the tea leaves, but sits back and blends in in the steeped tea. Altogether a wonderful taste, and great afternoon tea.
The PS tea is bitter at this strength. It might be tolerable if I hadn't steeped it as long as the Jing. I did have the same experience with the Lady Grey that I bought... it needed a very short steeping time or it became bitter. I guess now I'll have to find some fresher / loose leaf Lady Grey and run some tests on that as well.
Hmm, ladies in the ring, dukin' it out. With lace gloves? Heh.
I must admit, I've never had either one of the two teas. It's one of the reasons I love visiting here, there's a lot to be learned, and you have a lot here, thanks for educating me.
Posted by: Blooming Tea girl | November 29, 2011 at 07:56 AM
I have never tasted Earl Grey from Jing Tea, as I'm predoninatly a green tea man, but your blog post has me intrigued about the jing!
Posted by: Jane Silver | June 02, 2011 at 03:02 PM
Why we are not surprised with that findings at all? It would be agaist the law of teas if the the in the bag came up trumphs.
Posted by: auto insurance providers | May 01, 2011 at 05:07 AM
Very good i like this one asmuch the others i hope to make it soon im looking foward seing you very soon on any other post like this i cant wait thanks for the info.
Posted by: miami office space | March 23, 2011 at 03:38 PM
I love green tea but I didn't know those kinds of teas so I'll take your recomedation.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: kamagra | November 17, 2010 at 06:34 AM
Tea dust is the smallest size tea leaf possible; however, the problem with tea dust is that although it provides quick color into the cup, it has no real tea flavor. It also happens to be an inexpensive tea to purchase.
You are 100% wrong about this. If the tea itself is of good quality it will have much more flavour weight for weight than larger leaf tea.
Whoever told you this does not know waht they are talking about
Posted by: Ian Bersten | February 13, 2010 at 10:04 PM
Yes, i love tea very much!
Posted by: Lintang | April 16, 2007 at 03:59 AM
Good shot from tea. I choose interesting blog for my new tea website.R. Thanx for look
Posted by: riki | April 01, 2007 at 05:39 AM
Thank you for pointing out the concerns around tea dust! There are some pretty awful tea bags out there. And, some good ones, too!
Posted by: Steph | March 16, 2007 at 01:13 PM
I adore Earl Grey, it is my favorite. But have you tried Cream Earl Grey? I get mine from Metro Tea, it is wonderful and I get lots of compliments on it when I serve it!
Posted by: Risa | March 12, 2007 at 12:42 AM
I have just started drinking Bigelow Green Tea/Earl Grey blend because I don't like green tea on its own.
Must say I like this blend and Earl Grey certainly comes through.
Posted by: Pamela | March 11, 2007 at 01:47 PM
Mmmmmmm, Earl Grey.
When it's fresh it's so good, but when it's tired and 'dusty' it's nigh undrinkable. I think my last EG experience was of the undrinkable type, but maybe it's time to try again.
Forgive my ignorance, but can you tell me more about the Lady Grey blend? I don't think I've ever tried it...
Posted by: Cin | March 02, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Our favorite Earl is White Tip Earl Grey from The Tea Table. It is balanced very nicely and doesn't get bitter when accidentally oversteeped.
Posted by: Kristi | February 27, 2007 at 10:12 AM
A friend of ours from England introduced us to this tea. I could sit and smell the teabag for hours!
He likes to purchase the Bergamot oil and make his own. He's been having some trouble finding a place that sells smaller amounts, any suggestions?
Also I love the Bigelow tea - the flavor and smell is wonderful!
Thanks for sharing. I love your site!
Posted by: Chris | February 26, 2007 at 08:15 PM