As a tea enthusiast, you probably already know that England has a rich history and culture surrounding this beloved beverage. With so many varieties, finding the best English teas and brands to add to your collection can be overwhelming. Look no further – we’ve got you covered!
To help you on your quest for the perfect brew, we’ve carefully curated a list of the top English teas that deserve a spot in your kitchen cabinet. These selections represent the finest blends and brands, reflecting the heritage and quality that has made English tea a global favorite.
So grab your teapot and favorite tea cup, and let’s begin your journey into the aromatic and delightful world of English teas!
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English Teas: Varieties & Blends
We are diving right into the article’s topic. Please notice that when discussing “English teas,” we refer to popular tea varieties in England. We are not referring to the tea leaves’ origin.
Black Tea
Black tea is the most popular tea in England. Because of this, you’ll find various types of black tea in the English tea market, each with its distinctive taste. Some popular varieties include:
- Assam: Known for its malty flavor and strong aroma, Assam tea comes from the northeastern region of India.
- Ceylon: Ceylon tea, originating from Sri Lanka, has a fruity, citrus-like flavor.
- Darjeeling: Often referred to as the champagne of teas, Darjeeling tea is characterized by its light, floral taste.
- Keemun: Hailing from China, Keemun tea has a robust, slightly smoky flavor.
- Kenyan: This black tea is renowned for its bold and robust flavor, with a distinct malty richness and a brisk, bright character
Tea brands may offer products containing leaves from the regions described above. However, the most notable offerings in the English markets are blends made from tea leaves from different regions. Manufacturers blend to obtain flavor profiles appealing to the public. Some of these blends are scented or flavored.
Here are the most popular black tea blends:
English Breakfast Tea: This is perhaps the most iconic of all English tea blends. It’s a strong and full-bodied black tea often enjoyed with milk and sugar, making it an ideal choice for breakfast.
Earl Grey: Earl Grey is a flavored black tea infused with the essence of bergamot orange, giving it a distinctive citrusy aroma and flavor. It’s a classic afternoon tea choice and can be enjoyed with or without milk.
Afternoon Tea Blends: Various blends designed for afternoon tea are popular. These often include a mix of black teas like Darjeeling and Ceylon, creating a lighter and more delicate brew to pair with sandwiches and pastries.
Irish Breakfast Tea: While more popular in Ireland, this strong black tea blend is also consumed in England. It’s similar to English Breakfast tea but often contains Assam teas for an even more robust brew.
Scottish Breakfast Tea: This blend is similar to English Breakfast tea but is known for its slightly stronger flavor and is enjoyed with or without milk, depending on personal preference.
Masala Chai: Masala chai is a fragrant and comforting Indian tea blend that combines black tea leaves with a medley of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper.
Russian Caravan: This smoky black tea blend was historically transported from China to Russia via camel caravans. The smokiness comes from a Fujian (China) tea called Lapsang Souchong. While not as common as other blends, some English tea enthusiasts appreciate its unique smoky notes.
Decaffeinated Black Tea: Decaffeinated versions of popular black tea blends are available for those who want to enjoy the flavor of traditional English teas without caffeine.
Some blends are known by their brand name (this means a company owns the name). These include the following:
Yorkshire Tea: This is a blend of various black teas, including Assam and African teas. This blend is crafted to create a full-bodied and bold flavor profile. Taylors of Harrogate manufacture it.
Lady Grey: Lady Grey tea is a variation of Earl Grey tea, a flavored black tea infused with the essence of bergamot orange. Lady Grey tea is named after the wife of Charles, the 2nd Earl Grey, and is said to have been created as a milder and lighter version of the traditional Earl Grey. Twinnings sell this blend.
Prince of Wales: This black tea blend is believed to have been created in honor of Edward, the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII. This tea blend is known for its smooth and mild flavor profile, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts who prefer a gentler and less astringent black tea. Twinnings sell this blend.
Of course, there are hundreds of black tea blends to choose from. The ones mentioned above should help you to widen your tea horizons.
Green Tea
Green tea consumption in England has grown over the years, and a variety of green teas are available to tea enthusiasts. While it may not be as prominent as black tea, green tea has found its place in the British tea culture. Some popular green teas consumed in England include
Sencha: Sencha is one of the world’s most widely consumed green teas, including in England. It’s known for its bright green color and grassy, slightly astringent flavor. Sencha is typically enjoyed without milk and is served plain or with a slice of lemon.
Gunpowder Green Tea: Gunpowder green tea is a Chinese tea known for its tightly rolled, pellet-like leaves. It has a slightly smoky and vegetal flavor and is often enjoyed as a refreshing hot or iced tea.
Jasmine Green Tea: Jasmine green tea is a scented green tea with delicate floral notes imparted by the jasmine blossoms during the tea’s processing. It’s a fragrant and soothing tea enjoyed plain or with a touch of honey.
Matcha: Matcha is a powdered green tea that has gained popularity in England as part of the global interest in Japanese tea culture. It’s known for its vibrant green color and rich, umami flavor. Matcha is often used in various recipes, including lattes and desserts.
Genmaicha: Genmaicha, also known as “popcorn tea,” is a Japanese green tea blended with roasted brown rice. It has a nutty and slightly toasty flavor, making it a unique and appealing option for green tea enthusiasts.
Dragonwell (Longjing): Dragonwell is a famous Chinese green tea known for its flat, sword-shaped leaves and a subtly sweet, chestnut-like flavor. It’s often appreciated for its smooth and mellow taste.
Moroccan Mint: While not a pure green tea, Moroccan Mint is a popular blend in England, combining green tea with fresh mint leaves and sugar. It’s a refreshing and aromatic choice, often enjoyed as a hot or iced tea.
Flavored Green Teas: Various flavored green teas, such as green tea with lemon or ginger, are available in England to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Herbal Teas
In England, herbal teas have gained popularity alongside traditional black teas. There is a variety of herbal teas enjoyed by tea enthusiasts in the country. Some herbal teas consumed in England include
Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea is a classic herbal choice known for its refreshing and minty flavor. It is often consumed to aid digestion or enjoyed for its soothing qualities.
Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea is a gentle and calming herbal infusion made from dried chamomile flowers. It is known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and is often enjoyed before bedtime for its potential relaxation benefits.
Ginger Tea: Ginger tea is appreciated for its spicy and warming flavor. It is commonly consumed for its potential digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemon and Ginger Tea: A combination of ginger and lemon is popular in England. It combines the zesty citrus notes of lemon with the spiciness of ginger, creating a flavorful and invigorating brew.
Fruit Infusions: Various fruit-infused herbal teas are available, such as apple and cinnamon, berry blends, and tropical fruit medleys. These teas offer a fruity and naturally sweet taste without the need for added sugar.
Rooibos Tea: Rooibos, or red bush tea, is an herbal tea from South Africa that has gained popularity in England. It has a naturally sweet and nutty flavor and is caffeine-free.
Top English Tea Brands
Twinings
Twinings is one of the most well-known British tea brands, founded in 1706. They offer a wide variety of teas, but their English Breakfast Tea is especially popular. This robust and full-bodied tea is perfect to start your day. Twinings also provide flavored selections, such as Earl Grey and Lady Grey, perfect for afternoon tea.
Taylors of Harrogate
Founded in the beautiful town of Harrogate, Taylors of Harrogate is another beloved tea producer. One of their finest offerings is the smooth and malty Yorkshire Gold. As a blend of high-quality Assam, African, and Ceylon teas, Yorkshire Gold is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a strong and satisfying cuppa. Their Yorkshire Tea is another favorite, known for its rich taste and bright color.
PG Tips
PG Tips is a famous and widely loved British tea brand. Their pyramid-shaped tea bags provide better infusion, ensuring a flavorful cup. You can expect a well-rounded, robust, refreshing taste from every sip of PG Tips. It’s the perfect tea to enjoy with breakfast or share with friends during a casual catch-up.
Harney & Sons
While not originally a British brand, Harney & Sons has firmly secured its place among the best English teas. Their Classic Collection offers outstanding blends that mirror traditional favorites like English Breakfast and Earl Grey. You’ll appreciate the delicate balance of flavors and the high-quality leaves used in their teas.
So, grab your favorite teacup, choose from one of these esteemed English tea brands, and treat yourself to a delightful tea-time experience.
Preparing the Perfect Cup of Tea
Brewing a perfect cup of tea involves a few key steps to ensure a robust and flavorful result.
Notice that in this section, we are including instructions on how to prepare English breakfast tea. Green and herbal teas have different steeping times. Refer to package instructions to ensure the appropriate preparation.
Ingredients
- Freshly boiled water
- English Breakfast tea leaves or tea bags
- Milk (optional)
- Sugar or honey (optional)
Equipment
- A teapot or teacup
- A tea infuser or tea bags
- A kettle
Instructions
- Boil Water: Start by boiling fresh, cold water. The water quality you use can significantly impact the taste of your tea. Use filtered or bottled water if tap water has a strong taste or odor.
- Preheat the Teapot or Teacup: Pour a small amount of the freshly boiled water into your teapot or teacup. Swirl it around to warm the vessel, then discard the water. This step helps maintain the temperature of the tea while steeping.
- Measure the Tea: The typical ratio for English Breakfast tea is one teaspoon of loose tea leaves or one tea bag per 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences and the size of your teapot or cup.
- Add the Tea: Place the English Breakfast tea leaves or tea bag into the teapot or teacup.
- Pour Hot Water: Pour the freshly boiled water over the tea leaves or tea bag. The water temperature should be around 200-212°F (93-100°C), just off the boil. Make sure the tea leaves or tea bags are fully submerged.
- Steeping Time: Allow the tea to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. The steeping time can be adjusted to your taste; a shorter one will produce a milder tea, while a longer one will yield a stronger brew. Do not over-steep, as it can lead to bitterness.
- Remove Tea Leaves or Tea Bag: Remove the tea leaves or tea bag once the desired steeping time has passed. If using loose tea leaves, use a tea infuser or strain the tea as you pour it into the cup.
- Optional Additions: If you prefer your English Breakfast tea with milk, you can add a small amount to taste. Some people also like to sweeten their tea with sugar or honey, although this is optional.
- Enjoy: Slowly sip your freshly brewed English Breakfast tea and savor the rich and robust flavor. It’s a versatile tea that can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite accompaniments.
Remember that personal preferences may vary, so adjust the tea-to-water ratio, steeping time, and any additions to suit your taste. Brewing tea is a delightful and customizable experience, and with a little practice, you’ll find the perfect cup of English Breakfast tea that suits your palate.
Serving Suggestions
When enjoying the best English teas, a few friendly serving suggestions can elevate your experience. In this section, you’ll find some delightful ideas to accompany your tea time.
First and foremost, afternoon teas are incomplete without an assortment of finger sandwiches. These bite-sized morsels not only look tempting but complement the flavors of your tea. Feel free to experiment with fillings like cucumber, smoked salmon, egg, and cress, but always remember to cut off the crusts.
Next come the scones, a quintessential part of any English tea service. Freshly baked, warm, and slightly crumbly, scones are best served with clotted cream and strawberry or raspberry jam. To enhance their appeal, you can add a sprinkling of juicy raisins or dried fruit to the scone dough before baking.
Let’s not forget the sweet treats that often accompany English teas. Delectable and indulgent pastries, such as éclairs, macarons, and Victoria sponge cake, bring a touch of elegance to your tea table.
Finally, while your choice of teapot and teacups may seem trivial, selecting fine china or porcelain can add a touch of sophistication to your tea experience. Plus, it’s always best to warm your teapot before pouring the tea to ensure it remains at the ideal temperature for sipping.
Tea Certifications and Sustainability
As you explore the world of English teas, you may come across various certifications and sustainability initiatives. They help ensure the quality and environmental impact of the teas you enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
Organic tea is a label you might come across frequently. These teas are grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. They promote a healthy ecosystem and preserve the environment.
The Rainforest Alliance Certified seal is another mark of sustainability. It reflects that the tea producers have met rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards. By choosing Rainforest Alliance Certified teas, you support conservation efforts, worker rights, and sustainable livelihoods.
Fair Trade certification focuses on empowering farmers and workers in developing countries. It ensures fair prices, environmental sustainability, and decent working conditions.
When looking for the best English teas, watch for these certifications. They not only indicate the quality of your tea but also contribute to protecting the planet and supporting the well-being of tea producers.
Best English Tea Recommendations
If you want to buy some of the teas recommended in this article, here are our top recommendations:
Twinings English Breakfast Black Tea
Twinings Tea Bags & By The Cup Honey Sticks Variety 40 Ct
Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Gold
PG Tips Gold Best Tasting Blend
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top luxury tea brands in the UK?
Some of the top luxury tea brands in the UK include Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, and Twinings. These brands offer a variety of high-quality tea blends and are well-known for their rich flavors and exquisite packaging.
Which brand has the best English Breakfast tea?
It can be subjective as everyone’s taste preferences differ. However, some notable brands known for their English Breakfast tea include Twinings, Taylors of Harrogate, and Fortnum & Mason. Give them a try to find your personal favorite.
Which is the finest black tea available?
The finest black tea can vary depending on your preferences. Darjeeling tea, the “Champagne of Teas,” is highly regarded for its delicate flavor. Assam tea, on the other hand, offers a robust, full-bodied taste. Try both to discover which suits your palate best.
What are the highest quality loose-leaf English Breakfast teas?
Some of the highest quality loose-leaf English Breakfast teas include Fortnum & Mason’s Royal Blend, Harrods’ English Breakfast No. 14, and Twinings’ Loose Leaf English Breakfast Tea. These blends offer a rich flavor and can be enjoyed alone or with a splash of milk.
Which supermarket offers the best English breakfast tea?
Many British supermarkets offer their brand of English Breakfast tea, and the quality can vary. Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose all have their range of English Breakfast tea, but it’s worth trying a few to determine which one you prefer.
What are some popular everyday tea brands?
For everyday tea, popular brands include PG Tips, Tetley, and Yorkshire Tea. These brands offer a strong, satisfying cup of tea at an affordable price and can be found in most UK supermarkets.
Fascinating, right? I hope you have enjoyed the article.
Tell me, what is your favorite English tea?
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