Earl Grey Matcha Black Tea - Loose Leaf

We all know about Earl Grey right? But what do we really know about bergamot, the small, pear-shaped citrus used to scent this incredibly popular tea? While formulating our Earl Grey black Matcha, inquisitive minds led us to trace the origins of this mysterious fruit.

According to our research, the first grove of Bergamot was planted in the Reggio Calabria region of Italy sometime around 1750. Oral history in the region maintains these trees may have been planted from cuttings sourced in the Canary Islands by Christopher Columbus. Tracking back even further, Canary Island legend maintains the fruit was brought there from China, perhaps even a century beforehand. (Of course, there is no way to substantiate these claims.)

While some tea companies may substitute true Bergamot extract with chemical based alternatives, our luxury standards require the real thing. As such, to create this fabulous Earl Grey Matcha, we infuse 100% natural Bergamot extract into our own blend of high grown Ceylon black teas and run the works through our Japanese style Matcha mill. The result is a thick frothy cup that delivers the best bergamot has to offer. If you like bergamot like we do, prepare for everlasting love.

Brewing Matcha: One common misconception people have of Matcha is that is must be brewed according to the strict guidelines of the Chanoyu ceremony. In reality, Matcha can be brewed many different ways. We will detail a couple of our favorites here, as well as the ceremonial method. Please keep in mind that Matcha is best brewed using water that has boiled and then let sit for a few moments until it has cooled to roughly about 2-3 minutes. This allows for immediate consumption after brewing when the tea is at its peak flavor. As well, it is a good idea to sift Matcha through a tea strainer so that it will not form lumps when hot water is added.

Ingredients: Black tea, Natural flavors (Organic Compliant)

Hot tea brewing method: Bring filtered or freshly drawn water to a rolling boil and let cool to roughly 180°F/°C. Place approximately of a teaspoon of Matcha in your cup. Infuse with 8 ounces/250 milliliter of water, whisk briskly and enjoy.

Ceremonial Matcha: Please note that in order to brew Ceremonial Matcha you will need a set of Japanese tea ceremony tools. (Bowls, scoops, and a whisk).

• Prepare tea bowls by warming them with boiled water
• Prepare your Matcha whisk by soaking the tip in the boiled water in one of the bowls for about 10 seconds
• Pour the water out and dry the bowl with a paper towel
• Using your teaspoon, add 2 scoops of Matcha to each bowl
• Pour ⅓ of a cup of your hot water into each bowl
• In a slow "m" motion, submerge any loose bits of Matcha that may be floating on the surface of the tea
• Whisk the tea more briskly in a back and forth motion until the surface of the Matcha becomes frothy
• Consume immediately. (In Japan, it is customary to drink the entire bowl in 3 quick slurps)

Hot matcha latte brewing methods - fast method: Use ½ teaspoon (1 gram) per 8 ounce (225 milliliter) serving. Add ½ teaspoon (1 gram) to base of cup and add 2 ounces of hot water & mix vigorously to make a smooth paste-like liquid. Top with freshly steamed milk (or substitute) and sweeten to taste. (Try maple syrup or honey)

Iced matcha latte brewing methods: Use ½ teaspoon (1 gram) per 8 ounce (225 millliliter) serving. Add ½ teaspoon (1 gram) to base of cup and add 2 ounces of hot water and mix vigorously to make a smooth paste-like liquid. Top with freshly steamed milk (or substitute) and sweeten to taste. Cool for 30-60 minutes and pour over ice.

Slow brewed Iced Matcha: Place 3 level teaspoons of Matcha into a glass pitcher. Fill pitcher with ice and let sit. After a few hours, ice will have melted and tea brewed. Stir vigorously to ensure the Matcha goes into suspension. Pour over ice and enjoy.

Matcha Ginger Tea with crushed ice and lime: (Ingredients: 2 level teaspoons of Matcha, 2 tablespoons of chopped ginger, ½ cup ice, juice of ½ lime, dash of honey)

• Blend ice, Matcha and ginger in a blender until ice is crushed
• Pour into a chilled glass
• Add lime juice and honey to taste

Available in 2 sizes (Please select from the options above):

• First time trying this Matcha Loose Leaf Tea? Try our Sample Size of 1 ounce.

• Contents loose leaf tea net weight 2 ounces

Caffeine content: Medium - This tea contains natural caffeine found in the L. Camellia Sinensis family. A cup of green tea steeped in boiled water for 5 minutes will contain between 22 to 29 milligrams of caffeine. An equal sized cup of coffee will contain between 80 - 100 milligrams of caffeine. Caffeine quickly becomes soluble in very hot water. If you wish to reduce the caffeine level in this tea, briefly rinsing the tea leaves in extremely hot water will reduce the caffeine content between 25-50% with only a minor effect on taste.

Antioxidant Content: High - When consuming matcha you actually consume all the tea leaves. Scientific testing in Japan has indicated that on account of this fact the antioxidant benefit of matcha can be up to 5-9 greater then with normal green tea consumed in the conventional manner.