Introduction to Pair Earl Grey Tea with Food
It’s no surprise that when married to Earl Grey tea, black tea and bergamot oil make a versatile beverage that partners well with so many foods. The bold flavor profile of florals and citrus is able to complement or contrast anything you serve it with, making your entire dining experience even better. If you’re a host who wants to throw a tea party, or simply want to have a meal with Earl Grey tea that will enhance the tea’s flavors and the food, read more form blog.
In order to understand Earl Grey’s flavor profile, it’s necessary to examine the unique background the cups of tea possess.
Before diving into pairing ideas, it’s essential to understand the flavor characteristics of Earl Grey tea:
Base:
Sweet and robust, with malty or slightly astringent taste.
Bergamot Oil:
An essence, derived from the bergamot orange, with citrusy essence, floral and fruity notes.
The rich and bright flavors in Earl Grey allow for sweet and savory pairings.
Finally, we touch on the general principles of how tea pairs with food when taken together.
When pairing Earl Grey tea with food, consider the following principles:
Complementing Flavors:
For harmony try pairing foods with similar flavor notes. Citrus based desserts boost the bergamot tones of the tea, for example.
Contrasting Flavors:
Balance rich or creamy food with Earl Grey’s bright citrus flavours.
Intensity Matching:
What you match the intensity of the tea with is the food. Bold Earl Grey plays good with bold flavours but will overpower more delicate dishes.
Sweet Pairings
Particularly enjoyable alongside desserts and baked goods, Earl Grey tea is essential for fellow tea drinkers.
Citrus Desserts:
The bergamot notes are highlighted by lemon tarts, orange cakes or key lime pie.
Vanilla-Based Treats:
The tea’s subtle floral undertones pair well with vanilla cupcakes, or custards or panna cotta.
Chocolate:
Earl Grey infused chocolate truffles offer a rich contrast to the bright citrus notes of the tea.
Scones and Jam:
Tea-time scones, classic with their cream and fruit preserve, also make a perfect match with the textures of the tea balancing the tannins.
Shortbread:
Shortbread cookies are very buttery and crumbly and the flavor of the tea really do well with that.
Savory Pairings
Earl Grey tea is equally as complex, and works as well with savory foods, especially those with rich or arobatic flavors.
Cheeses
: Brie or camembert add creaminess, while cheddar as sharp as you can get will contrast the tea’s boldness.
Smoked Salmon:
Earl Grey meshes perfectly with the smoky and ever so slightly oily flavor of salmon.
Citrus-Glazed Poultry:
The tea’s bergamot notes transcribe themselves into burgundy red roast chicken or duck with an orange or lemon glaze.
Herbed Dishes
The floral hints present in Earl Grey go well with foods seasoned with thyme, rosemary or lavender.
Vegetarian Options:
Quiche or mushroom tart is a savory richness that works in the tannic profile of the tea.
Breakfast Pairings
Breakfast favourites call for Earl Grey tea.
Butter Croissants:
The tea itself is robust and citrusy, yet the flaky, buttery layers of the tea paste complement it.
Pancakes with Syrup:
The tea leaves a very slight bitterness and the sweetness of the maple syrup tastes wonderful next to it.
Egg Dishes:
A tea with great base is balanced by the herb or cheese omelets.
Fresh Fruit:
The fruitiness of the tea is enhanced by citrus fruits, berries or stone fruits.
Below, you can find some creative ways to use Earl Grey tea that everyone will enjoy.
In addition to serving Earl Grey as a beverage, it can also be infused directly into recipes:
Infused Syrups:
Earl Grey tea brew strong and mix it with sugar, this is a syrup for drizzling over desserts.
Baking Ingredient:
Subtle bergamot flavor can be added to cake batters, frostings, cookies and even incorporated into brewed tea or tea leaves.
Savory Marinades:
Make Earl Grey tea the base for marinades on chicken or fish, to bring a little depth to your dish.
Beverage Pairings
For multi-course meals, Earl Grey tea can be paired alongside or alternated with other beverages:
Iced Earl Grey Tea:
Good with light meals or spicy meals.
Earl Grey Latte (London Fog):
It pairs beautifully with sweet and cream filled desserts.
Tips for a Successful Pairing
Experiment:
Playing around with different meat and what you pair it with is great don’t just stick with what you know.
Mind the Temperature:
Earl Grey should be served hot, within the temperature range of 130–160°F for sipping, as it will make its flavours stand up without becoming too bitter.
Choose Quality Tea:
The best flavor and pairing results will come from high quality Earl Grey with natural bergamot oil.
Conclusion
There’s an art to pairing Earl Grey tea with food; a slight morsel can enhance both. A unique black and bergamot oil blend makes it suitable in a huge range of dishes, from desserts with citrus influences to savory dishes with herb infusions. Earl Grey tea has a flavor profile that you can learn to appreciate (and enhance!) by pairing it with other foods that complement or contrast its flavors. No matter the occasion, these pairing ideas are perfect for your taste buds whether you’re hosting a tea party at home or simply looking to relish in the quiet.
