What is English Breakfast Tea?

English breakfast tea is a bold, black tea that’s stronger than green tea. Its rich flavor can be slightly sweet, bitter, or malty, depending on the blend. This tea pairs beautifully with milk and sugar, creating a comforting, aromatic experience that can linger long after your cup is empty.

What's in a Cup of English Breakfast Tea?

English breakfast tea is brimming with natural goodness. It contains potassium, an essential electrolyte that boosts energy and improves hydration. Potassium may also help lower blood pressure. The tea leaves are rich in manganese, which supports bone health and, along with  vitamin E, helps regulate metabolism and control blood sugar levels.

This delightful tea also includes theanine, an amino acid known for promoting relaxation and well-being. Each cup typically contains 35 to 50 milligrams of caffeine.  Studies show that Theanine works synergistically with caffeine to keep you calm, focused, and alert. Additionally, black tea is rich in catechins, powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can slow aging and enhance your energy and metabolism.

Preparing English Breakfast Tea

Making the perfect cup of English breakfast tea is simple:

1. Boil fresh water
2. Steep the tea for three to five minutes.
3. Add milk and sugar to taste.

History of English Breakfast Tea 

English breakfast tea isn’t defined by a single recipe; it’s about the experience—a bold, brisk black tea to start your day. Its robust flavour pairs perfectly with milk and sugar. The tradition of blended breakfast tea began in 17th and 18th century England, where tea traders introduced various teas from China. Over time, tea sellers created unique house blends to stand out.

In the mid-1800s, British colonisation expanded tea cultivation to India, Sri Lanka, and later Kenya, introducing new varieties to blends. The term “English Breakfast” was first coined by an American tea company in 1843. By 1892, Scottish tea seller Robert Drysdale popularised a blend called English Breakfast.

Types of Breakfast Teas

Traditionally, English breakfast tea blends Chinese black tea like Keemun with Ceylon from Sri Lanka and Assam for a stronger bite. Irish Breakfast tea has more Assam leaves, making it darker and more astringent. Scottish Breakfast tea is even stronger, with a woodsy, smoky flavor, offering a bold start to your day.

Blending Your Own Breakfast Tea

Today, some companies offer single-origin teas that make excellent breakfast teas. For example, Assam, Ceylon Orange Pekoe, and Mao Feng are high-quality teas with their own unique characters. If you want to try blending your own English breakfast tea, go ahead! Your blend could be the next big thing!

Conclusion

English breakfast tea is a flavorful, robust black tea that provides a wonderful start to your day. With its rich history and numerous health benefits, it’s a fantastic choice for tea lovers. Whether you enjoy it with milk and sugar or prefer experimenting with your own blend, English breakfast tea is sure to delight. Don’t forget to explore our wide range of teas to find your perfect cup.