Breakfast teas are very popular blends found in most people’s pantries and served in restaurants worldwide. Created with black teas, mostly Assam, they are stronger than afternoon teas to accompany a hearty morning meal, like an English breakfast. Breakfast teas go well with milk and sugar and have higher caffeine levels. Although these tea blends are so well known and widely consumed, many tea drinkers are confused when it comes to the different kinds.
In this post, I would like to explain the differences between the most important breakfast teas so you have a better idea on what you are drinking and how to pair them accordingly.
English Breakfast Tea
This is one of the most popular tea blends in the world and the most common form of tea in British tea culture. It is a traditional blend of black teas such as Assam, Ceylon and Kenyan tea, known to to be robust and rich. Some more expensive blends may also include Keemun black tea. The name English tea might have actually originated not in England but in America. It is said that the blend may date back in 1843 when an English immigrant and tea merchant in New York named Richard Davies started blending Congo with Pekoe and Pouchong. The blend got especially popular and so did the name. The consumption of blended black teas came to become a British custom. Today English breakfast is an everyday beverage that is consumed not only in the morning but throughout the whole day and by everyone. It is also referred to as “builder’s tea since it is widely consumed by the working class.
Irish Breakfast Tea
This is another widely recognized tea blend comprised of full bodied black teas. It is similar in flavor to English Breakfast, but it is made with more Assam tea which often makes it maltier and less brisk than English Breakfast. Many Irish Breakfast blends may contain other kinds of black teas such as Darjeeling, to balance the characteristic intense flavor of Assam teas. It is specifically drunk in Ireland which explains the name. Irish Breakfast can be drank plain but it is often served with milk and sugar. When brewed, Irish breakfast yields a reddish color brew. Just like English Breakfast, even though labeled as “breakfast tea” it is consumed throughout the day.
Scottish Breakfast Tea
This tea blend is less popular than English and Irish Breakfast teas but it tends to be the richest and boldest. It is slightly different from other breakfast teas and it includes mainly Assam and Sri Lankan teas and fewer teas from other places. This tea blend is often brewed light with the addition of more milk to balance its strong flavor.
How to prepare Breakfast teas
Breakfast tea blends can be prepared just like most black teas. You can use 1 tsp of tea blend per one cup of water or one teabag if you prefer using tea bags. The water temperature should be around 212° and you can steep for 3-5 minutes.
You can enjoy these teas plain or with milk and sugar and remember they are the perfect tea to have with a nice, rich, filling breakfast.
Notes: It should be noted that there is not a standard formula to create any of these blends. Each company/individual creates the blend differently. It is totally up to you to try and experiment with different varieties and find the one that suits your preference better.