Which One Will Make You Feel Like Royalty?
Tea lovers around the world can’t get enough of English Breakfast Tea and Irish Breakfast Tea. Both are popular black tea blends, enjoyed by millions every day. But what are the key differences between these two types of tea? In this blog post, we’ll explore the flavors, caffeine levels, health benefits, and history of Irish Breakfast Tea and English Breakfast Tea.
The Main Difference Between Irish Breakfast Tea and English Breakfast Tea
English Breakfast Tea is a blend of several black teas, including Assam tea, Ceylon tea, and Kenyan teas. The malty flavor and bold taste of English Breakfast Tea have made it a popular choice for tea drinkers worldwide. On the other hand, Irish Breakfast Tea is a blend of several black teas, including Assam tea and Ceylon tea. Irish Breakfast Tea has a strong Assam component, giving it a bolder, stronger flavor than English Breakfast Tea.
The History of Breakfast Tea Blends
English Breakfast Tea has a long history, dating back to the 19th century when tea companies in Britain started blending different teas to create a full-bodied tea that could stand up to the addition of milk and sugar. The blend was originally known as “Queen Anne’s tea” after the monarch who ruled England from 1702 to 1714. Later, it was renamed “English Breakfast Tea” and became a staple in many households in England and beyond.
The history of Irish Breakfast Tea is less clear, but it’s believed to have been developed in the 1800s in Ireland, where tea was a popular beverage. The blend of black teas was created to provide a strong, robust tea that could hold up to the addition of milk and sugar, just like English Breakfast Tea.
The Flavor Profile of Breakfast Tea Blends
English Breakfast Tea is known for its smooth, rich flavor, and deep reddish color. The blend of different teas creates a harmonious taste that’s both robust and delicate. Ceylon tea adds a citrusy note, while Assam tea provides the malty, full-bodied taste that’s characteristic of English Breakfast Tea.
Irish Breakfast Tea, on the other hand, has a stronger, bolder flavor. The blend of Assam and Ceylon tea gives it a rich, malty taste that’s perfect for those who like their tea strong and robust. Irish Breakfast Tea also has a reddish hue, similar to English Breakfast Tea.
Both teas pair very well with a wide variety of sweets and dessert cakes. I recommend trying either one of them with my recipe for Guyanese black cake.
Caffeine Levels in Breakfast Tea Blends
For those who need a caffeine kick in the morning, both English Breakfast Tea and Irish Breakfast Tea are great choices. English Breakfast Tea typically has around 50 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, while Irish Breakfast Tea has around 80 milligrams. This makes Irish Breakfast Tea a better choice for those who need a stronger pick-me-up in the morning. Try serving a delicious, energizing cup of Irish Breakfast tea with stack of my Golden Malted Pancakes.
Health Benefits of Breakfast Tea Blends
Both English Breakfast Tea and Irish Breakfast Tea have health benefits that are similar to those of other types of black tea. They contain antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Drinking black tea may also help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Black tea, much like coffee, is also known to be high in histamines.
Different Types of Tea in Breakfast Tea Blends
Both English Breakfast Tea and Irish Breakfast Tea are made with black tea, which is made from tea leaves that have been fully oxidized. Black tea is the most popular type of tea worldwide and is known for its rich flavor and strong taste. Other types of tea, such as green tea and white tea, are less oxidized and have a milder taste.
How Tea Companies Create Their Own Breakfast Tea Blends
Many tea companies have their own unique blends of breakfast tea, adding different types of tea to create a distinct flavor profile. For example, some companies add Keemun tea, a Chinese tea with a smoky, robust flavor, to their English Breakfast Tea blend. Others may use tea leaves from East Africa to create a stronger, more robust tea.
Robert Drysdale, the founder of the tea company that bears his name, was one of the first tea makers to create a unique blend of tea that became known as Scottish Breakfast Tea. Drysdale’s blend included a higher proportion of Assam tea, giving it a strong, bold flavor that was perfect for a hearty breakfast.
Which Breakfast Tea Blend Is Right for You?
When it comes down to it, the choice between English Breakfast Tea and Irish Breakfast Tea comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a smoother, milder flavor, then English Breakfast Tea may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a stronger, more robust tea with a malty flavor, then Irish Breakfast Tea may be the way to go.
Coffee drinkers who are looking to switch to tea may find English Breakfast Tea to be a good choice, as it has less caffeine than Irish Breakfast Tea. However, for those who need a strong pick-me-up in the morning, Irish Breakfast Tea is the clear winner. Enjoy a cup of tea alongside a plate of my tasty vegan almond milk crepes!
In conclusion, whether you prefer English Breakfast Tea or Irish Breakfast Tea, there’s no denying that both are delicious black tea blends that have stood the test of time. With their rich flavor, bold taste, and health benefits, breakfast tea blends are a great way to start your day and feel like royalty. So, brew up a hot cup of your favorite breakfast tea and savor the rich, delicious flavor that only tea can provide.