There are so many different kinds of teas in the world, each with very unique characteristics. But sometimes, when teas have very similar sounding names, it’s easy to get confused. You may have heard of the category of teas known as breakfast teas, and these can vary from one region to the next. Here, we’ll discuss the differences between two very popular breakfast blends—English breakfast tea and Irish breakfast tea. Is one better than the other? We’ll let you be the judge of that!
What are Breakfast Teas?
Breakfast teas are generally strong, dark, black teas, often consisting of a blend of black teas from different regions. They have a high caffeine content and a very robust flavor. Since they are much stronger than afternoon blends, breakfast teas often go well with milk and sugar. If you’re looking for a full-bodied blend of tea to wake you up in the morning, then this is the perfect solution.
What is English Breakfast Tea?
English Breakfast Tea originated in Colonial times in America when the Americans described the full-bodied, robust, black tea that they had become accustomed to drinking in Britain. This tea blend is very rich in flavor, perhaps because it consists of a mixture of Assam, African, and Ceylon teas. It pairs perfectly with rich, fatty, fried foods, like bacon and eggs, or even smoked fish. Once combined with milk and sugar, a delicious aroma of toast and honey fills the air, and its silky texture is beautifully showcased.
What is Irish Breakfast Tea?
Irish Breakfast Tea came into being after World War II, when Ireland began importing their teas from other countries. By that time, the Irish had become accustomed to very strong tea that could perfectly blend with milk. This led them to begin importing tea from Assam, India, where tea had a distinctively bold flavor. Soon, Irish tea companies would blend this Assam tea with Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka. Compared to English breakfast tea, Irish breakfast tea is much stronger, has a rich, malty flavor to it, and tends to be reddish in color. It is a very smooth blend that can be enjoyed either sweetened or unsweetened, whatever your preference may be.
We hope that you now have a better understanding of two of the world’s most popular breakfast teas, and if you would like to try some for yourself, we have a delicious selection of both English and Irish breakfast teas, as well as a wide array of gourmet teas from all over the world at CoffeeAM.
We don’t think that one is superior to the other, but do you have a personal favorite? Tell us which one is your favorite and why, and you may be featured in an upcoming post!
Updated 8/5/2020
Originally posted 5/12/2016
