The term “royal tea” can refer to two different things:
- Luxurious, high-quality tea
- A special way to enjoy tea, similar to “afternoon tea” (but more formal).
The name “Royal tea”
Many brands of teas and tea blends use the term “Royal” to suggest that their product meets superior standards.
Even some brands use the term “Royal”.
The Royal Tea Brand can have different characteristics for different people. This term generally refers to lavishness, luxury, and sophistication. It’s possible to call your own tea blends “Royal” if you’d like to sound classy.
Among the teas with “Royal” in their titles is Royal Milk Tea.
Like chai, Royal Milk Tea is a popular way to prepare black tea in Japan. There are also bubble tea shops that serve it. There was a Japanese tea house that coined the term “Royal milk tea” in the mid-1960s, probably to hint at the creaminess and luxury of the drink.
A REGAL LINEUP OF TEAS
Here are some more examples of tea with the “royal” label:
Darjeeling
There is no doubt that darjeeling leaf tea has a high reputation among tea lovers and is often marketed as “royal.”
The tea has a delicate, unique taste with floral and musky notes, earning it the nickname “champagne of teas.” The name Darjeeling tea comes only from Darjeeling (West Bengal, India), just as champagne must come from a specific region of France. It is made from a small-leaf Chinese tea variety that thrives in the cool and misty climate of the Himalayan foothills. Darjeeling tea’s exclusivity is further enhanced by its limited supply and high demand.
Earl Grey
In honor of the Second Earl Grey, Charles Grey, Earl Grey tea is known as ‘Earl Grey’ tea. According to legend, the Earl saved the life of a Chinese man’s son during a diplomatic mission to China. To show his gratitude, the Mandarin man gave Charles Grey tea flavored with bergamot oil. After tasting this unique flavor, the Earl brought it back to England and asked a local tea merchant to recreate it.
In this way, Earl Grey tea was born, or “Earl Grey’s mixture” was called. Soon, the blend gained popularity among the aristocracy, ultimately becoming a favorite of Queen Victoria herself. There is no way to verify the exact details of this story, but the association between this unique blend and the aristocracy and royalty remains.
As a result, Earl Grey tea remains synonymous with elegance and sophistication.
Blue elements
Historically, royalty has been associated with the color blue, mainly because blue dyes were expensive and difficult to produce. Due to this, blue was a color associated with the elite in numerous cultures. Also, it was a popular choice for royal crests. There’s been a royal connection to tea for centuries. That’s why blends with “royal” in the name often have blue-dried flowers (blue cornflowers).
Many brands market their “royal” tea blends with blue letters or decorative elements.
A comparison of Royal Tea, High Tea, and Afternoon Tea
There are several types of tea services available in the United Kingdom, including afternoon tea, high tea, and royal tea.
They differ in the following ways:
ROYAL TEA
A royal tea consists of premium teas, delicious sweets, and sandwiches, just as an afternoon tea does. Champagne is the main difference between Royal tea and regular tea. However, it seems that royal tea is generally perceived as being more posh than afternoon tea.
HIGH TEA
A high tea meal is more substantial than an afternoon tea meal. It typically runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and includes hot food like meat pies, quiches, and casseroles. After a long day at work, workers sometimes relish it as a meal.
AFTERNOON TEA
It is an English tradition to serve afternoon tea between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and includes a light meal. A variety of finger food is served, such as crustless sandwiches, scones, pastries, and cakes. Women used to attend it as a social gathering.
Conclusion
Maharani Chai offers royal tea products from Darjiling in many flavors, such as Treasure Tea Box, Gold Leaf Tea, etc. If you would like to know more about royal tea, you can visit their website and order and enjoy these teas on a cold day.