Twinings created the Lady Grey blend in the 1990s. The 3% orange peel in the blend imparts more orange, fruity flavours than the bergamot (Citrus bergamia) of Earl Grey. Tasters attribute the 'zesty brightness' of this light, refreshing tea to the juicy citrus notes. Mary Elizabeth Grey was wife of Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, Prime Minister from 1830-34. At a recent tea tasting at the Eton College Infusion Society, I discovered that Earl Grey was one of more than 20 tea-drinking Prime Ministers educated there. Twinings may have guessed at Lady Grey's tea tastes, but is probably right to claim that 'behind every great man is an even greater woman'.

How to serve

Lady Grey is best infused at less than 90°C. Twinings isn't snooty about adding milk, especially if you brew for more than three minutes.

Where to buy

Twinings (The legacy, page XX) is widely available or you can buy direct; £5.29 for 80 teabags (01264 313444; www.twinings.co.uk)

Jonathon Jones discovers teas from around the world, finds new flavours and cultivation techniques, and takes English tea to Asia.