English Breakfast - Black Tea from Ceylon & Assam

English Breakfast by Kusmi Tea, the British Tradition from Ceylon and Assam

English Breakfast is the strong breakfast tea classic: a blend of black Ceylon and Assam tea. Despite the English name, it is actually an American invention – created in New York by Richard Davies in 1834, and only became known in Great Britain in 1892. From Kusmi Tea, organic quality, loose in a 100g tin. Full-bodied, malty, perfect with a splash of milk.

Kusmi Tea's English Breakfast is the strong morning tea that is essential for any British breakfast. A blend of two organic black teas: a full-bodied Ceylon tea with rounded depth and a spicy Assam tea from India. The recipe uses no artificial flavors – pure tea leaves, carefully blended for the classic robust taste that, with a splash of milk, becomes the epitome of British teatime.

Deep Dark Copper, Malty-Robust and Never Bitter

Upon opening the tin, the characteristic aroma of a strong black tea rises: robust, spicy, with the malty depth of Assam and the fresh brightness of Ceylon. The leaves are dark and firm, evenly broken, the aroma promises exactly what's inside – tea without frills, solidly British.

In the cup, the English Breakfast displays a deep copper hue, almost mahogany. The first sip is full-bodied, robust, and warming; the malty Assam depth forms the foundation, while the Ceylon adds fruity, bright accents. The tannins are powerful but not harsh – this tea can handle milk, it almost demands it. The finish has a slight astringency, a gentle sweetness that remains pleasant even without sugar.

In the Morning with Milk Foam or with a Full English Breakfast

English Breakfast is the ideal morning tea for people who want to start their day with vigor. It classically pairs with bacon and eggs, baked beans and toast, smoked salmon sandwiches, or simple honey bread. It's just as suitable for a British cream tea with scones and strawberry jam as it is for hearty porridge with maple syrup. It also makes a good impression as a Tea Latte with frothed milk – an Earl Grey-free alternative to London Fog.

Traditionally, English Breakfast is drunk with a dash of cold milk – this tames the tannins, and the malty character emerges smoothly. However, you can also drink it black or sweeten it with a spoon of sugar. For a pot, you need about 2 tablespoons of loose tea per liter, steeped with 90°C hot water for 3 to 4 minutes. Steeping it longer makes it more astringent and is particularly well-suited for preparing milk tea.

In Kusmi's range, there are three strong morning tea alternatives: the classic Earl Grey for bergamot lovers, the robust English Breakfast without artificial flavors, and the complex Morgentee N° 24 with Yunnan, Ceylon, and Assam. For a Russian-inspired breakfast, the Sankt Petersburg with caramel and vanilla notes is also suitable.

From Saint Petersburg to Le Havre

The history of Kusmi Tea begins in 1867 in Saint Petersburg, where Pavel Mikhailovich Kousmichoff opened his own tea house. His son Viatcheslav went to London in 1907 to learn about the international tea trade metropolis. When the Russian Revolution forced the family to flee, they set up their workshops in Paris in 1917 – the journey from Saint Petersburg via London to Paris, and finally to today's manufactory in Le Havre, Normandy, reflects the blend of Russian tradition, English tea culture, and French craftsmanship.

English Breakfast is not an original Kusmi recipe, but the most famous British tea specialty, interpreted by the house with the typical craftsmanship of the Parisian manufactory. Since 2017, almost all teas have been organically grown, and they are filled in Le Havre into the iconic round metal tins. In our Kusmi Tea collection, you can find an overview of all blends.