For those reckoned to have a more discerning palate, a spot of Earl Grey is just their cup of tea.
But now it seems the brew is set to capture yet more fans – as the inspiration for an award-winning loaf.
The unusual brioche – also infused with limoncello-soaked candied lemon peel – took top spot in Britain’s Best Loaf competition as well as being crowned in the innovation category.
Its creator, Miyo Aoetsu, who started baking as a hobby at her home in Darley Dale in Derbyshire, said she was delighted with the award.
‘I was speechless when I won…. I was very, very happy, I was almost screaming on the stage,’ she added.
Judges said her loaf, pictured, which beat 200 others to the top prize, impressed them with its ‘unique flavour profile’ and ‘zesty, aromatic finish’.
Ms Aoetsu, who is originally from Japan, moved to the UK to study at the University of Manchester, where she met her husband.
After the couple returned from living in France 13 years ago, the 55-year-old missed brioche so much that she set about learning how to bake it.
A brioche bread infused with lemon and Earl Grey tea has been crowned Britain’s best loaf
The unusual brioche – also infused with limoncello-soaked candied lemon peel – took top spot in Britain’s Best Loaf competition as well as being crowned in the innovation category
Its creator, Miyo Aoetsu, who started baking as a hobby at her home in Darley Dale in Derbyshire, said she was delighted with the award
Her Kuma-San Bakehouse, still based in their home, now supplies businesses as well as loaves for customers to collect.
And it is the second time Ms Aoetsu has won the top prize in the competition run by trade magazine British Baker, after her green brioche with matcha, white chocolate and fruit wowed judges in 2023.
Ms Aoetsu admitted that perfecting this year’s winner, announced at the NEC Birmingham as part of the UK Food & Drink Shows, took her 45 attempts. She said: ‘I baked and baked and baked until I was confident it would be ready for the competition.
‘In Japan, the combination of Earl Grey tea and citrus fruits has been really trendy, so people make a lot of cakes and cookies with these. So I started to think about making a bread, and I like the aroma of tea when used in baking.’
Ms Aoetsu also revealed another ‘secret ingredient’ alongside Earl Grey was a Japanese citrus fruit known as yuzu.
