Black tea is a type of tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is produced mostly in Eastern Africa, India, Sri Lanka and Australia. Black tea can be a very dry but also sweet or fruit-based beverage. It has higher levels of caffeine than its counterparts because it is not fermented to remove it – while green tea leaves are immediately heated or steamed to stop fermentation.
What Exactly Is Black Tea?
Tea comes from the leaf (or buds) of the evergreen shrub Camellia Sinensis, which grows exclusively in tropical climates. For some tea enthusiasts, only fresh tea leaves harvested in the first flush of spring are the “real thing.” Aside from that minor point, black tea is made from a leaf that has been withered and rolled for a second time to speed up its oxidation process.
Black tea is known for being full-bodied, spicy, and rich in flavor. If you are looking for a savory cup of tea that can stand on its own, black is the way to go. It’s bold enough to be enjoyed with or without milk or sweetener and it pairs well with desserts like chocolate cake or apple pie; it will add an interesting twist to your favorite chocolate dessert.
History of Black Tea
Black tea has been around for centuries. The bubbling, dark brew known as “black tea” originated in China and made its way to England by the early 1700s.
Black tea got its name because when the leaves are dried they turn a deep shade of brownish-black color before being rolled up with aromatic spices like ginger or cardamom pods and pressed into dense bricks that can be broken apart later on. It’s a little bit of bittersweet magic that creates the unique taste of black tea.
How is Black tea made?
Black tea production begins by growing and picking the leaves. For a high-quality tea, the leaves will be handpicked, however, some machines can also be used for harvesting. The best leaves are handpicked during early spring to encourage a strong flavor and aroma. The plants should be grown organically since this is healthier for both the plant and consumers. Meanwhile, this also improves the quality of tea produced in terms of taste and aroma. There are various ways for black tea to be grown; however, production methods have been greatly influenced by climate conditions where it’s produced.
Contrary to what most people believe, growing black tea does not begin with processing it in any way. The tea leaves are picked, then plucked from the plant. They are then withered to avoid fermentation and oxidation before being shaped, rolled, and dried.
Withering is usually done in a large room, which can hold several tons of tea leaves at once. The leaves are spread out on bamboo mats or woven stands called “withering racks.” In darker rooms with good air circulation, these racks can hold up to 3 tons of tea leaves at one time. Heat is applied to the leaves during this time. The temperature is usually set a little above the boiling point of water but it can be higher or lower depending on the type of tea, the weather and season.
If the temperature is too high, oxidation occurs, a chemical reaction that causes bitterness in black tea. If it’s too low, dampness will develop, which also triggers oxidation and gives off an unpleasant odor in your cup.
During this process, most of what’s left are broken leaves, which are then swept up. This process is called “picking” and less than 1% of the initial weight of leaves is used for tea production. In some places, the shreds are used to make animal feed.
The next step is called “Rolling” and it’s another important step in making black tea. The leaves are gently rolled by hand or machine to bruise them, giving their flavor and aroma a chance to develop. When they’re bruised, the leaves begin to oxidize which adds dark color, as well as flavor and aroma. This process is done until they’re almost limp and then they’re ready for shaping before they can be dried. The rolled leaves are shaped into “bricks,” “cakes,” or balls depending on the manufacturer.
To desiccate the tea leaves, many different methods are used. The most popular method is sun drying but there are also machines that can dry tea quickly. Once dried, the tea is ready for packaging and storing in an air-tight sealed container called a “bag.” To make sure that the tea leaves don’t turn black, most black teas must be kept in containers, which prevent light from reaching them for a certain time period.
Varieties of Black Tea
Do you know the differences between black tea and green tea? Black tea is made of leaves that have been oxidized, while green tea is not. Black teas can be infused with spices such as cinnamon, ginger, orange peel and various flower petals. Green teas typically contain these flavors but they are added to the water which then seeps through the leaves. Here are some of the most sought-after varieties of black tea:
- Assam Black Tea: Assam Black Tea has a dark reddish color because it’s from a specific area in India where there’s plenty of rainfall year-round – perfect for growing robust Assam plants with long, curly leaves. Assam teas are one of the most popular forms of black tea to drink due to their rich flavor and dark color. Assam Black Tea contains a blend of Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan.
- English Breakfast Tea: The English are known for their hearty breakfasts so it’s no surprise they enjoy this variety too! This is the quintessential black tea – rich and delicious! An experienced tea taster will enjoy a cup of English Breakfast Tea with a little orange peel for flavor.
- Darjeeling: The tiny mountain located in India’s North West offers some of the best black teas on Earth – Darjeeling tea is made from the leaves grown in these mountains. They’re naturally more green than most black teas and are a little sweeter due to the fact that they’re grown in a warmer climate. For Darjeeling tea lovers, we recommend that you try House of Darjeeling Black Tea.
- Kopi Luwak: This is the ultimate in luxury tea. Kopi Luwak refers to any kind of tea made from the excreta of Asian palm civets (which also feed on coffee berries). There’s actually very little Kopi Luwak left for consumption, as it’s very expensive as well as difficult to produce.
- Mariage Frères: This is a very unique tea – made in the French style (as you might guess from the name). Mariage Frères teas are the ultimate in luxury. They’re made from exceptional varieties of tea handpicked from around the world, then mixed and formulated in their special blends. Each blend is unique and special.
- Pu-Erh: These are dark brown tea leaves, which are rolled up, producing a twist similar to that of a screwdriver. They’re usually blended with other types of black tea to add some extra varieties and flavor.
- Sai Dhar: This is another very famous tea from India that has been grown for centuries. It’s a very unique tea that is made from the leaves of the Senna plant – and is the most popular black tea in India. It has an intense flavor and a very strong aroma. We highly recommend these to our customers who are looking for a unique, aged black tea.
- Darjeeling Assam: These teas are made from the best of both worlds – Assam and Darjeeling tea. They are grown on the mountainside and harvested in the spring, before the midday sun evaporates the water from their leaves.
- Earl Grey: This is one of our favorite flavored black teas. It’s a blend of very light roasted chicory with a bergamot flavor (a citrus fruit). It’s perfect for those who like a mellow cup of tea.
- Estate Black Tea: This tea is also known as English Breakfast or Indian Breakfast due to its popularity in England. It’s made with black and green tea leaves that are harvested and blended together in the morning sun, giving it a light, fruity and mild flavor.
- Gao: This is one of the most traditional black teas you’ll find. It’s a very dark tea that’s a little smoky and has a very strong aroma. Gao is made by hand on an ancient wooden roller. The leaves are then placed in a bamboo basket to dry.
- Golden Monkey: Golden monkey is also known as tong yuen, which means “friend of the universe.” This is a black tea with an intense, rich flavor. It’s made from the young leaves of the banana plant and has flavors of caramel and woodiness. Golden Monkey Tea is a very special tea because it’s made from a kind of wild tea plant that grows only in the foggy mountains of China.
- Jasmine Tea: Jasmine tea has a flowery scent and is made from green or white teas that are scented with jasmine blossoms.
- Keemun: Keemun is also known as China black tea and has an earthy, smoky flavor. It’s fragrant, rich and has a strong flavor. Keemun is one of the most popular black teas in China – it’s a classic Chinese black tea that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years.
- Oolong Tea: Oolong tea is semi-oxidized and it produces a light aroma and taste with zesty cinnamon flavors. Oolong teas are considered to be one step away from becoming compressed into green or black teas.
- Royal Ceylon Tea: This is a black tea that has been specially created and grown in Sri Lanka. It’s made up of leaves that are grown in the hills of the island. Royal Ceylon has a rich caramel flavor with a slight smoky smell – a great black tea to drink when you want something sweet!
- Super Kuo Tea: This is unlike any other black tea we carry because it’s made in China and has been blended by master tea makers for over 10 years. It’s also one of our favorites! Super Kuo Tea is one step above regular black teas, so it’s smooth, rich, flavored, and delicious. It’s not as strong as a typical black tea, but gives you the rich flavor of black tea with a hint of sweetness.
- Sri Lankan Black Tea: Sri Lankan Black Tea is made from the leaves and flowers of the Ceylon tea plant, which grows in Sri Lanka. Its rich, smooth and aromatic flavor makes it one of our top-selling teas.
- Wuyi Oolong: This is a very unique type of black tea that has been blended with Wuyi oolong – a very rare (and expensive!) variety of oolong. Wan Zao oolong, or “nine gardens” teas are generally easier to find than other varieties. But that means they’re very fresh and new and therefore incredibly delicious.
- Yunnan Pu’er: Yunnan Pu’er is a kind of tea, which is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis – but it’s grown in the cool mountain climate of China. This tea has a deep, rich aroma with a slight smoky flavor. It’s one of the most popular teas in China and has been enjoyed for centuries.
Wholesome Benefits of Black Tea
Black tea has been linked to being a healthier option than other drinks of its kind. It has been shown to have powerful antioxidants and may even assist in weight loss. Black tea also contains potential immunity boosting properties that can help ward off viruses and some cancers.
People around the world enjoy drinking black tea in order to give themselves an energy boost or stay awake during their day, but little do they know how much more this drink holds benefits for them.
Here’s a list of 10 key benefits you can get by drinking black tea:
High in Antioxidants
Top on the list of benefits of drinking black tea is that it contains high levels of antioxidants, called polyphenols. These help fight off diseases and also help your body get rid of toxins. Tea drinkers are generally healthier than other people. This is probably because they consume more antioxidants in their diet.
Reduces Cancer Risk
The antioxidants in black tea help fight cancer, and people who drink a lot of black tea have been shown to have a much lower risk of developing this illness than people who don’t drink tea or don’t drink enough of it. They would also be better off if they used loose leaf teas and not bagged tea since the former allows for higher levels of antioxidants to be obtained from the same quantity used in tea bags when measuring grinds.
Reduces High Cholesterol Levels
Some people suffer from high cholesterol and the harmful effects that create. Tea has been shown to lower LDL (the bad cholesterol) levels and may help if you are on medication for high cholesterol. It is no wonder that many people think tea is good for heart health. The polyphenols found in tea have been shown to reduce triglyceride levels and also help prevent a reduction in good cholesterol.
Boosts Immune System
Drinking tea may help to improve immune system function and boost the body’s ability to fight infections. There is evidence that the polyphenols in tea work together with other antioxidants to boost the immune system.
Reduces Risk of Diabetes Mellitus
Many studies have shown a link between drinking black tea and lowered risk of diabetes mellitus. There are several reasons for this, including the high levels of polyphenols and antioxidants in black tea as well as its effect on blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that polyphenols help regulate blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance while also improving sensitivity to insulin, making it easier for cells to use sugars from the bloodstream when they need them.
Lowers Cholesterol
Tea contains tannins, which help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They have also been found to improve the way the liver breaks down LDL cholesterol and make it easier for the body to get rid of it. As mentioned above, tea is good for heart health. Keep in mind that this benefit applies to both black and green teas.
Serves as an Antioxidant
The antioxidants in tea can help prevent free radicals from causing cell damage due to oxidation and are especially useful against cancer cells. Antioxidants are one of the main benefits of drinking black tea since they help fight cancer and prevent oxidative stress, which can cause a number of diseases.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Tea is good for heart health and may help prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure, as well as helping to reduce the risk of stroke. Studies have shown that people who drink a lot of tea are less likely to suffer from heart attacks than other people. The antioxidants in tea appear to help protect the heart by preventing damage to cells, which may happen due to oxidation caused by free radicals.
Beneficial for the Skin
Black tea has long been used to help heal skin, especially in Japan. It can be used to reduce acne as well as smooth and tighten the skin. The antioxidants in green tea help reduce environmental damage to the skin, which causes signs of aging on top of other factors. Studies have shown that black tea also helps protect and heal the skin.
Relaxes Mind and Body
Many people drink tea to relax, which is a great reason to drink it! It can be calming and help relieve stress or even prevent stress from occurring in some cases due to its antioxidant properties that help regulate blood pressure, blood fats and cholesterol levels while also promoting good health overall.
