Black — Tea
The Complete Guide to Black Tea: History, Health Benefits, Varieties, and Brewing Techniques
A flat lay of a teapot, loose leaves, a vintage spoon, and an open book.
Tea originates from the Camellia sinensis plant, native to East Asia. While the earliest documented tea consumption took place in China, the specific emergence of fully oxidized black tea developed later. In China, what the West calls “black tea” (hong cha, or “red tea” in Chinese terminology) evolved alongside green and oolong teas through variations in leaf handling and oxidation. black tea
Black tea is bold, malty, and robust, while green tea is grassy, vegetal, and lighter.
A timeless British blend of black tea flavored with the essential oil of bergamot orange rind, offering a bright, citrusy aroma. The Complete Guide to Black Tea: History, Health
This traditional method focuses on preserving the leaf's integrity. The steps are:
: Its flavonoids help reduce oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic diseases. In China, what the West calls “black tea”
In the 19th century, the British Empire played a crucial role in black tea's globalization. Seeking to break the Chinese monopoly on tea, the British established tea plantations in their colony of India. The discovery of a native tea varietal, Camellia sinensis assamica , in the Assam region in 1823 proved to be a game-changer. Its large, robust leaves were perfectly suited for the fully oxidized, strong black teas that the British public craved. India, and later Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and Kenya, became major producers, cementing black tea's place as the world's most popular tea type.
Steeping beyond 5 minutes releases excess tannins, resulting in a bitter, astringent taste. How to Store Black Tea
A summer classic. The best method is : combine your favorite black tea leaves with cold, filtered water and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. This yields a smooth, less-bitter iced tea. For a quicker method, you can steep double-strength hot tea and pour it over a glass full of ice.
