Black Tea
What is black tea?
There are six types of tea, black, green, white, oolong, yellow, and Pu-erh.
All six types come from the Camellia sinensis plant, and it is the dried and processed leaves of this plant which creates the different categories of tea.
To make black tea, the leaves of the tea plant must be left to fully oxidise during the manufacturing process. Black tea is generally stronger than other types of tea.
How does black tea taste?
This depends on the type of black tea. Generally, if you prefer a stronger full-bodied black tea, Assam, Kenyan, Rwandan and breakfast blends are good options. Chinese black teas tend to be lighter. Darjeeling, known as the ‘champagne of teas’ has a beautiful flavour profile. First Flush Darjeeling teas are light, grassy, and delicate whilst Second Flush Darjeeling teas tend to be more rounded with hints of peach and green grape. These are some examples, and each tea will have differing tastes and strengths.
What are the different types of black tea?
There are many different types of black tea and there are many countries which produce it. India, Sri Lanka, Kenya are big producers. As well as teas from those countries we stock black teas from Nepal, Thailand, Taiwan, China, and Rwanda.
Some of the more well-known black teas are English Breakfast, Darjeeling, Ceylon, and Assam. You will find a range of all these classics at our store, alongside lots of others such as Honey Black, Hong Cha, Hand Rolled Himalayan Tips, Keemun Hao Ya, Golden Monkey, and Jasbire Black.
Honey Black, from Taiwan, is produced during the summer when the young leaves are nibbled by Jassids (small grasshopper type insects) this causes the plant to react and it influences the distinct flavour of the tea. Similar to a dark Oolong, It beautifully floral with notes of caramel and honey.
Golden Monkey, from China, has an abundance of pure, golden tips. The liquor is deliciously rich with notes of caramel and cocoa.
Hand Rolled Himalayan Tips, from Nepal, is an artisan tea from the highly renowned Jun Chiyabari Tea Estate. The beautiful hand-rolled leaves produce an aromatic, floral liquor with slightly spicy undertones.
What is flavoured or scented black tea?
Black tea can be scented, flavoured or blended with other ingredients such as herbs, spices, flowers or fruit. There are many different types of these teas. Earl Grey, Jasmine Black, Masala Chai or China Rose Congou are some examples. Masala Chai is a black tea blended with mixed spices. Earl Grey is traditionally a black tea infused with Bergamot oil, which is a kind of citrus fruit. Green leaf Earl Grey teas are now wildly available.
What are the health benefits of black tea?
All tea contains polyphenols (catechins) which act has antioxidants in the body and help to fight free radicals. Free radicals cause cell damage and can lead to disease.
Catechins in tea include Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)
EGCG is believed to protect against some forms of cancer, heart disease, stroke, as well other diseases.
Tea is a natural product. It contains caffeine, which is a stimulant, but also L-theanine, an amino acid which is thought to reduce stress and increase alertness. L-theanine is thought to slow down the absorption of caffeine in tea, which can produce a state of calm alertness rather than experiencing the ‘caffeine hit’ associated with coffee.
Tea also contains manganese, folic acid, potassium and fluoride.
How do you brew black tea?
Black teas are brewed at a higher temperature than other teas. Generally, with water that has just boiled and with an infusion time of 3-5 minutes. This is a guideline, it comes down to personal preference, as it depends on whether you want a stronger or lighter brew.
Stronger black teas such as Assam, Kenyan, or Breakfast blends take milk well, others such as Darjeeling, Chinese blacks, etc should be served without milk.
Is there caffeine in black tea?
Yes, all tea, from the Camellia sinensis plant contains caffeine. However, it is the brewing process which determines the amount of caffeine in the cup. Water temperature and brewing times are key. Hotter water temperatures and longer brewing times will draw out more caffeine. Black tea is generally brewed with near boiling water and left to brew longer than other teas which means you will draw more caffeine into the liquor.
Can you get decaffeinated black tea?
Yes, we stock decaffeinated Ceylon, Assam and English Breakfast. These teas have been decaffeinated using the CO2 process, this method removes the caffeine but leaves the flavours of the tea intact.
