Home
Facts About Tea
Tea & Health
Black Tea
Green Tea
Wu long    Oolong
White Tea
Herbal Tea & Tisanes
Holy Basil - Tulsi Tea
Flavored Tea
Chai Tea
Pu-erh Tea
Rooibos - Redbush
Iced Tea
Kosher Tea
Brewing & Equipage
Tea Parties
Gifts & Tea Sets
Pearl - Bubble - Boba
Sweeteners
Resources
Tea Artwork
Fair Trade Tea
Tea Information Blog
Contact / Advertising
Site Search
Tea in the News
 

Black Tea: An Overview

black tea leavesBlack tea (referred to as red tea in China and Japan) is the most popular and available type on the market today. It is typically used in hot and iced English brews -- and has more caffeine than contained in green, oolong or white blends.

Flavor and Color
This popular variety features a deep reddish-brown hue and full-bodied taste that ranges from flowery and fruity to spicy and nutty.

The taste and color results from an extensive oxidation process once the leaves of the tea plant, camilla sinensis, are picked.

Processing
After picking, the leaves go through a withering process where they are dried on racks for up to 18 hours until excess moisture is removed and the leaves become supple enough to roll.

Then they are rolled and cooled, which breaks down the membranes of the leaves creates a chemical change that allows the juices to emerge – and the leaves to darken.

Finally, the leaves are ”fired” and heat is applied to halt oxidation and seal the flavor and aroma.

Types and Taste
Following are some common types of black varieties and the tastes with which they are associated.

  • Assam -- rich, dark, slightly malty
  • Ceylon -- medium-strength variety
  • Darjeeling -- light, with a slightly flowery aroma; also made with green blends
  • Earl Grey -- light with a slight fruity flavor
  • English Breakfast -- medium classic blend
  • Irish Breakfast -- more robust than English Breafast
  • Keemun - smooth Chinese black blend
  • Jasmine tea -- scented with Jasmine flowers
  • Lady Grey -- like Earl Grey with added lemon and orange oils
  • Lapsang Souchong -- infused with pine smoke
  • Nilgri -– robust flavor
  • Russian Caravan -- rich, hearty taste
  • Yunnan -– peppery flavored variety
  • Health Benefits
    Flavonoids, which are highly concentrated in the tea, have been associated with a number of health benefits that include reduced the risk of stroke and heart disease.

    There are research studies that link flavanoids, which are present in all blends, to lowering cholesterol levels, reducing inflammations, improving blood flow, and even helping the body maintain proper blood sugar levels.

    According to the USDA flavonoid database, both black and green contain 150 to 190 milligrams of flavonoids per cup. They also provide trace amounts of healthful minerals such as potassium and fluoride.

    Popularity
    More than 90% of the world’s black tea is used in the Western world and can be found on grocery store shelves, specialty tea shops, restaurants, and gourmet food outlets.

    The invention of the tea bag in the early 1900s is said to contribute significantly to black tea’s popularity and consumption.

    Related Articles

    Organic Black Tea
    Black Teas from Around the World
    Chinese Tea
    Turkish Apple Tea
    Kombucha Tea
    Facts About Tea
    Earl Grey Tea
    Selecting Quality Tea Blends


    Return to Home Page




    footer for black tea page