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Black tea leaves and liquor

Ah, black tea! Among the six primary kinds of tea, black tea holds a special place in my heart. And from all indications, I’m not the only one! Globally, black tea tops the charts in popularity. It boasts a strong, rich taste that just can’t be ignored, it’s easy to find, and it’s incredibly versatile – you can mix it, flavor it, or enrich it with cream and sugar to your liking. Savored by itself, it makes a brilliant start to any day. Accompanied with scones, jam, and clotted cream, it’s delicious. It’s even perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up.

But how exactly did this versatile and beloved drink come to be? How is it crafted and produced? And how do you brew a perfect cup? Read on to learn more… 

What Is Black Tea?

Short answer – black tea is a type of tea that has undergone more oxidation than green, oolong, and white teas, giving it a stronger flavor and darker color. It’s known for its robust taste profiles, varying from sweet and malty to floral and fruity.

Like all true teas, black tea is made from the camellia sinensis plant, a perennial evergreen shrub. Its distinct dark color and bold flavor is a result of a process called oxidation, where tea leaves are exposed to air to trigger a natural chemical reaction – essentially the same thing that happens to an apple when it’s left out in the open. 

Thanks to this extended oxidation process, black tea has a unique taste profile, often described as robust and strong with a certain depth and complexity that isn’t found in other types of tea. It’s the black tea’s bold characteristics that make it a perfect complement to rich foods such as chocolate, scones, bread, and all things afternoon tea. 

Ceylon black tea in a ceramic dish

The Origins of Black Tea

Let’s step back in time. Most tea historians believe black tea was developed in the 17th century in China, much later than green or white tea. In China, it is referred to as “red tea” because of the reddish color of the steeped liquid. 

At first, only rich folks could afford black tea. It was produced in small batches by hand, making it a luxury few could enjoy. As black tea became more popular, methods changed from individual, labor-intensive production to mass production – making it available to everyone. By the 19th century, black tea was something many people enjoyed daily. It went from a handcrafted delicacy for the wealthy to a cupboard essential for all. 

How Black Tea Is Made

Black tea production begins with the handpicking of the camellia sinensis leaves. Once the leaves are harvested, they are spread out to wither for several hours. This important stage, which is primarily dependent on humidity and temperature, allows the leaves to lose moisture and become pliable.  

Next comes rolling the withered leaves. The objective of rolling the leaves is to release the enzymes that will promote the oxidation process and bring out the flavors. The rolled leaves are then set aside to oxidize. These leaves are exposed to oxygen at controlled temperatures, which transforms those otherwise green leaves into a rich black color. It is during this stage the tea develops its trademark flavor, color, and strength. 

The final stage, known as firing or drying, stops the oxidation process by heating the leaves to a high temperature. The drying process also enhances the flavor and aroma of the tea and ensures the tea leaves have a longer shelf life. 

The differences between traditional black tea production and modern mass-produced black tea

Modern, mass-produced tea was significantly influenced by the industrial revolution. An automated process known commonly as the CTC (cut, tear, curl) method was introduced to speed production and create a uniform product. This was particularly suitable for the high volume production required in the British colonies where tea had become a staple.

In this process, the tea leaves are passed through a series of cylindrical rollers which have hundreds of small sharp teeth that crush, tear, and curl the leaves. This method results in smaller, more uniform leaf particles that quickly brew a bold and robust cup, but can also create bitter and muddied flavors.  

It’s common among those suffering from a bit of tea snobbery 😉 to dismiss CTC teas. Understandably so, as much CTC on the market is indeed very low quality. However, CTC teas can be quite tasty. When high-quality CTC leaves are used, the resulting tea can be impressively bold and brisk, perfect for kick-starting your day, especially when finished with a splash of cream. The folks over at Harney & Sons make several CTC blends that I personally love in the morning – Scottish Morn and East Frisian.

CTC blends worth trying out

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Exploring the Varieties of Black Tea Across Regions

Black tea is grown in many regions throughout the world, each with unique characteristics. Here are a few standout examples for you to explore: 

  • Assam Tea: A product of one of the largest tea-growing region in India, Assam teas are prized for their robust, malty flavor, and full-bodied texture. Most tea leaves from this region are produced with the CTC method. This dark and hearty tea forms the backbone of classic blends such as English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast teas. 

  • Ceylon Tea: Ceylon was once the name of the island country of Sri Lanka. Ceylon tea is grown at different elevations, resulting in distinctly different styles of tea. Teas from the higher elevations have a unique flavor profile that is bright and brisk, with notes of wintergreen mint. Teas grown in the middle elevations tend to be mellow and fruity. While low elevation teas are known to be somewhat dull and uninteresting.source 

  • Darjeeling Tea: Hailing from the slopes of the Indian Himalayas, Darjeeling teas strike a delicate balance between body and aroma. Often referred to as the “champagne of teas”, these leaves produce a floral, fruity quality, known as muscatel, that can vary widely based on harvest time, or “flush”. 

  • Keemun Tea: This traditional tea comes from the Anhui Province in China. Known for its subtly toasty, sweet, and woody taste, reminiscent of unsweetened cocoa, Keemun is a favorite amongst many tea connoisseurs.
  • Kenyan Teas: Produced in the high-altitude regions of Kenya, these teas are known for their brisk, full-bodied flavors and rich, deep-colored brews that are wonderful with milk. Most Kenyan tea is produced in the CTC method, then blended or used in tea bags. A small handful of top-tier producers are making teas using more traditional methods, resulting in high-quality teas with notes of citrus and spice. 
  • Yunnan Tea: This variety comes from China’s Yunnan province, known as the birthplace of tea. The region is known for its ancient, wild tea plants – some well over 1,000 years old. Yunnan teas are bold and powerful, with a uniquely sweet, earthy quality, and a hint of maltiness, maple and cocoa powder.
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Black Tea Cultures in Different Parts of the World

Black tea is a favorite drink all around the world. It’s grown in many different places, each with its own unique characteristics. Not only do different regions produce different teas, but people everywhere have their own traditions when it comes to drinking black tea.

  • The Far East: In countries like China and Japan, tea isn’t simply a beverage; it governs social interactions, occasions, and spiritual practices. The Chinese Gongfu tea ceremony is a perfect example of this, using tea to build connections, patience, and respect. The technique focuses heavily on the precision and tranquility of brewing. 
  • India: India is home to some of the world’s most celebrated black teas, including Darjeeling and Assam. Tea in India is often served as masala chai— a melange of spices, milk, and hearty black tea. It is an intimate part of everyday life, bringing people together and igniting conversation on street corners and in homes alike. 
  • The Middle East: In the Middle East, black tea echoes the tenets of hospitality. Traditionally, it’s prepared in a samovar—an ornate metal container—and serves as a welcoming gesture to guests. It is often enjoyed sweet and robust, sometimes with a hint of mint or infused with fragrant rosewater for added flavor. 
  • Russia: In Russia, black tea is traditionally served in a Samovar, a unique metal container used to boil water and brew tea. It is often sweetened with jam or honey and served with sweet treats. I had the pleasure of spending time in Russia during college, and enjoyed many cups of sweetened black tea with crunchy beze (meringue cookies).
  • Africa: Moving to Africa, particularly in Kenya, black tea is a major part of their economy and culture. Kenyan black tea is typically strong and is often served with milk, sugar, and spices, similar to Indian chai.  
  • The UK: In the United Kingdom, black tea is part of everyday life. The British are known for their ‘tea time,’ where black tea, often served with milk and accompanied by scones or other sweet and savory treats, offers a comforting respite from the hustle and bustle of the day. 
  • The US: While America’s love for tea might not be as historic as other nations, black tea has certainly carved its niche. Consider the popularity of sweet iced tea in southern states or the growing appreciation for artisanal loose-leaf varieties. It symbolizes a moment of tranquility in a country famously always on the go. 

How to Brew Black Tea

The basic formula to brew a strong cup of black tea is 4 grams of tea (about 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons) for every 8 ounces of boiling water, steeped for 4 to 5 minutes, adjusting the volume of tea and steeping time according to your taste. 

Keep in mind, these are just guidelines. Brewing the perfect cup of tea is all about your personal taste. 

  • Begin by setting your kettle to boil with fresh water. For the best results, aim for a water temperature of around 212°F (100°C), or just off the boil.
  • Preheat your mug or teapot with hot water, then discard the water.
  • Measure the tea. Aim for about 4 grams (about 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons) of black tea per 8 ounces of water. Use more for a stronger cup, and less for a weaker cup. Learn more about measuring tea HERE
  • Add your tea leaves directly to the teapot or use an infuser with plenty of room for the tea leaves to move around and unfurl (skip those little tea ball infusers – they are too small to allow the tea to unfurl and move freely).
  • Once the water is ready, pour it over the tea leaves and let the tea steep for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on how robust you like your tea.
  • Strain the tea and enjoy!
4 grams of gunpowder green tea

A Beginner’s Guide To Brewing Loose Leaf Tea

In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Western-style tea brewing – a style that’s both approachable for beginners and offers plenty of breadth for the most discerning tea enthusiasts.

Read more
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called black tea?

The term “black tea” was actually coined by the British. The term stemes from the color of the oxidized tea leaves rather than the tea’s actual brew color. In China, black tea is known as “red tea”, due to the red tones in the steeped liquid, while dark tea, such as pu-erh, is called “black tea.” Not confusing at all! 

How do I store black tea?

Storing black tea correctly can keep its taste and shelf life at its best. Black tea is vulnerable to sun, dampness, heat and strong odors. You should store it in a cool, dry place away from light. Also, you should keep your tea separate from herbs, spices or potent-smelling foods as this can change its flavor and aroma. 

Storage containers can also affect black tea quality. The best containers are air-tight and opaque, made from glass, ceramic, or steel, and not plastic or paper.  

Can I add flavors such as herbs or spices to black tea?

Absolutely! Infusing black tea with the flavors of various herbs, spices, or fruits is an excellent way of enhancing the flavors. Popular add-ins include cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and citrus peels. Some also find floral flavors like rose and chamomile to be tasty additions. Simply add your chosen elements to the tea leaves during the brewing process. However, remember it’s all about balance. The goal is to complement, not overpower, the rich undernotes of the black tea. Enjoy experimenting with your personal blends! 

Should black tea be served with cream, sugar, lemon or other flavors?

It’s up to you! Black tea is wonderful on its own, but also combines beautifully with cream and sugar, or other combinations such as lemon and honey or spices such as cardamom and ginger. There are no set rules, so enjoy your tea the way you like it. 

What is the difference between tea bags and loose leaf black tea?

The primary difference between tea bags and loose leaf black tea lies in the quality and flavor profiles. Bagged black tea often contains smaller, dust-like particles known as “fannings” or “dust.” These tiny particles allow for rapid infusion, which is convenient, but it can result in a fairly one-dimensional and often bitter taste profile. 

Loose leaf black tea is typically comprised of whole tea leaves. The larger leaves take longer to steep, but this slow release of flavor creates a more complex, enjoyable taste. 

Essentially, it’s a matter of taste and convenience. Bagged black tea brews quickly and is easy to clean up, making it a popular option for a quick cup. Loose leaf tea, while requiring a bit more effort, tends to be more interesting and tasty.

It’s worth noting that there’s a rising trend among manufacturers to produce tea sachets filled with the same high-quality tea leaves as those you’d find in loose form. This gives tea lovers the convenience they seek without compromising on quality. 

What are some popular black tea blends?

Here are just a few examples of the black tea blends you can explore. Each offers a distinct adventure for your taste buds!

  • English Breakfast: A robust, full-bodied blend that typically features teas from Assam, Ceylon, and Kenya. English Breakfast is known for its rich flavor, perfect for kickstarting your day. 
  • Irish Breakfast: Similar to its English counterpart, Irish Breakfast is a full-bodied brew, typically consisting of Assam teas. It pairs excellently with milk and sugar. 
  • Earl Grey: This classic blend infuses black tea leaves with oil from the rind of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit characterized by its bright and slightly spicy flavor. The profile of Earl Grey ranges from malty and smooth to crisp and tart. 
  • Chai: Originating from India, Chai (meaning tea) brings together black tea and a variety of aromatic spices such as cardamom, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. The spiced infusion is usually enjoyed with milk and sugar, resulting in a warming, sweet, and spicy beverage. 

How is black tea different from green tea?

Both black and green tea come from the camellia sinensis plant. The difference is in the production process. Green tea is unoxidized, while black tea is fully oxidized. The oxidation process not only darkens the tea leaves but also boosts the strength and body of their flavor profile. Green tea leaves are usually steamed or pan-fried shortly after being harvested, resulting in a delicate, lighter flavor, and a green hue. 

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