Black Tea: A Beginner's Guide
Black tea is one of the most popular types of tea around the world, and if you're new to it, this guide will help you understand how it’s made, how to brew it, and why so many people love it.
1. How is Black Tea Made?
All teas, including black tea, come from the same plant—Camellia Sinensis. What makes black tea different is the way the leaves are processed, which gives it its bold flavour and dark appearance. Here's a breakdown of how black tea is made:
- Withering: After picking, the tea leaves are laid out to wither. This softens the leaves and allows water to evaporate, making them flexible enough to roll without breaking.
- Rolling: The now soft leaves are rolled to release their juices, which kickstarts the oxidation process. As the leaves are rolled, they change from a grassy scent to a more floral aroma. This step usually takes about 1–2 hours.
- Oxidation: Once rolled, the leaves are left to oxidise fully, turning them a dark brown or black colour. Oxidation is key to developing the tea's rich, malty flavour. The length of oxidation can be adjusted by tea producers to fine-tune the taste.
- Drying: Finally, the leaves are dried to set the flavour, ensuring the tea is ready to be brewed and enjoyed.
This natural oxidation process is what sets black tea apart from other tea types, such as green or white tea.
2. How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Black Tea
Black tea can offer a wide range of flavours—from strong and malty to light and floral—depending on its origin and how it’s processed. But no matter which type you choose, the brewing process is simple and will help bring out the best in your tea.
Follow these steps for the perfect cup of black tea:
- Use 1 teaspoon of tea per person: Adjust to taste, but this is a good starting point.
- Boil your water: Black tea needs boiling water (100°C/212°F) to release its full flavour and help the leaves expand.
- Steep for 3–5 minutes: Since loose leaf tea has larger leaves, it takes a little longer to infuse. Set a timer to ensure the tea has enough time to develop its flavours.
- Remove the tea leaves: Once infused, take out the leaves to stop the brewing process and prevent the tea from becoming too strong or bitter.
Now your black tea is ready to enjoy!
3. What Can You Add to Black Tea?
Black tea is versatile, and there are many ways to enjoy it. Here are a few common additions:
- Milk: Whether it’s cow’s milk or a plant-based alternative, milk can soften the tea’s strong, malty taste and make for a comforting cup.
- Sugar: If you like a sweeter tea, add sugar to taste.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that’s less harsh than sugar and adds a delicate sweetness.
- Lemon: Perfect if you prefer a fresh, zesty lift to your tea.
Experiment with different combinations to find what you like best!
4. Where Does Black Tea Come From?
Black tea is primarily grown in China and India, two of the world's largest tea producers. Other key countries include Sri Lanka and Kenya, which also supply a significant amount of black tea globally.
Each region produces black tea with its own distinct flavours. For example, Assam tea from India has a strong, malty taste and is often used as the base for breakfast teas like English Breakfast.
5. Who Will Love Black Tea?
Black tea is perfect for anyone who enjoys a robust, caffeinated drink to kickstart their day. It’s especially great if you prefer your tea with milk, but it can be enjoyed black or with other additions too.
Not only does black tea taste great, but it’s also rich in antioxidants, which have a range of health benefits, including improving heart and gut health. Regular black tea consumption may even help lower blood pressure.
If you love a hearty breakfast tea, you’ll definitely want to explore our Black Tea Collection, which includes a variety of bold, flavourful teas for every preference.
From how black tea is made to the perfect way to brew it, you now have all the knowledge you need to start exploring this delicious and diverse category of teas.