Black Tea

Black tea – tried, tested and true

When most people think of tea, this is likely the type that they think of first. One of the more common teas to serve (as this type of tea includes blends such as Earl Grey and English breakfast), black tea is a type of tea that is more oxidized than green, white and oolong teas. This affects the characteristics of the tea, giving them each their own distinct flavours and aromas. Each of these four teas is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia Sinensis, but all four of these types of tea have very different qualities.

Unblended black tea are typically named after the region where they are produced, and are often blended and mixed with various other plants in order to obtain different beverages. For example, the popular Earl Grey blend is simply black tea with bergamot oil added. Masala Chai is a blend of black tea, milk, spices and a sweetener (such as honey or sugar). This type of tea was traditionally served throughout India and has been adapted in the West by changing the methods of preparation. There are literally hundreds of types of black tea blends out there today.

While green tea typically loses its flavor within a year, black tea can retain its flavour for several years.  Although green tea has recently seen a revival due to its purported health benefits, black tea still accounts for over ninety percent of all tea sold in the West. Black tea also carries its own range of health benefits, such as providing the body with antioxidants that protect you from free radicals and possibly even protecting the lungs against cigarette smoke. It may even prevent you from having a risk of suffering a stroke.

For best brewing:

You should use about 1 teaspoon of black tea per 6-oz. cup of water. Unlike green teas (which turn bitter when brewed at higher temperatures), black tea should always be steeped in freshly boiled water.

If you are brewing broken leaf teas (such as the tea found in tea bags), which have more surface area and thus need a shorter brewing time than if you are using whole leaves need l to 2 minutes. Whole leaf black teas, and black teas that will be served with milk or lemon, could be steeped 3 to 5 minutes. 

If you steep your tea TOO long though, you risk making the tea bitter (at this point, in the UK it is referred to as being "stewed"). When the tea has brewed long enough to suit the tastes of the drinker, it should be strained and the tea bags or infuser removed before serving. 

 

Cathy Skidmore began her tea journey with Steeped Tea after seeing the founders get a deal on Dragons Den in 2012. Proud to represent this Canadian company who sell quality loose leaf teas and fun and trendy accessories. With over 100 different teas, she as something for everyone. 

Cathy enjoys sharing her love of teas with everyone by offering free tea tasting in your home or hers, as well as an opportunity to have your own tea business.

She loves to help people create that perfect cup of tea.

 Changing people’s lives one cup at a time.