Celebrating black tea, where it comes from and how it gets its wonderful flavor.
People always ask what is better black tea or green tea? I like to answer that question by saying both. Tea is the product of the Camellia Sinensis plant. This single, small leaved, evergreen plant is where we get the many varieties, tastes and pleasures that make up the world of tea. The production of the tea leaf gives each type of tea its unique flavor, color, taste and strength.
Black tea in its purest form is fully oxidized tea and is mostly produced in Indian and Asian countries. Black tea is believed to have originated in China during the 17th century. It was discovered when the Chinese started fermenting tea leaves in order to preserve them for storage. Fermentation produced an oxidized, darker version of the tea leaves.
Though originating in China, black tea gained its popularity when it was brought to Europe during the 18th century. In Europe, tea was originally considered an expensive and exotic drink that was mostly consumed by the wealthy. Eventually, tea became more affordable and flavors like English Breakfast and Earl Grey became beverages that was regularly consumed over meals. Black teas are typically blended with other plants, fruits or herbs to enhance and change the flavors.
Benefits of black tea
Black tea is the most caffeinated tea but has less caffeine than coffee. Aside from offering a lower dose of caffeine, black tea has a ton of benefits for the mind and body.
Black tea is rich in protective antioxidants called polyphenols. Polyphenols are a category of plant compounds that offers several health benefits. The regular consumption of polyphenols decreases the risk of chronic disease and can improve your overall health. Black tea also contributes significantly to the reduction of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
Studies have also shown that black tea plays a significant role in helping to maintain a healthy gut. The polyphenols and antimicrobial properties found in black tea promotes the growth of good bacteria. Black tea has also been studied extensively and has been found to help reduce the risk of stroke, improve blood pressure, cholesterol and lower blood sugar levels. Polyphenols have also been shown to improve muscle strength, improve bone density, and protect the sections of the brain responsible for learning and memory.
Black tea is a great way to incorporate antioxidants into your diet and reduces your risks of future health complications. The many unique compounds found in black tea contribute to better overall health and well-being. Making black tea a flavorful way to improve your mind, body & spirit.
Black Tea Flavor
Black teas are known to have a malty and smoky flavor that develops during the oxidation process. Black teas have a strong aroma and are known to go well with cream or milk and sugar.
Interestingly, all black teas are not made only from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Black teas made from Assam (India), Darjeeling (India) and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) tea plants have a slightly different flavor but are simply variations of the Camellia Sinensis plant. Each plant offers a slightly different flavor of black tea, some malty and strong while others are spicy or flowery. Most English Breakfast tea bags sold on the market are made from a blend of Assam, Darjeeling and Ceylon tea leaves.
There are also lesser known black tea flavors such as Lapsang Souchong and Yunnan (Dianhong) teas which are found in China and tend to have more of a spicy and floral flavor.
It is typical to add items such as milk, cream, sugar or lemon to black teas. Many tea drinkers find milk or cream to be the perfect addition to black tea because it cuts through the sharp flavor of black tea adding a sweetness and aroma that many enjoy. Brown sugar, dehydrated or fresh citrus fruits, cinnamon and vanilla or mint are other options that go well with black teas.
How to Brew Black Tea
Step 1
Brewing the perfect cup of black tea starts with having fresh water. Filtered, spring or bottled water are your best options for water. Fill your tea kettle or electric water heater with about 8 oz of fresh, cool water.
Step 2
Bring the water to a rolling boil. The water for black tea should be warmed up to a temperature of 212 degrees.
Step 3
You typically need about 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea per 8 oz cup of tea.
Place your selected tea leaves in a tea infuser.
Step 4
Pour the boiling water over your infuser with the loose leaf tea leaves inside. Black tea should steep for about 2-3 minutes. Be sure not to let your tea leaves sit in the hot water for too long. Tea leaves can burn if they steep for too long causing a change in the flavor of the tea. Oftentimes, making the tea taste bitter or burnt.
Step 5
Remove the infuser. Add milk, lemon, sugar or honey if you wish.
Sit back and enjoy your perfect cup of tea.
Comentários