Black Teas: Everything You Need To Know
If you’re curious and want to learn everything about black tea, from its history to the ideal brewing process, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to explore everything about black tea.
What is Black Tea?
Just like the other teas, black teas are also made from the same plant called Camellia Sinensis. But, what makes this tea different is its unique oxidation process, turning it into a dark brown or black. Owing to its color, it is commonly referred to as “Black Tea.”
But, despite the original tea color, Chinese people call it red tea due to its reddish infusion.
Types of Black Teas
Black teas are made all over the world ranging from Assam to Kenya. The top 5 largest black tea-producing countries are Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, China, and Indonesia.
The tea from each region offers unique taste, flavor, qualities, and characteristics. Here are some of the most popular types of black teas you can enjoy:
Nepali Black Tea
Nepali black tea grown in the Himalayas is famous for its high-quality leaves grown in higher altitudes. People love the orthodox black tea for their low astringency level and somehow sweet flavor.
Indian Black Tea
Indian black tea is famous for its strong flavors and diverse varieties.
1. Assam Black Tea
Assam black tea is grown and prepared on the foothills of the Himalayas in Assam, India. The flavors have their own unique robust full-bodied malty taste. Usually, the teas are processed by full oxidation of the leaves, giving a strong flavor.
2. Darjeeling Black Tea
Grown in Darjeeling India, the Darjeeling black tea is also popular as the champagne of teas. It has a delicate yet floral, aromatic and muscatel flavor.
3. Nilgiri Black Tea
The Indian black tea grown in the high-altitude Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu has a floral and fresh aroma. It tastes smooth, fruity, and fragrant.
Ceylon Black tea
Ceylon black tea, made in Sri Lanka offers a bright and full-bodied black tea. It tastes kind of citrusy with subtle chocolaty nuances.
Japanese Black Tea
Japanese black tea named Wakoucha has a mellow and sweet flavor. You’ll get the taste of honey, fruit, and floral undertones.
Arab Black Tea
Arab black tea, originated in the Middle East offers strong, aromatic, and spicy flavors. It tastes slightly sweet and infused with spices.
Keemun Black Tea
Keemun is one of the Chinese black teas that have a rich floral and fruity taste. Its distinct smoky and malty characteristics make it flavorful.
Black Tea Nutrition Facts
Now, let’s explore what nutrition black tea has to offer. If you’re health-conscious or on a diet, you could use this chart to manage your food diet plan.
Calories: 2
Caffeine: 47.4 mg
Theobromine: 4.74 mg
Carbohydrate, by difference: 0.711 g
Sugar: 0 g
Iron, Fe: 0.047 mg
Sodium, Na: 7.11 mg
Fat: 0.00 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Fluoride, F: 884 µg
(USFDA has cited that in 1 cup of 8-ounce serving, black tea contains the above nutrients. Remember the profile is solely for black tea without any sweeteners, milk, or other added flavors.)
Additionally, there’s also a high amount of polyphenol antioxidant properties like theaflavins and thearubigins in black tea.
Benefits of Black Tea
Black tea isn’t just enjoyed for its robust flavors. Since the tea has rich antioxidants, flavonoids, and some nutrients, it may offer you potential health benefits, upon limited consumption.
Lowers the Risk of Chronic Disease
As per the report from the National Library of Medicine, black tea’s antioxidant properties may help to decrease chronic disease risks such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes etc.
Reduces Cancer Risk
In a study of tea and health, it is reported that black tea may help lower the risk of lung, prostate, skin, and breast cancers.
Lower Blood Pressure
Even though black tea consists of caffeine, drinking it may still help to decrease blood pressure. The findings were suggested by a report on “Black Tea Lowers Blood Pressure.” However, keep in mind that the sample was conducted with just 19 people.
Minimizes Cholesterol Level
In hypercholesterolemic adults, studies have discovered that drinking tea may reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Weight loss
Black tea contains polyphenols which are reported to be slightly effective in compared to green tea. Researchers have found polyphenols might help suppress digestion and reduce obesity. Similarly, it may also reduce lipid accumulation, ultimately contributing to weight loss.
How to Brew Black Tea
You could brew your black tea just with hot/cold water or add ingredients to twist the flavors. Here’s a quick recipe for unsweetened black tea.
- Firstly, pick your brewing utensil: a teapot or saucepan.
- Add 1.5 (12 ounces) cups of water and bring it to a boil.
- Now, put in 1-2 tablespoons of ctc or loose tea. Or, use 1-2 tea bags.
- Add sugar, spices, or other flavors of your choice. (optional)
- Steep the tea for around 3-5 minutes.
- Finally, either strain your tea or remove the tea bag from the vessel. Then, pour the tea into your cup.
Other than just plain brew, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy your black tea. Try out black chai tea, iced black tea, lemon and honey black tea, black tea latte, and so on.
If you’re on the lookout for the highest quality black teas, here are a few brands you could test.
- Arizona black tea
- Dutch Bros black tea
- Lipton decaf black tea
- Himalayas Danfe tea
- Bigelow black tea
Black Tea Flavors
Did you know that black tea comes in different flavors too? For a change of taste, you can explore exciting flavors like lychee black tea, mango black tea, peach black tea, rose black tea, and vanilla black tea.
Black vs Green Tea
While both black tea and green tea are popular brews, each of them has a very distinct profile. We’ve outlined a few differences between them below.
- Oxidation: Black teas are fully oxidized and have a dark color. But, green teas are 0% oxidized.
- Caffeine: On average, you’ll get more caffeine in black tea than in green tea per cup.
- Flavor: While black tea has a bold and strong flavor, green tea offers a light and slightly sweet taste.
- Color: After infusing, black tea’s color changes to reddish-brown color. For green tea, you’ll see a pale green color.
Oolong Tea vs Black Tea
Many people assume that oolong tea and black tea are the same. But, in reality, these two teas have contrasting features.
- Oxidation: Black teas are 100% oxidized during the process whereas oolong teas are only partially oxidized.
- Caffeine: There’s around 30 - 60 mg of caffeine in black tea. Similarly, oolong tea’s caffeine varies from 10-60 mg.
- Flavor: Oolong teas offer flavors from light to toasty. On the other hand, black tea tastes more bold and robust.
Disadvantages Of Black Tea
Despite the benefits of black tea, there might be a few risks involved when you excessively drink it.
- Black tea consists of a few toxic minerals like lead, aluminum, manganese, etc which could be poisonous if over consumed.
- While tannins present in black tea are one of the antioxidant sources, heavily drinking black tea can have a risk of anemia.
- When you increase caffeine intake in tea, you may suffer from diarrhea, heightened blood pressure, insomnia, etc.
FAQs for Black Tea
Is black tea good for health?
Yes, as black tea contains antioxidants, it may provide some health benefits like reducing the risk of cancer, chronic disease, blood pressure, and cholesterol level. However, since there’s also caffeine, overconsuming it could lead to several disadvantages.
Black tea constipation relief myth or a fact?
The tannin in Black may lead to a mild laxative effect and could relieve constipation.
What does black tea taste like?
Black tea’s taste varies according to the type of tea you pick. Some black tea may have a strong and bold flavor. While other teas might have a floral to spicy taste.
Does black tea have more caffeine than coffee?
No, black tea has lower caffeine compared to coffee. In fact, a cup of coffee has two times more caffeine levels than black tea.
How much caffeine is in a cup of black tea?
A cup of black tea has 47.4 mg of caffeine. However, your brewing process, serving size, and water temperature for black tea can affect the caffeine level.
What is the ph level of black tea?
Studies have found that the first round infusion of black tea contains around 4.96 - 5.07 pH level.
Is black tea good for weight loss?
Although black tea may play a role in weight loss to some extent, there’s no evidence that it is good. We advise you to seek professional help from the nutritionist, dietitian, or your doctor regarding this matter.
Is earl grey black tea?
Yes, Earl Grey tea is a black tea that has flavors of bergamot oranges.
Is oolong tea black tea?
No, oolong tea is not black tea. Since oolong tea is partially oxidized, it falls somewhere between black tea and green tea.
Conclusion
Black tea is more than just a beverage as it is packed with nutrients, potentially providing you with several health benefits. If you’re ready to experience interesting rich flavors of black tea, we invite you to try our high-quality Danfe Tea, sourced directly from the Himalayas.
