Last Updated on July 1, 2022 by Cheryl Moreo
What is Black Tea?
Possibly originating in China, black tea is a type of tea that is more oxidized or exposed to an oxygen leaf-drying process that darkens them longer than lighter teas such as white, green, and Oolong teas. All these teas come from leaves of the small tree Camellia Sinensis. It is darker and more robust in flavor than other teas.
Black teas are generally named after the region they come from, and many regions have signature flavors that identify their teas. Regions generally include China, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and others.
How is Black Tea Served?
When most people think about black tea, they think about traditional beverages made from blended back teas. These beverages can be hot or cold and serve different purposes depending on the culture where they are served.
If you are in America:
Black tea is often the tea of choice for sweet and unsweetened tea. Generally, sweet tea is a southern American favorite. Brewed from black tea and mixed with sugar, this is a staple beverage of the southern states. From the Midwest to Western states, unsweetened tea is more common.
If you are in England:
Tea is a primary beverage in England. The presentation and the style of tea are tied to long-standing traditions and culture. Depending on the time of day, a different variety of black tea may be preferred.
Morning tea- Earl Grey and English Morning Teas are the norms. Afternoon tea- English Afternoon Tea is a milder version of Morning tea. Generally, English teas are accompanied by milk and sugar.
If you are in India:
Masala Chai tea is a blend of tea, native Indian spices, milk, and sweetener. This type of tea has become the most consumed tea globally, with Indians being the largest population of tea drinkers.
How Do You Take Your Black Tea?
There are unlimited ways to enjoy black tea, try one or all and expand your tea drinking profile.
- Hot
- Iced
- With lemon
- With milk and sugar
- Black tea lattes
- London Fog
- Kombucha
Frequently Asked Questions about Black Tea
Is it OK to drink black tea every day? Most medical authorities recommend no more than two cups of black tea per day. This amount contains about 200 mg of caffeine.
When should I drink black tea? After your morning meal, black tea is a great choice for a morning drink. Black tea is acidic and may cause stomach problems if consumed on an empty stomach.
What are the benefits of drinking black tea? Read Lifehack.org’s on the 11 Health Benefits of Black Tea.
Give Black Tea a Try
Black tea is a wonderful beverage and has so many options for preparation. Explore these options and get a taste of what the world enjoys daily. Try using black tea in foods such as quick bread or muffins. Get creative and use tea in a sauce, soup, or stew. Use tea as brine or marinade. Experiment and play with all the possibilities and make black tea a staple in your life.
