What Are Your Favorite Black
Tea Leaves?

Black tea leaves are subjected to hundred percent oxidation during its processing.

This process is what contributes to the popularity of the most widely used of all teas.. black tea.

Processing

The distinctive flavor comes from:

1. Type of plant
   
   
2. Quality of the  leaves
   
   
3. The area and climate where it is cultivated.
   
   
4. Differences in the way the it is processed.

The leaves are plucked twice a year during spring or summer. The plucked leaves are wilted and then processed by using CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) or Rolling method.

The bruising and breaking of the leaves promotes oxidation of the leaves by naturally occurring enzymes.

This oxidation or fermentation process happens under controlled temperature and humidity.

1. It is allowed to proceed to 100% in the case of black tea. This gives it its characteristic color and strong taste.
   
   
2. For oolong and green teas, the oxidation is stopped much earlier.

In the final step, the leaves are dried to stop the oxidation process and packed.

History 

Initially it was the fresh leaves of the plant which were used to brew tea and what is now called white tea and green tea.

It was many centuries later that it was discovered that by oxidizing the leaves it leads to make a stronger, more “full-bodied” brew.

Though it was not initially popular in China, it was black tea which became most popular around the world.

Health Benefits

Black tea is estimated to contain ten times the amount of antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. It is said to have immune strengthening properties, anti-inflammatory qualities and can act as a digestive aid.

Antioxidants are good for the human body as they have been shown to lower the risk of cancer, heart disease and memory loss.

In traditional Chinese medicine, black tea was used as a warming agent and used to treat digestive problems, fatigue and inflammatory diseases.

As always consult your physician about tea and your health.

Varieties 

Black tea varieties usually are named after the area where they are cultivated. Some of the blends and popular varieties get their names from their origin and use.

Popular today are:

• Earl Grey, a tea flavored with bergamot orange that produces a sweet and citrusy brew.
  
  
• English Breakfast made from Chinese Keemun tea that yields a strong tea.
  
  
• Irish Breakfast which is a malty tasting blend of Assam and Ceylon black tea.
  
  
• Yunnan, which are strong and smooth tasting.
  
  
• Lapsang Souchong which has peculiar smoky taste.

Popular Indian teas include:

• Assam
  
  
• Nilgiri
  
  
• Darjeeling 

Way of Preparing

Black tea is prepared by steeping the loose leaf or  bags in boiling water.

The best results are when you know the right temperature and correct steeping time for each type of tea.

There is much to learn about the varieties, origins and myriad health benefits of this 5000 year old drink. Most of all enjoy!

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