The tea market has forever been changed because of black tea. In the past five to ten years, this type of exotic tea is now rated as the most popular in the world. In the United States alone, of all tea consumed, 80% is some variety of black tea.
The bold flavor and aroma are different from green tea, making it a fresh new choice loved by millions of people.
Preparing Black Tea
For loose black tea, leaves are plucked from the Camellia sinensis plant and then allowed to dry. Once completely dry, the leaves are rolled up and fermented. Then in about two hours, the leaves are heated to make sure all the moisture has been extracted. Keep in mind that the quality of Chinese black tea or black tea from any other country depends on various factors.
Some of the factors important to the quality of black tea include origin, growing conditions, and the expertise of the workers and management team overseeing the tea garden. This means that for a tea garden to be successful, producing fine herbal tea, the soil, temperature, and moisture, along with management all play a vital role.
The best growing conditions for quality black tea is regions with altitudes between 3,000 and 7,000 feet above sea level. While tea grows slower when at a high altitude, the flavor is much better. For instance, in Sri Lanka Uva’s region and India’s Darjeeling region of 6,000 feet, tea gardens do quite well. Additionally, black tea does best in dry conditions although some moisture is needed for the plant to produce healthy leaves.
Varieties of Black Tea
The great thing about black tea is that you have so many wonderful varieties to choose from, all delicious and unique. One option is called Honey Pear, which has a fruity flavor from the pear tree coupled with honey. Because of this, Honey Pear is a favorite choice that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Nepalese Afternoon Tea is another type of loose black tea, which grows in Nepal at the base of Mount Everest. This variety is a wonderful blend of sandalwood, honey, and lotus, making it simply delicious.
Pu-er is yet another type of black tea grown in Asia. Its earthy and sweet flavor is heavenly, a variety that people all over the world love.
Outstanding Flavor of Black Tea
Without doubt, the distinct flavor of black tea varieties is what makes this type of tea so popular. Black tea can be processed to produce both caffeinated and decaffeinated forms, both exceptional in flavor and aroma. Now, some people state that black tea takes time to acquire a taste but once you find a variety you like, you will be hooked for life.
Medicinal Properties
In addition to flavor, black tea also provides a number of medicinal properties such as improved airflow to the lungs, which means people with bronchitis and asthma would benefit. In fact, the polyphenols found in black tea are antioxidants, which have been shown to prevent and support treatment for various types of cancer.
New studies are showing that black tea can also prevent things such as heart attack and cavities. Then, some studies indicate that memory is improved, as well as level of alertness. Even being able to prevent osteoporosis from drinking black tea is on the table and results of studies done are promising.
Black Tea – Safe and Delicious
Remember that herbs and supplements are not monitored by the Food and Drug Administration. For this reason, before you start drinking any type of tea on a daily basis, especially a heavier tea such as black tea, you should first talk to your doctor.
If you have any type of reaction or allergy to tannin or caffeine, then you might skip black tea to avoid the development of hives or rash. This type of tea can also produce more urine, lower potassium, and sodium levels in the body, and make existing problems of incontinence worse.
Of course, in some people, caffeine of black tea can increase stomach acid, which could result in increased sugar levels in the blood and ulcers. For that reason, people with diabetes should avoid black tea unless given permission from the doctor. Even people with liver disease should avoid black tea, choosing green tea or white tea, which are lighter and have little caffeine.
To buy black tea of any variety, you will find that most tea companies carry everything you want. Remember, once you acquire a taste for this type of tea, you will likely make it your favorite drink. As you drink black tea daily, all the benefits will be enjoyed even more.
Even fussy tea drinkers that have tried quality black tea are amazed at the rich flavor. Many people refer to black tea as the “beverage of champions” and for good reason. Not only is the deep flavor wonderful but you also enjoy all the health benefits.
