Loose black tea comes from different parts of the world, each offering a distinct flavor and aroma. However, all types of black tea, whether alone or blended also provide natural healing properties. Because of the benefits, this particular type of tea is enjoyed by people of all ages and lifestyles.
Of all types of tea, black tea is without doubt one of the most interesting. This kind of tea can be purchased in a variety of flavors and forms, and the precise flavor and intensity of the tea varies depending on the country and even region from where it is grown. Today, medical researchers and homeopathic doctors strongly believe that organic black tea is one of the most beneficial of all tea types.
As mentioned, because the flavor and intensity of black tea is so unique depending on the country or region from where it is grown that you want to sample flavors first. Two of the more popular choices include India and Ceylon, which offer incredible therapeutic properties and flavor while still being very different.
Tea from Assam
Interesting, when buying black tea from any number of tea companies locally or even if youbuy tea online, if you look at the origin, it would likely state Assam Province, which is where more than 50% of all tea grown in India comes from. Within this province, the majority of black tea is grown in the Brahmaputra Valley, a region of India known for rain and rolling hills. Located in the northeast region of India, the Assam Province is neighbor to China, Bangladesh, and Burma.
The people living in the Assam Province of India are actually immigrants that came from either Bangladesh or Nepal. Growing black tea is a primary occupation and source of income for these people and because of the region, the flavor has a hint of malt, which is why most people drink it mixed with milk or cream.
Darjeeling is another area of India where black tea is grown, which is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. Interestingly, the tea business for India began in this area during the mid-19th century. Black tea that comes from this region is known as Darjeeling Puttabong, which is a flowering tea with a lighter taste than team from the Assam Province.
Ceylon Tea
Another part of the world where black, healthy tea is grown is Ceylon. In fact, tea grown there is considered one of the most popular in the world. One version in particular, black pekoe goes through a fermentation process prior to the leaves being dried. With this unique process, the essential oils of the leaves are preserved, which is what gives the loose black tea its unrivaled flavor and aroma. While black pekoe originated in Ceylon, today, it is also grown in different parts of China and India.
Typically, black tea regardless of origin has a citrusy aroma while the flavor varies dramatically. While Ceylon tea was always a favorite for people in the region, it was not until James Taylor that its popularity increased from nearly 23,000 tons by 1890, up from only 23 pounds during the years 1873 to 1880.
Keep in mind that within the area of Sri Lanka, numerous tea companies produce black tea. Some of the additional regions include Galle in the southern area, Dimbulla to the west of the central mountains, Nuwara Eliya known for its high altitude, Kandy by the ancient royal capital, Uva to the east of Dimbulla, and Ratnapurea, just to the east of the capital in Colombo.
Ceylon Varieties
When looking at options of black tea on the market, you would be amazed to find the huge selection of varieties specific to Ceylon. As an example, tea from Dimbulla and Dickoya is grown at 3,500 feet elevation or more while Kandy is grown at an elevation of 2,500 or more. Then, there is black tea from Nuwara Eliya, which grows at a minimum of 6,000 feet. The Morawak Korale variety is quite distinct but it must be grown exactly at 2,500 feet and the Uva variety is grown at 2,800 feet or above.
Another interesting fact about loose black tea is that it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, a type of perennial evergreen shrub that originated in China some 5,000 years ago, also producing loose green tea, loose oolong tea, and loose white tea. In addition, black tea has the highest caffeine content of the four primary types of teas, which stimulates both the heart and central nervous system. A single cup has 50 milligrams of caffeine, as well as other components to include tannin, vitamins, polyphenols, and trace elements. Along with being a stimulant, black tea also provides a diuretic effect that produces greater urine output.
The Camellia sinensis plant can grow as tall as 40 feet although when used for tea, it is typically kept to around three. Remember, the exact type of black tea would depend on the country, region, and even district where grown, as well as the form of team and even the method used for processing. During the 6th century, black tea was first introduced to the western world but it was not until 12 centuries later that it became a favorite variety in England. Even today, afternoon tea for the British people usually consists of delicious, black tea.
The bottom line is that no matter where black tea is grown, India or Ceylon, the medicinal properties are tremendous. This along with the rich, deep flavor that is distinct based on grow location, black tea makes a great, all-around choice.
