Discover the World's Best Black Teas
The Western tea scene has always revolved around black tea. This delicious, full-bodied beverage offers fruity, floral, and smoky flavors . Although black tea has a place in most homes, many are unaware of the vast variety of options available.
In this article, we'll introduce you to black tea and explain the differences between the main types. You'll learn about the major black tea-producing regions and how each tea has its own unique story.
Introduction to black tea
Black tea is made from the leaves of the tea plant, known by its scientific name Camellia sinensis. These same leaves are also used to make other types of tea: white tea , green tea , oolong tea , and red tea (Pu Erh) . The differences between the different types of tea come from their production method and, primarily, from the degree of oxidation to which the leaves are subjected .
Black teas are grown primarily in China, India, Sri Lanka, and Africa, and are often named after the region in which they are grown. The best known are Darjeeling and Assam teas from India, Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka, and Lapsang Souchong from China.
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How is black tea produced?
What sets black tea apart from other teas is that its leaves are fully oxidized . The tea leaves are harvested and immediately withered in sunlight . This helps reduce the tea leaves' moisture content so they can dry and oxidize.
Once the leaves are soft, they are rolled or torn to release enzymes in preparation for oxidation. In the orthodox method of black tea production, tea leaves are hand-rolled in a time-consuming process that showcases the craftsmanship of tea masters. This method produces fewer broken leaves.
The unorthodox rolling method is known as CTC, which stands for Crush-Tear-Curl. This method is faster than the orthodox method, but also produces more broken leaves and tea dust. It's the method used in tea bags. You can read more about the different tea production methods on our blog.
Once the leaves are cut or rolled, the oxidation process begins. When the tea leaves are rolled or broken, the enzymes are exposed to oxygen. This process is the same as when a cut apple or banana begins to turn brown. Black tea leaves are allowed to oxidize completely, at which point they turn a deep brown or black.
The most famous black teas in the world
The flavor of black tea varies depending on where it's grown and how it's produced. Below, we break down the main types of black tea:
Indian black tea
Assam: This province is the largest black tea-producing region in the world. The English established a large black tea production network in this area to combat Chinese dominance. This region has a rainy, tropical climate, producing black teas famous for their intense flavor with malty notes reminiscent of dark chocolate.
Darjeeling: This region of India is located at high altitude in a mountainous climate, bordering the Himalayas. Darjeeling teas offer a milder, herbaceous flavor that varies depending on the season. This magnificent region enjoys unprecedented fame. The delicacy of the teas it produces has earned it the nickname "the Champagne of black teas."
Sri Lankan black tea
Ceylon: Ceylon tea is a tea from Sri Lanka, bearing the country's ancient name. Sri Lanka's tea plantations are spread across the island, from the coastal plains to the mountainous highlands. Most Ceylon teas have an intense flavor with spicy notes and are black when brewed. Ceylon teas grown at high altitudes are golden brown and have a distinct, high-quality flavor. It is a perfect breakfast tea.
Black tea from Africa
Kenya: A large proportion of the black tea that is packaged in tea bags is grown in Kenya. Their teas are known for having a strong flavor profile , similar to that of Chinese black teas.
Black tea from China
Keemun: Keemun black teas are grown exclusively in Anhui Province, China. This black tea has fruity undertones complemented by floral and pine notes. Its flavor is often described as similar to dark chocolate. These black teas undergo a slower withering and oxidation process, resulting in a more nuanced flavor.
Lapsang Souchong: Lapsang Souchong teas are often referred to as the whiskey of the tea world and are among the highest quality black teas in China. This type of tea is grown in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province, China. Lapsang Souchong is unique because the leaves are not steamed or pan-dried. Instead, these tea leaves are dried over a blazing pine fire . The result is a smoky flavor unlike other black teas.
Flavored black tea
Earl Grey: Earl Grey tea is made by blending black tea leaves with bergamot . Bergamot is a type of orange grown primarily in France and Italy. The peel of this fruit is dried and added to black tea leaves to produce Earl Grey tea. Earl Grey teas are refreshing and have a citrusy flavor with malty undertones.
English Breakfast: English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast teas are made with Assam black tea and infused with other ingredients . These teas are typically consumed with milk and sugar and are famous for being used by the British royal family when holding diplomatic events or entertaining foreign dignitaries.
Chai: Chai tea is made from black tea leaves from Indian plantations, most commonly Assam tea. These leaves are blended with at least five basic spices : cardamom pods, ginger, black peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Regional variations may also include allspice or star anise. This tea is often mixed with milk , creating the famous chai latte .
Drink black tea
Black tea is a delicious beverage that can offer flavors ranging from fruity and floral to strong and malty. Black tea's intense flavors and moderate caffeine content make it a great alternative to coffee .
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