Whether you're a seasoned pro in the tea-loving community or just starting out, we'll give you advice on what to consider when making your selection.
WORTHY TASTE AND HISTORY
Decided to get a taste of one of the world's most popular drinks? It doesn't matter whether you plan to drink the occasional cup or see a career as a true "chai" ahead of you. At this point, you may have no idea which parameters to pay attention to when choosing black tea.
LAND OF THE ORIGIN OF BLACK TEA
It's like wine with tea, it also depends on where it comes from. The location leaves its inherent imprint on the tea. And certain varieties are also closely linked to the place where they are grown.
INDIA - Two of the most famous black teas come from far away India.
It is ASSAM with its rich, almost creamy chocolate flavour. Although it initially appears astringent due to its tannin content, the finish is smooth and mellow.
And then DARJEELING - a variety grown exclusively in India. Darjeeling is like the champagne of teas. Real connoisseurs prefer the second pick, which offers leaves with a typical musky flavour.
RUSSIAN LANKA - This island used to be called Ceylon and the British have been bringing their favourite tea from here since the mid-nineteenth century. As recently as 1965, Sri Lanka was one of the world's major tea exporters. The island's tea-friendly climate gives rise to a light citrus flavour with chocolate overtones.
CHINA - The range of Chinese teas is very wide, so there is really something for everyone, whether they prefer a rather mild, sweet or even smoky taste. The latter is offered by Lapsang Souchongs, which has a lower caffeine content and the aforementioned woody taste, while Yunnan tea is milder in taste and stronger in caffeine content.
Kenya - now the third largest importer of tea after China and India. The tea grown in this African country has a full-bodied flavour with a hint of citrus, captivating aromas of aniseed and cardamom.
WHERE DID ENGLISH BREAKFAST TEA COME FROM?
As the British Isles are closely associated with tea, it's common to come across English breakfast tea, or Scottish or Irish tea. These are often blends of several types of tea (Indian Assam, Ceylon and Kenyan tea are often present). A speciality is Earl Grey - Assam or Darjeeling flavoured with bergamot oil.
WHAT IT CONTAINS
After a lesson in tea geography, it's time to take a look at what this drink actually contains...
Polyphenols - substances with significant antioxidant effects that have been associated with reducing the risk of developing a range of diseases. Specifically, these are theaflavins and thearubigins.
Caffeine - the effects of this stimulant are well known, positively affecting physical and mental performance, memory or fat burning.
As far as the vitamin and mineral content is concerned, you can look forward to B vitamins, magnesium, potassium and manganese in black tea.
TABLE AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY
With black tea you can start a busy day in the morning, as well as be a pleasant companion in the afternoon. Try multiple varieties and don't be afraid to experiment.
The king among black teas, a premium production from the mountains of Kenya. Style tips and single leaf, theinfusion is slightly red. The tea has flavours of honey, caramel and nuts.
The king among black teas, a premium production from the mountains of Kenya. Style tips and single leaf, theinfusion is slightly red. The tea has flavours of honey, caramel and nuts.
Tea bags of organic black tea Earl Grey with bergamot essential oil.
Tea bags of organic black tea Earl Grey with bergamot essential oil.
A selection of Ceylon's finest organic teas and natural herbal infusions.
A selection of Ceylon's finest organic teas and natural herbal infusions.
Tea bags of organic black tea English Breakfast.
Tea bags of organic black tea English Breakfast.
Avto is a small producer of a typical black tea from Georgia with a strong and thick taste. Honey flavours and floral aromas predominate.
Avto is a small producer of a typical black tea from Georgia with a strong and thick taste. Honey flavours and floral aromas predominate.
Black Rhino Tea Kenya 50g
Tea Cotecho BIO Earl Grey 30 g
Tea Cotecho gift set 9x10 bags
Tea Cotecho BIO English Breakfast 30 g
Tea black Car Georgia 50g