Black tea is made from the same plant as the green tea, the Oolong teaor the white tea. It is one of the most popular types of tea and can, according to the latest research, even increase our life expectancy.

Black tea – General

We owe the origin of the black tea to the British, who cultivated it in their colonies in Sri Lanka, Africa and India, with the aim of distinguishing themselves from China. In China, mainly green tea was produced at the same time. In addition, the British were more fond of the taste of black tea than of green tea. Even today, black tea is often drunk worldwide and, thanks to its high caffeine content, often serves as an alternative to coffee.

Making black tea

The largest growing areas of black tea are Sri Lanka, India, Africa, South America and some parts of Europe. Black tea Partially produced in China as well, but here the focus continues to be on the production of green tea.
For the production of the black tea predominantly the uppermost leaves of the tea plant (botanical name: Camellia sinensis), as well as the Blattknospe are used. These are picked by hand and left to wither. The leaves are deprived of about 30% of the moisture. This is followed by oxidation, in which the leaves are rolled and broken, so that the ingredients can combine with oxygen. Subsequently, the leaves are crushed and processed. In the course of further processing, the black tea assumes the well-known reddish-brown color, through a further oxidation process. In the subsequent drying, the leaves are even darker and can even have a black color. As such, they are packaged and divided into the respective quality levels.

The enjoyment of black tea

The British usually enjoy the black tea with a dash of milk. In addition, the black tea is also enjoyed with cream.
The addition of milk and cream is due to the bitter substances that are characteristic of black tea. While some people find the black tea undrinkable without milk or cream, others simply do not want to give up the bitter taste. Physicians have now proven that the enjoyment of black tea without the shot of milk is much more useful. Because through the milk, the bitter substances are bound and neutralized. These are the bitter substances are antioxidants, which can help especially in arteriosclerosis, as they cause the expansion of the vessels. Those who prefer black tea with milk and cream, unfortunately, have to do without the positive health effects of this.

The right preparation of black tea

For a liter, 10 to 15 grams of tea leaves are enough. But if you want a more intense taste, you can also increase the amount of tea leaves. During the preparation only care should be taken that the water, which is used for over-pouring, no longer boils. Thus, the ideal water temperature is 95 degrees. The brewing time depends on the type of black tea. Thus, the brewing time at First Flush Darjeeling is between 2 and 3 minutes, while the second flush can be drawn for up to four minutes. Otherwise, regardless of the variety used, the black tea should not be drawn for more than 5 minutes. Because the longer the brewing time, the bitterer is the taste of the tea. The black tea should not be brewed several times.

The effect of black tea

Black tea is rich in vitamin B, Manganese and potassium. For example, a study has shown that black tea has an anti-inflammatory effect and can strengthen the immune system. In addition, the tea is specifically used successfully in diarrhea. In addition, it strengthens the teeth, as fluoride is one of its active ingredients. Black tea is taken as a preventive measure against cancer and should have a positive influence on various diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Otherwise, he is also associated with stroke and heart attack, so it not only tastes very good, but positively affects their own health.