What Is Black Tea? Taste, Uses, & Recipes

WHAT IS BLACK TEA

Black tea is a true tea that comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Black tea leaves are allowed to fully oxidize before being processed and dried, which makes the leaves dark brown and gives the tea its signature flavor profile. Black teas tend to be bold and brisk, and they are often described as astringent.

Discovered in China in the mid-17th century, black tea was the first type of tea to be introduced to Europe and the Middle East. Its commercial success in the West led to large-scale production in China. Fueled by Scottish and English entrepreneurs and adventurers who stole tea plants and seeds from China, black tea production spread to other countries. These early English tea companies used enslaved workers in other countries and developed machinery for processing tea without the need for skilled tea makers.

India's Assam Black Tea: From the largest growing tea region in the world, this tea is bold, malty, and brisk; ideal when combined with milk and sugar.

India's Darjeeling Black Tea: The mountainous region of Darjeeling produces a tea that is delicate, fruity, floral, and light. The season in which it's grown will affect the flavor of the tea. A spring-harvested Darjeeling black tea will have a much lighter, green flavor, whereas a tea harvested slightly later in the year will be sweet and fruity.

Sri Lanka's Ceylon Black Tea: This tea varies by origin but is generally bold, strong, and rich, and sometimes has notes of chocolate or spice.

China's Keemun Black Tea: Wine like, fruity, and floral, this tea can also have piney and tobacco like aromas, depending on the variety. The flavor is mellow and smooth.

USES

Black tea is used for making both hot and iced tea; in the United States, the vast majority of black tea is consumed as iced tea. Some black teas are intended to be drunk with milk and/or sugar, while others are self-drinkers, meaning teas that are best without anything added. Teas that are traditionally drunk with milk and/or sugar include masala chai, English breakfast, and Assam black tea. Teas that are traditionally drunk with lemon and/or sugar include Earl Grey (which is not traditionally consumed with milk), iced Ceylon teas, and Nilgiri black teas. Many of the best teas for breakfast and afternoon tea are black teas. The bold flavors of black teas make them ideal for pairing with Western cuisine, but black teas may also pair well with some Indian, Thai, and African foods.