Of all the types of tea, black tea is the most powerful. Few can mistake Black Tea’s distinct bold flavors, however, even black tea has its subtleties, from a soft hint of smoke to kiss of fruit, the taste of black tea varies greatly by its type.
All black tea contains more caffeine than regular tea. Black tea is not made from a different variety of tea leaf than other types of tea such as green, white, or oolong, but is simply oxidized, or heated, and then dried, far longer. Black tea also is known to keep its flavor far longer than other varieties. Black tea is not actually black in color, but more of a rich crimson. The term Black tea comes from the appearance of the leaves during oxidation.
Black tea comes in a vast variety of types many of which come from China and India, though black tea can be found in many forms all over the world. Black tea is also commonly mixed with other plants to mellow its flavor and obtain certain effects. These teas are called blends.
Chinese Black Teas:
The Chinese black teas include three main methods; Souchong, Congou, and broken and graded. Souchong black tea is made from rolled leaves that have been smoked to give a pleasing aroma. Congou black tea is given its flavor like Souchong black tea by drying it over a fire, however, fruit or flower leaves are added to add different flavors while Souchong tea strictly has the wood’s aroma. Lastly, broken or grated tea is cut or graded rather than keeping the leaves whole. This method is generally used for lower quality teas and can be divided into four cuts. These cuts include whole leaf in a short strip shape, broken and then grinded into small grain, fannings black, which is a small slice shape, and dust black, which is entirely powdered. The different cuts or grindings of the leaves produce different flavors.
Indian Black Teas:
There are two main types of Indian black tea; Assam and Darjeeling tea. Assam black tea is the only type of tea that is grown at sea level. These unique growing conditions are said to give it a fresh flavor. Darjeeling black tea on the other hand, is grown high in the mountains along side spice. It takes on a rich spiced flavor.
The other types of black tea from around the world are adaptations of Indian and Chinese teas, though some have become increasingly popular from areas such as Kenya and Sir Lanka. The teas themselves are similar in description to the above stated.
Blends:
Black tea blends are what most Americans can identify with, such as Earl Grey and English or Irish Breakfast. Early Grey is a black tea bergamot oil blend. English and Irish Breakfast blends actually blend a variety of teas to produce a flavor that mixes well with milk and sugar. Black tea is also commonly blended with fruits to mellow its flavor.
Overall when it comes to black tea the best way to find the type you like best, is to try them all. Learning is done best, and is tastiest, through experience.
You may also enjoy:
The History of Tea
How to Make Sun Tea
Sources:
Chinese Black Tea
http://www.learn-about-tea.com/chinese-black-tea.html
Indian Black Tea
http://www.the-color-of-tea.com/black-tea.html
