Black tea is one of the most popular tea varieties globally and in Vietnam, enjoyed in various beverages. Selecting a delicious black tea that suits your taste depends on several factors, including origin, quality, and expiration date. Join us to explore black tea in detail, along with tips on choosing and storing it!
1 What is Black Tea?
Black tea, also known as red tea by many, is a favorite beverage in Western countries and has gained popularity worldwide.
Black tea is crafted from the leaves of a shrub scientifically named Camelia Sinensis. Its production involves an oxidation process where green tea leaves are exposed to moist, oxygen-rich air, resulting in complete oxidation that transforms the leaves from green to dark brown or black.
Black tea, often referred to as red tea
2 What Does Black Tea Taste Like?
The brewed color of red tea ranges from light to dark red, depending on the oxidation level of the tea.
Compared to other teas, pure black tea has a strong astringent taste with varying levels of bitterness, leaving a longer-lasting aftertaste. Hence, black tea is often blended with other ingredients to create more delightful beverages such as cheese foam black tea, black tea egg, etc.
Pure black tea has a strong astringent taste
3 Popular Types of Black Tea
Here are some well-known and beloved varieties of black tea:
- English Breakfast Tea: A blend of three teas—Assam, Ceylon, and Kenya—that has gained wide popularity.
- Darjeeling Black Tea: Known for its mild flavor and aroma.
- : Notes of citrus with a hint of orange or grapefruit.
- : Deep reddish-brown liquor.
- Nilgiri Black Tea: Delights the palate with its flavorful and easy-drinking profile.
Popular types of black tea
4 Health Benefits of Black Tea
Oral Health
Studies funded by the Tea Research Foundation reveal that black tea extracts help reduce plaque formation and inhibit the growth of oral bacteria.
Cardiovascular Health
Regular consumption of black tea is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases compared to non-tea drinkers or those who drink less tea daily.
Lower Risk of Diabetes
Among older adults, those who drank tea regularly, about 1 to 2 cups per day, showed a decreased risk of developing diabetes.
Health benefits of black tea
Stress Relief
The theanine found in black tea can promote relaxation, enhance focus, and reduce stress and fatigue when consumed over an extended period.
Improved Immune System
Black tea contains antigens and has antiviral properties, helping to ward off colds, stomach ailments, and other viral infections, thus boosting the immune system.
Healthy Digestive System
In addition to enhancing your immune system, drinking tea daily can treat stomach and intestinal issues and promote a healthy digestive system.
Energy Boost
The low caffeine content in black tea increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates metabolism and kidney function.
While black tea offers these benefits, excessive consumption may lead to side effects like nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and high blood pressure. Thus, it’s essential to enjoy black tea in moderation.
5 How to Choose Delicious Black Tea
When selecting black tea for the best tasting experience, keep the following in mind:
- Choose black tea with fewer older leaves and stems as the nutrients and flavor primarily come from the young buds.
- Opt for small, evenly sized pure black tea leaves, avoiding oversized ones.
- Select black tea with minimal breakage. If using tea bags, choose wider bags to allow better expansion when steeped in hot water.
- Look for black tea with a dark brown color that brews a reddish-brown liquor. Uniform color, neither too light nor too dark, and clarity in the brewed tea are desirable.
- Choose black tea that aligns with your taste preferences.
- Ensure the black tea has a clear origin and guaranteed quality.
How to choose delicious black tea
6 How to Store Black Tea at Home
Black tea, with its low moisture content, can be stored for longer than other teas. For optimal preservation, keep it in an airtight container, away from heat, direct sunlight, and strong-smelling items. Storage in opaque ceramic or dark glass jars is recommended.
How to store black tea at home
This covers the basics of black tea, a favorite beverage for many. Hopefully, you found this information helpful!
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