Black Tea

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What is black tea?

Black tea is an infusion made from leaves and leaf buds. The plant parts are harvested from the tea bush Camellia sinensis (China) or Camellia assamica (India) or from hybrids of the two. Black tea is a popular beverage all over the world and, alongside green tea, the most commonly available variety of tea. Whether pure or with added flavours, it has the greatest selection on offer worldwide. Black tea is also particularly important to EILLES TEE, so take a minute to browse our offering at your leisure.

What effect does black tea have?

In general, black tea has a gradual, invigorating effect. The effect is long-lasting in comparison and tapers off again slowly. The effect of black tea depends on how long the tea is steeped for among other factors.

Due to the tannins, the caffeine in black tea takes longer to enter the bloodstream and the effect lasts for longer than with the caffeine contained in coffee. In addition, each variety of tea has a different effect, which is determined by the brewing time and quantity of tea.

Caffeine is an important constituent of black tea. Black tea also contains secondary plant substances (theaflavins) and tannins, vitamins and trace elements. Unlike in coffee, the caffeine in tea is bonded with tannins and thus enters the central nervous system via the small intestine.

Is there a difference between black tea and green tea?

Yes. Black tea is fermented, meaning its leaves are oxidised as described above. Green tea is not fermented; it is steamed after being picked. The tea plants are not different; Camellia sinensis (China) and Camellia assamica (India) are used for both black tea and green tea.

The most well-known varieties include Assam, Darjeeling and Ceylon. They originate from different cultivating regions in northern India and Sri Lanka
and bear the name of the respective region. Black teas which are naturally mild are often additionally flavoured so as to give them an extra taste
all of their own. Such teas include the popular variety Earl Grey, a blend of tea flavoured with the oil of the citrus fruit bergamot.
Another tea blend made from black tea is the English Blend, which has a stronger flavour and is a firm favourite not just with the English.
Breakfast Tea, in contrast, is a blend of Indian teas which is very aromatic, well balanced and also has a strong flavour.
EILLES TEE has a great variety on offer – give it a try!

The diversity of black tea

There are literally hundreds if not thousands of different varieties of black tea around the world. And these are constantly being joined by new ones. Each tea-cultivation area produces dozens of different varieties. EILLES TEE offers a great, well-balanced mix of popular classics, fresh innovations and characterful rarities.

What does black tea taste like? From mild to strong, from floral to tart, from fresh to malty: every black tea has a unique taste and there is something for everyone. This variation in taste is influenced by the different countries of origin, the respective cultivation areas and the local climates. Even the tea plant itself and the degree of fermentation have an effect on the taste. The biochemical process affects the colour, fragrance and taste of the black tea.

In addition, the brewing time and the quality of the water used to brew the tea of course also contribute to its flavour. Finally, the addition of sugar, milk or lemon to the cup also modifies the taste in turn.

Cultivation and harvest

Black tea is grown, plucked and processed in more than 40 countries. The main tea-producing countries include India, China, Kenya and Sri Lanka. The majority of areas containing tea gardens are found between the tropical and subtropical regions, where monsoon winds are frequent. The tea plants require high rainfall, high humidity and, of course, plenty of sunshine. They are particularly fond of high altitudes. The tea’s name often comes from the tea gardens in which it is grown.

The various varieties of black tea have one thing in common. The cultivation areas for black teas are generally at high altitudes in the subtropics and tropics. Tea plants require uninterrupted warmth and an average annual temperature of at least 18°C to flourish. The climate and soil conditions are very important for the cultivation of tea plants. One exception to this rule is Darjeeling, which grows on the mineral-rich soil of the southern slopes of the Himalayas.

Black tea has four harvesting periods corresponding to the classic seasons. If the tea is picked after winter, between February and around the end of April, the harvest is known by the term first flush. This black tea has a rather mild aroma. The second flush, between June and July, produces the stronger teas. The harvests between these flushes are known as in-betweens and those in late autumn as autumnals. Take a look at EILLES TEE’s extensive range, which includes the right picking for everyone.

The proper way to prepare black tea

Put the loose black tea in a filter or infuser. Furthermore, one traditional method of preparation which originated in England is the classic two-pot version, which is well known from high tea. In this method, water is poured over the loose leaves in a pot, where they are allowed to “dance” freely, and then, once the brewing time has elapsed, the infusion is poured off into another preheated pot.

The quantity of tea leaves determines the taste and flavour intensity of the beverage. The average is 2.5 g per cup (one slightly heaped teaspoon) or 5 g for fruit teas (one teaspoon). The tea is covered with hot water; the softer the water, the better for the result in the cup. If the black tea is brewed in a pot, the pot should be preheated.

How long should black tea brew?

Black and green teas have a stimulating effect when brewed for two to three minutes accompanied by a mild taste. If they are left for another two to three minutes, they have a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract and their flavour intensifies.

Black tea is an excellent accompaniment to a whole range of dishes. It is great with breakfast or lunch, but also with cake on an afternoon or with dinner. As black tea contains tannins, it can modify, highlight and refine the original taste of the food. It can be combined well with meat dishes, spicy food and recipes containing curry. Classically, it also goes well with anything containing chocolate, syrup and preserves.

When is black tea drunk? There are no set rules on the time of day when black tea is drunk. The caffeine in black tea can have a stimulating effect, depending on how long the tea is brewed. As such, drinking it on an evening before going to bed may prove a recipe for a restless night. If the black tea is steeped for a little longer, it has a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

How do they drink their tea in East Frisia?

The East Frisian tea ceremony enjoys a long tradition and respects certain rules when it comes to the order of the steps. The white rock sugar (known in Frisian as kluntje) is put in the cup first.

Then the strong, hot black tea (e.g., Real East Frisian Blend) is slowly poured over it until it starts to crackle deliciously. The sugar dissolves slowly. The next step is the cream, which is added around the edge of the cup with a special small ladle in circular movements. This is done slowly and cautiously so that the cream sinks to the bottom of the cup first and then erupts to the surface again in tiny clouds (wulkje). Important: The tea should not be stirred before drinking. The enjoyment and special taste experience are the result of the three distinct layers in the cup.

Consequently, the spoon provided is not intended for stirring the tea. Instead, it is more usually used to signify that no more tea should be served – place it in the cup to let the host know. True East Frisians usually drink at least three cups.

What teas in particular are served at tea time in England?

The classic varieties such as Darjeeling, Ceylon, English Breakfast, Assam and Earl Grey are particular favourites at high tea. However, mild green teas and rooibos tea with vanilla are also popular. The black tea is best served with fresh milk (no, not cream), white sugar and hot water for those who wish to dilute the tea.

In addition, a variety of finger foods such as delicious sandwiches and sweet scones or miniature cakes and shortbreads is also served.

The sandwiches are cut to bite-sized pieces and can be filled as preferred with salmon, tuna, egg or cucumber. The fruit scones are traditionally served with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

How long can black tea be stored?

There is no simple answer to that question, as it depends considerably on how the tea is stored. Loose black tea in an unopened packet can be kept for around three years in proper conditions, flavoured tea for about two years.

Once the packet is opened, the black tea should be consumed quickly. In all cases, it is important that the tea leaves be protected from light at all times and not stored at too high a temperature. You should also observe the best before date printed on the EILLES TEE packaging.

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