Tea is generally considered to be a beverage that’s steeped with hot water during preparation. It can be consumed whilst hot or iced by adding ice cubes or refrigerating once it cools down. Having said that Black tea, is Camellia sinensis leaves that has gone through a manufacture process which involves many stages including fermentation, withering, rolling and finally sorting. The manufacture methods make Ceylon Black tea unique in all aspects when compared to other types of teas. When the Green Tea leaf goes through the stages, it bruises in different areas during manufacture giving the Tea its character.
There are many grades of Black Tea, around 40 to be exact that segregates them according to their leaf size and appearance respectively. For example OPA is a very large leaf size, Pekoes are rolled leaves, Fannings are fine leaves, the smallest type of leaf segregation and Dust which is Black Tea that has been ground down to fine dust like particles that are ideal for Tea bagging.
There are other types of herbs, flowers and spices that are used to make Teas as well. While some of these are blended with Black Teas some are suitable to be consumed by itself. They are mostly dried to be used in this manner.
While Black Tea has a multitude of benefits to the human body as it’s
- Rich in antioxidants
- Protecting against atherosclerosis which means buildup of plaque in the arteries, which may lead to heart disease and finally a heart attack or chronic kidney disease
- May Help against the growth of tumors as it contains polyphenols that destroy them
Regular Tea may contain a blend of Black Tea as a base with other herbs, spices and flowers used as ingredients that complete the blend. This sometimes amplifies the benefits of the Black tea.
Many herbs, spices and Flowers are consumed as Teas as well. They have been brewed for centuries for their unique benefits. Chamomile Tea has been brewed from the time of the pharos in Egypt it has many beneficial properties that aid the human system.
Rose petals have been brewed for many years for its antioxidant rich properties, sometimes it’s mixed with Black Tea as well to create rose Black Tea that’s a delicacy in some parts.
Peppermint leaves are also used in this manner to create peppermint Black Tea. Pure peppermint is also consumed as a brew. This blend of Tea is very popular in Europe.
For the senses
Black Tea has a color spectrum ranging from dark burgundy to light amber color. The higher the Tea is grown in the lighter the color of brew it will create. Whilst the taste notes and aromas are usually unique to each type of Tea the color is usually an indication of the elevation it’s grown in. This is evident in Ceylon Tea as the lowest Tea producing region creates a darker colored brew compared to the Tea grown in the higher elevations that are lighter in the color.
The other types of Tea have unique characteristics relating to taste, aroma, appearance and infusion.
