Black Teas

Black tea  is the most popular type of tea in the world.   Although all forms of tea come from the camellia sinensis plant, the way black tea is produced gives it a darker hue, stronger flavor and a higher caffeine content. The main distinction of black tea is that it has been more oxidized than oolong, green, and white varieties. Since dried tea leaves are more easily transported and retain their flavor longer, black tea has been an important trading commodity for centuries.

Types of Black Tea

Most black teas blends you buy at the supermarket are actually a combination of certain types of tea from across the world.  

Chinese

• Lapsang Souchong : Lapsang leaves are smoke-dried over pinewood fires to give it a smokey flavor .
• Keemun : Tastes of wine and fruit and is very popular in England.
• Dian Hong : More fine leaf buds than other Chinese teas make it dark and malty.
• Ying De Hong : This tea has a cocoa-like aroma and sweet taste.

Indian

• Assam :  These blends contain Assam leaves are typically called "Breakfast" teas.
• Darjeeling : A thin, fruity tea.

Others

• Kenyan 
• Turkish 
• Vietnamese 

Black Tea Blends

Earl Grey  Earl Grey is a tea blend that gets its distinctive flavor from the oil of the bergamot orange.  Legend has it, the blend is named after the 2nd Earl Grey, who received the tea as a gift.  Bergamot Citrus is traditionally grown in Southeast Asia.	Irish Breakfast  Irish Breakfast tea is often a blend of Assam teas to give it a malty flavor.  Very similar to English Breakfast, Irish goes well with cream, sugar, and sometimes lemon.	English Breakfast  English Breakfast tea is a fully bodied blend that is most popular in Britain.  It is blended with a variety of black teas, including Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas.  It goes well with milk and sugar as well as a hearty English breakfast.	Chai  Originating from India, chai is made by brewing tea with aromatic herbs and spices.  The traditional method of preparing chai is to actively simmer or boil a mixture of milk and water with loose leaf tea, sweeteners, and whole spices.

 Popular Brands

• Lipton 
• PG Tips 
• Twinings 
• Tetley 

Related Guides

Green Tea Guide	Tea Guide	Fair Trade Tea Guide	Coffee Guide