Black Tea

What is Black Tea?
What is Black Tea?

Black tea is a type of tea made from the camellia sinensis plant, it’s a very oxidized tea that when harvested it results in a dark gold or red shade, a robust, somewhat sharp flavor profile, and a more than adequate amount of caffeine.

What the tea folks are most accustomed to is black tea. I’m sure you have come across brands such as Lipton or Tetley, these are black teas. Black teas brew to a dark, copper colored hue, and have a rich bold flavor than most types of tea.

Types of Black Tea

Assam Black Tea and Teapot
Assam Black Tea

Assam is the classic black tea grown in the Assam region of India, it is a full-bodied tea with notes of malt and spice. Our Apothecary sources Assam tea in small batches and is able to guarantee freshness with no lengthy warehousing to ensure you’re getting as much vitamins and nutrients as possible.

Earl Grey Black Tea and Teapot
Earl Grey Black Tea

Is Slight, aromatic, and splashed with a hint of orange and citrus flavor. Being an incredibly popular tea choice, Earl Grey is considered one of the most cultured tea blends in the Tea world. Earl Grey is made with black tea leaves and added citrus. Earl Grey is a leveled and well-composed black tea, you’ll taste subtle notes of citrus, spice, malt, and smoke. Earl Grey does have all the full bodied malty, characteristic of black tea, but it’s the citrus that gives it a sophisticated taste that tea folk love.

English Breakfast Black Tea and teacup
English Breakfast Black Tea

Is lighter than an Irish Breakfast but still very bold and filled with flavor.

Black Tea FAQ

Black Tea Health Benefits

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    Black tea is full of beneficial nutrients and healthy properties such as increasing energy, easing headaches, and battling colds. Some of the many benefits of black tea include:
  • Antioxidants – Black tea has an elevated amount of caffeine, which boosts energy and increases focus. .
  • Energy and focus – Promotes fat metabolism by accelerating the breakdown of fat cells and preventing new fat formation.
  • Good for your heart – Black tea contains biologicals called flavonoids anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, neuroprotective, and cardio-protective properties.
  • Can assist with digestion – Black tea may assist in digesting heavy meals and aid with stomach issues.
  • Wards off colds – Black tea contains biological properties that increase your immune system and shield you against the common cold and other sicknesses

Black Tea vs. Green Tea: What's the Difference?

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    Black tea and green tea are two types of tea produced from the same plant and have several of the same assets and natural health benefits. What are the main differences between black and green tea?
  • Processing – Black and green tea are processed differently; after harvesting, green tea leaves are heated to stop oxidation ensuring a very small amount of oxidation, so the leaves retain their vivid green color. On the other hand, black tea is fully oxidized after harvesting. Black tea leaves turn brown or black, with green no longer present anywhere on the leaf.
  • Brewing Differences – Black and green tea are brewed differently, if you are brewing black tea, boiling water is recommended, with a steeping time of 3-5 minutes. Green tea is prepared with water that is a much lower temps, usually at or around 175 degrees. Green tea steeping is a shorter time than black tea, typically around 1-2 minutes.
  • Taste Differences – Tasting the difference between black and green teas is not a hard request for your palette. Black teas are rich, bold brews with a strong flavor, green teas are light and delicate flavor and also tend to be a greener color with nuttier notes and nowhere near as bold.
  • Caffeine Levels –Black tea and green tea caffeine levels are different as well. Black tea is high in caffeine, 1/2 as much caffeine in a cup of coffee. Green tea is lower in caffeine, 1/2 as much caffeine as black tea.

Water Temperature for Brewing Black Tea

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    We recommend brewing most black teas at the boiling point which is 212 degrees. Hotter water will bring higher caffeine levels in the tea. If you live at a high elevation, your water may not reach a full 212 degrees before it starts to boil.

Steep Time for Black Tea?

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We recommend a steep time for most black teas for about 3 to 5 minutes. Black teas as mentioned above should be steeped for longer periods of time than other teas, for a higher caffeine content.