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Black Tea
Whether it’s Darjeeling, Assam, or Ceylon: we Europeans have a penchant for black tea. That wasn’t always the case: until the 19th century, we drank mainly green tea, which was imported from Asia.
After the infamous Opium War with China, which did not want to open its markets to English intoxicants, Europe had its tea grown in India. In doing so, they switched from green to black tea – they wanted to stand out from China. In Asian countries, green tea is still preferred today.
This is how you prepare perfect black tea.
Aromatic black tea is indispensable in English tea culture – for a sophisticated teatime, Chinese and Indian black tea varieties are served at gourmet level.
However, the perfect tea experience is only possible with the right preparation.
It is best to use a high-quality porcelain pot for pouring. Black tea contains the natural colorants thearubigin and theaflavin, as well as intense flavors and essential oils.
These colorings and flavors can permanently adhere to less smooth materials – such as ceramics. If you vary the types of tea, it is possible that flavors will mix in a way that impairs the tea enjoyment.
Depending on the variety, 10 to 15 grams of tea leaves are needed for one liter of tea.
The water should be around 85 degrees Celsius. Black tea is only brewed once and should not steep for more than three to five minutes. After that, the tea can become bitter.
A high-quality black tea should be enjoyed unsweetened, as this allows the flavor to develop better. A dash of milk, cream, or almond milk makes it milder, as the protein it contains binds the bitter substances.
In summer, a cold-brewed black tea is refreshing. In the cold brew method, the tea is steeped in the refrigerator for several hours.
Black tea can be enjoyed safely without brewing.
During the manufacturing process, the tea leaves are heated to 85 degrees – this also kills bacteria.
Is black tea healthy?
Green tea and black tea are made from the same plant – the tea bush Camellia sinensis. They differ only in the way they are processed. Unlike green tea, black tea is fermented. After harvesting, it is rolled with special machines to break open the cell walls. It is then stored at a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and at relatively high humidity.
This allows the characteristic essential oils to unfold. The ingredients in green and black tea differ due to the different manufacturing processes. A large proportion of the phytochemicals are lost during the fermentation process.
However, it is precisely these substances that are responsible for many of the health benefits of green tea. Green tea has a preventive effect against diabetes and various types of cancer. Nevertheless, black tea is also a healthy brew.
For example, it contains important vitamins such as vitamin B, as well as minerals and trace elements such as manganese and potassium. Black tea is also said to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Black tea, like green tea, contains fluoride. This supports the health of tooth enamel and bones. Compared to green tea, black tea contains more tannins. That is why it is a little easier to digest and better tolerated by people with sensitive stomachs. It is also thought to help with diarrhea, as it has a slight astringent effect.
The tannin catechin contained in black tea promotes blood circulation and can help prevent vascular diseases. As a general rule, a high-quality tea is best for a high concentration of active ingredients. Consumer tests have thought pesticide residues in some black teas. It may therefore be wise to choose organic varieties.
Artesano
Double-walled cups
Artesano
Double-walled cups
A comparison of the pick-me-ups
Espresso or black tea?
Black tea contains caffeine and has a stimulating effect. It is often drunk instead of coffee for this reason. But which is the better pick-me-up – black tea or coffee? The caffeine in tea is absorbed slowly by the body because it is bound to tannins. The vitalizing effect does not kick in as quickly as with coffee, but it lasts longer.
However, black tea contains only about half as much caffeine as coffee and only a quarter as much as espresso. If you need a quick pick-me-up, you should opt for espresso.
More than four cups of espresso are considered unhealthy and can cause nervousness and restlessness. Black tea has a milder effect, so you can enjoy several cups of the hot beverage.
Due to its caffeine content, you shouldn’t drink black tea too late in the afternoon. Since the stimulating effect sets in with a time delay, tea drinkers can otherwise become lively in the evening. However, there are decaffeinated varieties of black tea – ideal for a wellness evening with a nice cup.