What is tea?
Black tea is a drink loved around the world for its unique flavour and historical background.
This article briefly explores what black tea is, how it differs from green tea and oolong tea, its historical origins and how to enjoy it!
Definition of black tea / Differences from other teas
Black tea is tea leaves and buds that have been plucked, dried, firmed, fully fermented and dried.
Or the beverage extracted by placing its leaves in a pot and pouring hot water over it.
Black tea was traditionally made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, which were cultivated in China (nowadays there are hybrids, etc.).
Green tea and oolong tea are made from the same plant! The difference between black tea and green tea is the manufacturing process.
Tea leaves contain oxidative enzymes, and black tea is produced using this function, while green tea is produced without.
Oolong tea is produced using a small amount of oxidative fermentation.
Tea production areas
India is the largest producer of tea, followed by Sri Lanka, then Kenya, Turkey and Indonesia.
Origins and history of tea
Black tea was discovered in Fujian, China, some 5,000 years ago and its origins can be traced back to myths and legends.
In the 16th century, black tea was introduced to Europe from China. The tea introduced to Europe from China was green tea, but to suit English tastes, Black Tea was created.
Since then, black tea has been accepted in different forms in different regions, such as Asia, Africa, the Middle East and America, and is associated with their own cultures.
Types of tea
There are many different types of black tea, each with different flavours and characteristics.
Assam black tea, for example, is produced in the Assam region of India and is characterised by its rich, strong flavour.
Darjeeling black tea grows in the Darjeeling region, also in India, and is characterised by its delicate, mellow aroma and bright colour.
Ceylon black tea is grown in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and has a fresh, fruity flavour.
The differences between these teas arise from the climate and altitude of the growing area and the type of tea grown.
Assam black tea is grown in strong sunshine and humidity, while Darjeeling black tea matures in mountainous regions at high altitude. Ceylon black tea varies in character in different regions due to changes in altitude and temperature.
In addition to these main types, there are many other variations of black tea, depending on the region and the production method.
You can enjoy a wide range of aromatic, spicy and even flavoured teas.
Health benefits of black tea
Tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which reduce oxidative stress in the body and protect cells. This is said to reduce the risk of ageing and chronic diseases.
In addition, the combination of mild caffeine and the amino acid theanine promotes alertness and relaxation
Conclusion
This is a brief summary of what tea is, from a variety of perspectives.
From now on, this blog will be updated with more and more reviews and trivia about the various teas.
I hope you will look forward to it!
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