For many westerners, the notion of black tea revolves solely around Darjeeling, Ceylon, and their blends. Conveniently packaged in tea bags, they have always been the most available selections in every supermarket and hotel. However, their bold, malty even citrusy flavor is not for everyone. Adding milk and sugar to smooth out the brisk, spicy flavors leads to an increased calorie intake.

Chinese black teas however are less known to us.

Depending on the variety, they can have a strong and mellow flavor, ranging from sweet to smoky, with a very pleasant, sweet aftertaste. With caffeine levels half that of a cup of coffee, they are great as a soothing afternoon tea, and go well with desserts.

What is Black Tea?

Black tea is native to India and China. All kinds of teas have one thing in common – they come from the tea shrub Camellia Sinensis. After the tea leaves are plucked, they are withered and then each variety undergoes a different processing method responsible for the plethora of different flavors.

What distinguishes black tea from the rest is its processing method, particularly the duration of the oxidation process. With green teas, oxidation stops very early in the process; oolong teas undergo 5-75% oxidation, while black teas are left to fully oxidize, and then left to dry.

As a result, black tea leaves are darkest in color when compared to other kinds of tea. They are rich in tannins, which give them a robust flavor. Due to fact that it is fully oxidized, black tea contains the highest amount of caffeine. 

Why is Black Tea Called Red Tea in China?

While the West names its teas after the leaf color, China names them after the color of their infusions. This means that all the popular black tea varieties such as Darjeeling, Ceylon, and Assam, are considered red tea in China. When infused they give out a rich amber, red color, hence the name of this tea variety.

China also has its own varieties. It is mainly the pu’erh teas, which are fermented and aged teas, that are known as dark tea (黑茶).

The Most Popular Varieties of Chinese Black Tea

Keemun Tea

Known as Qimen hong cham Keemun tea grows in Anhui province in eastern China. Keemun teas are famous for their distinct aroma and flavor among tea lovers. Depending on the quality, they have a fruity and floral fragrance, with mellow, smoky notes in the aroma, and a taste reminiscent of cocoa.

Keemun tea is used for a number of classic blends, such as breakfast teas, earl grey, and iced teas.

Yunnan Black Tea

Known as “dianhong”, this tea grows at high altitudes mountains in the Yunnan province of China. It is easily recognizable as it comes in large whole leaves with golden buds, which give out a red-amber tea infusion. Dianhong has a fragrant, naturally sweet flavor with spicy notes that become more apparent with later infusions. 

Also, it is reasonably priced compared to its other varieties .

Lapsang Souchong

Lapsang Souchong, which grows in Fujian province of China, is a black tea known for its smoky flavor. The tea leaves are smoke-dried over a pinewood fire, which gives a sweet and smoky flavor to the tea with a smooth finish. This kind of tea is suitable for people who like bold flavors.

Health Benefits of Black Tea

Since ancient times, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water. Similar to green tea, black tea leaves also come from the tea plant Camellia Sinensis. This means that black tea shares most of the health benefits associated with green tea.

Traditionally tea was drunk to improve blood flow, eliminate toxins from the body as well as strengthen immunity.

Scientific studies have shown that it is the high concentration of polyphenols and catechins naturally present in the tea leaves are credited for the health benefits of green and black tea.

On the condition that you drink your tea without sugar, you might be able to reap some of the following benefits:

Possible Anti-Cancer Effects

Both black and green teas are rich in polyphenols. Research has shown their potential to regulate cancer cell growth and reduce its survival. However further research is required to establish the connection.

Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Scientific studies show that drinking black tea in moderation might be beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels, thus lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The presence of polyphenols and catechins found in tea are responsible for heart health in general.

However, black tea contains caffeine, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Diabetes

There is some evidence that drinking no more than two cups of black tea may improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Thereby it causes the body to be more effective in metabolizing sugar.

Gut Health

Drinking black tea helps to promote the growth of good bacteria and inhibits the growth of bad bacteria. Therefore, it improves the overall balance of healthy bacteria. 

Improved Mental Alertness

Black tea contains caffeine which promotes mental acuity. When compared to coffee, it helps to maintain concentration throughout the day, without the jitters that come from drinking coffee.

Oral Health

A cup or two of black tea can ward off bacteria in the mouth, remove plaque, and serves as a natural breath refresher.

Bone Mineral Density

Tea leaves are generally high in polyphenols, which helps to maintain bone mineral density. According to research older women who consumed black tea had a greater bone mineral density, which is a very important factor in preventing osteoporosis.

However, black tea also contains caffeine, which if consumed in excess may cause bone loss.

Weight Loss 

Black tea can promote weight loss by speeding up metabolism when used without milk and sugar. The best time to drink it for weight loss is about half an hour before exercise, as it can help to increase your energy levels and burn more fat.

Related Reads:

Oolong Tea Benefits: In Between Green and Black Tea 

8 Best Green Teas for People Who Don’t Like Green Tea 

7 Best Morning Routines to Start Your Day With 

Brewing Method

While Indian teas are mostly brewed in hot water, Chinese teas taste best when steeped, not brewed. The water temperature should be below boiling point (80C), and each steep should not exceed 30-60 seconds. Otherwise, it can result in an astringent flavor.

Usually, a 5g of good quality tea leaves when steeped in a gaiwan, of about 170-200 ml warm water can have an amazing flavor that lasts through multiple infusions.

How to Drink Chinese Black Tea

Due to its bold and robust flavor, most of us are accustomed to adding milk to tea. 

Chinese black tea however is best enjoyed pure, without adding any additions.

Depending on the region where it’s grown and the processing methods, Chinese tea leaves are characterized by layers of flavors ranging from sweet, fruity, floral to spicy, even smoky notes. The complexity in its flavor doesn’t call for any additions like milk or sugar. It is rarely astringent.

Where to Buy Black Tea

Black tea is one of the most available teas in the supermarket, and I am sure most of you have tried some of the Indian varieties. However, there are many other Chinese varieties that are less known but taste incredibly well. You should absolutely try them out.

Disclaimer: As a participant in the Amazon Associate Program I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. 

When buying tea in China, as a rule of thumb people do not believe they could get the best quality buying from someone they don’t know, especially online.

Following this rule, I’ve made friends with some of the tea growers in different provinces in China. I always buy tea from vendors I’ve meet personally or have been introduced to. If you want some of this good quality tea directly from China, contact me and I can help you get it first-hand.

Read Next:

Best Black tea Types: Chinese vs Indian Black Tea

How to Make Milk Tea at Home: The Hong Kong Way

How to Make Kombucha Tea at Home: A Beginners Guide

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