Tea, despite a good run for its money from coffee, retains its title as the world’s most popular drink, and is enjoyed in a wide variety of forms and flavours. There is typically some confusion among the populace in regards to the different styles of tea we drink, it is often thought that green, white, and black teas are derived from different types of tea leaves, but that is not the case!
As it turns out, Black Tea, the traditional favourite in the West, begins life as a green tea but is subjected to a process of oxidation that turns its leaves black! In general, Far Eastern people drink their tea green, brewed from the fresh leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. The legend has it that the first teas shipped to England from China began the journey in their natural green form, but were subjected to heat and humidity during the long voyage that caused oxidation which turned their leaves black. The English drank it anyway and decided they liked it better that way!
While a quaint tale, and possibly containing a smattering of truth, black tea has been around for a very long time and various styles are produced all across Asia. Here are some of the most popular black teas to make you want to put the kettle on!
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Assam – This black tea makes up half of all the production in India, and is grown on the cool slopes of the Himalayas with the summer harvest said to be the best batch of the year. Assam black tea’s strength is legendary, its rich, bold body balanced by spicy, malty top notes.
Ceylon – One of the world’s most famous black teas, Ceylon originated in Sri Lanka, which used to be called Ceylon in the days of the British Empire. Ceylon black tea has a robust, full-bodied flavour with chocolate and nutty notes that make it a favourite at breakfast time.
Darjeeling – Another popular Indian black tea, it is often referred to as the champagne of teas thanks to its musky-sweet tasting notes similar to muscat wine, along with subtle fruity, vegetal, citrus and mossy flavours. Darjeeling is cultivated at high altitudes which contributes to its unique taste.
Nilgiri – This black tea first became known in 1830 where it was found growing on the slopes of the Blue Mountains. Nilgiri black tea’s large, hand-picked leaves have an unusual copper colour, and it offers intense flavours with a fruity, spicy note. Tea experts contend that Nilgiri’s sumptuous taste surpasses its more famous cousins from Darjeeling or Assam, and it is a key ingredient in the popular masala chai blend of Indian teas.
Lapsang Souchong – Lest we think all black teas come from India, let’s not forget that they originated in China! Lapsang Souchong comes from the Wuyi region in Fujian province and is thought to be the very first black tea ever produced. Lapsang Souchong black tea is well known for its smoky flavour, a result of a smoking process that uses pine needles!
Black tea is a delight to drink and enjoy, wherever it came from, it always satisfies.
