Black tea in a few words
All teas come from the same shrub cultivated since Antiquity, camellia sinensis. The leaves and buds of this tree are harvested and oxidized at different levels to produce white, green, black and oolong teas. The longer the tea leaves are allowed to oxidize, the darker the tea becomes. This is the case with black tea. This intense oxidation allows the leaves to withstand longer infusion in boiling water. Other less oxidized teas, such as green tea, are more delicate and are prepared in water that does not reach boiling temperature. The making black tea therefore follows a very specific process.
The infusion time of black tea
During the preparation of black tea, Tea leaves when in contact with boiling water release powerful antioxidants, notably catechins. Depending on your preferences, you can adapt the brewing time for your black tea. It is recommended to put 2.5 grams of tea for 15 cl of hot water, or half a teaspoon of tea. If you like your drink bitter, you can add an extra half spoon. Black tea should steep in boiling water for three to five minutes, and up to 7 minutes for a more intense flavor. If you prefer a lighter taste, simply decrease the infusion time of your black tea.
Pay attention to water quality
Water quality is the basis of successful tea. Water that is too hard will impact the taste and aromas of your drink. Water that is too hot will damage the tea leaves and reduce their benefits. Water that is too cold will not allow the flavors to release. This is why the water temperature is also very important.
Avoid thermal shock
Tea leaves are very fragile and excessive temperature variations can alter their quality. This is why it is preferable to avoid thermal shock.
How to make good black tea? Preparation steps
There are many ways to prepare black tea, however there are a few immutable rules that make it a sure success when drinking it. Discover our method for properly preparing your tea.
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Heat water in a kettle to a temperature between 80°C and 95°C. Avoid a hotter temperature as this may damage the tea leaves and aromas. Conversely, a colder temperature will not allow the tea to infuse properly.
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If your black tea is in a bag, pour the hot water into the cup containing it. If your black tea is loose, place the tea leaves in an infuser or tea ball. Then pour in your hot water. You need approximately 2.5 grams of tea leaves for 15cl of water.
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Black tea requires a long infusion time. Between 2 and 4 minutes is the generally recommended time. For an Oolong tea, choose 2 to 3 minutes, for a Darjeeling or an Earl Gray between 2 and 4 minutes will be enough, for a smoked black tea you can push the infusion time up to 7 minutes.
Good to know:
Loose leaf tea releases its aromas more slowly than bagged tea. For a more delicious drink, you can add a touch of milk. Spiced teas will require a shorter infusion time due to their multiple aromas so that the bitterness of black tea does not take over.
Black tea and its flavors
Depending on the region in which it is grown, black tea can offer a different flavor, ranging from bitter to slightly sweet. It can be punctuated with floral, fruity, hazelnut or even caramel notes. Note that there are flavored teas, such as the famous Earl Grey, a black tea with bergamot born in England.
To release all the aromas of a black tea, the secret is to put a larger quantity of leaves in your cup and to brew at the right temperature.
Black tea and its virtues
Black tea leaves have many health benefits. They have stimulating properties but are also beneficial for digestion. Thanks to their richness in antioxidants, they also help fight against the development of certain cardiovascular diseases and premature aging of cells.
Kusmi Tea, an organic black tea & Made in France
Discover organic black tea and Kusmi Tea flavored black teas, a range of delicious flavors made in our workshops in Normandy. As part of our commitment to sustainable agriculture and a healthy lifestyle, all our products are certified organic. The designation guarantees numerous quality controls and a pesticide-free product raised with respect for the environment.
Black tea can be enjoyed in different ways depending on the brewing time and the quantity of leaves used. Once you have found the perfect match, you may be able to prepare your black tea with other elements such as milk or sugar.