Do all black teas taste the same?
Absolutely not. First, because there are natural teas (composed only of tea leaves) and flavored teas (when the tea leaves are mixed with other plants and aromas). Within natural teas, the taste of black tea can vary depending on the region, the climate, the harvesting and production techniques... Thus, there is, for example, smoked black tea: the tea leaves are heated with coniferous wood after harvest, which brings woody notes, close to the taste of mushrooms or barbecue. You can also taste fermented black tea, the tea leaves of which have been placed in a warm and humid environment to promote their “aging”. Which gives yet another (another) flavor, particularly creamy, earthy, combining intense notes of undergrowth. As for flavored teas, the possible mixtures are endless, and some - the most famous - have passed into posterity like the Earl Gray black tea with bergamot (also called Russian tea) or Indian black tea, very sweet and spicy, infused in water and milk.
Russian Earl Gray tea is characterized by aromas of bergamot sometimes mixed with lemon. This tea is a morning essential. It is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Chai is characterized by its typical spices: cinnamon, ginger, cloves, etc. It will also be suitable in the morning and will be perfect for a snack or a break during the day.
What is the characteristic taste of plain black tea leaves?
Generally speaking, in order to differentiate it from other teas, black tea is said to have an intense taste, rich in aromas and malty. That is to say evoking malt (a sprouted cereal), which can give notes of fresh bread and caramel. Black tea also has a strong side that appeals to coffee lovers.
What is the difference between the taste of black tea leaves and green tea?
If in both cases, the tea leaves will be harvested at the same time and left to dry, it is then that the method differs. Black tea will remain in the open air longer, in order to undergo natural oxidation. Exposure to oxygen will cause the tea leaves to darken. Oxidation affects the color of the leaves, the color of the infusion, and the taste. Black tea is generally less bitter than green tea, which is fresher and more vegetal. Even less oxidized, white tea is the lightest. It offers a soft and velvety texture, less strong than other teas.
What to enjoy with black tea?
At breakfast, the earliest of black teas, “English breakfast” will perfectly accompany your jam toasts. At lunch, Yunnan black tea goes well with meats such as veal, chicken, duck breast or foie gras. Then, time for tea time, with a black tea (Earl Gray,Darjeeling,Ceylon) accompanied by a pastry. In the British tradition, we serve scones, these small breads of Scottish origin. But it can be toast, muffins, crumpets (small pancakes) or other cakes like Battenberg cake (made with sponge cake and almond paste) or shortbreads (shortbread covered with chocolate and caramel).
Can we play on the taste of black tea?
Completely ! It's up to you to adjust the intensity of the black tea, depending on the quantity of water, tea, and the duration of the infusion. Then, you can add, according to your taste, sugar, honey, milk, a slice of lemon, infuse ginger... Black tea can also be consumed as iced tea, cooled in a large carafe with ice cubes. You can then add seasonal fruits: citrus fruits, peaches, apricots, red fruits… It’s up to you to invent the best recipe !
Finally, we can only urge you to opt for an organic black tea to make the most of all the aromas of the leaves. The organic designation guarantees a quality product without pesticides and produced with respect for the environment.