The different varieties of black teas?
There is a very large variety of black teas! But no tasting without purchase and the choice is not always easy. Kusmi Tea helps you find your way. Discover their taste, flavor, origin and particularities!
BLACK TEA FROM CHINA
Keemun: this tea comes from eastern China, in a region known for its mountains and altitude. It will provide woody, fruity and light notes on the palate.
Lapsang Souchong: ancestral and consumed for millennia by the Chinese, Lapsang Souchong comes from southwest China. Most of the time smoked over a pine root fire, this tea stands out for its woody and very slightly ashy taste.
Yunnan : coming from the region of the same name, Yunnan tea is a high-altitude tea found in China in a region made up of mountains, rice fields and lakes. It is characterized by a perfect balance of flavors and a mild, light flavor.
Oolong: undoubtedly the most floral of black teas due to its fresh and intense flavor. Situated between green tea and black tea, it goes very well with a snack or a break during the day.
BLACK TEAS FROM JAPAN
Japan Lapsang: Japan Lapsang is a smoked tea from Japan that offers a woody and pleasant taste.
Smoked tea : there are several varieties of smoked teas in Japan. Smoked tea is a tea that undergoes a long oxidation period then a drying time on pine wood and then smoked over a fire. When brewed, it usually takes on a dark color. Very aromatic, it is notable for its woody and smoky taste. You'll love it for breakfast and brunch.
BLACK TEAS FROM INDIA
Darjeeling it is one of the most prestigious teas in the world. It is produced in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Darjeeling Gardens. It is characterized by a woody and blackberry taste.
Assamese : also an exceptional tea and composed of a light color, Assam tea is grown in the Assam region of India. With a full-bodied taste and a robust body, this black tea is perfect for breakfast. It is particularly appreciated by the English during their famous Tea Time!
Nilgiri: this Indian tea grows on the mountainside and benefits from plenty of sunshine. It has a copper color and a long and intense taste in the mouth. Some find it has some spicy notes.
BLACK TEAS FROM SRI LANKA
Ceylon : produced in the Ceylon region of Sri Lanka, Ceylon tea is considered a grand cru black tea. It stands out for its exotic and aromatic taste as well as its quality!
Which black tea to choose for a moment of sweetness?
Although the black tea leaves are little oxidized during manufacturing, they offer sweet, flowery and suave notes. What is the best black tea to give you a feeling of well-being?
Darjeeling tea: it is undoubtedly the best-known black tea in the world. It offers small variations in taste depending on the season in which the leaves are harvested. When harvested in spring, you enjoy the greenest of black teas. A cup of darjeeling has a fruity and floral taste, delicate and light.
Keemum tea: also called Qimen Hong Cha, this black tea is deliciously sweet. Connoisseurs have made it one of their favorite teas. In a cup of Keemum, you discover aromas reminiscent of wine, with delicious floral and fruity flavors.
Which black tea to choose for a drink with character?
If you like tea with body, what is the best black tea? It's all a question of taste. You just need to opt for a tea whose leaves have been oxidized for longer.
Assam tea: this is a tea of character, with its malty and lively aromas. It is often found in black tea blends, such as English or Irish Breakfast, for which it serves as a base.
Yunnan black tea: partially fermented, this tea offers original flavors of chocolate and malt. Chocolate lovers literally fall in love with this amazing tea. Some Yunnan black teas can leave a delicious spicy taste in the mouth.
Ceylon black tea: it would be more accurate to say “the” Ceylon black teas. Grown at different altitudes, they offer variations in flavors. These teas offer strong and rich flavors with hints of spices and chocolate.
Lapsang souchong black tea: with its smoky taste, this tea delights lovers of bitter chocolate and roasted coffee.
To buy quality tea, opt for organic
To drink quality black tea, at Kusmi we strongly recommend that you opt for organic loose tea if possible. The designation guarantees you quality leaves without pesticides due to the numerous controls carried out during development and production. Organic is a label that requires not using chemicals. Ideal for having quality tea and healthy tea leaves!
How to properly prepare black tea
Nothing could be simpler as long as you follow a few steps! First, you need to heat the water. If you are using tap water, we recommend letting it run for a bit before filling your kettle or saucepan. Tea needs oxygen to infuse, but the level sometimes decreases when water stagnates in the pipes.
So boil water at a temperature of 90°C. Black tea is infused in hot water, unlike green tea which requires simmering water. Once the water is at temperature, add the tea (a teaspoon) and gently stir the leaves. Leave to steep for a few minutes and then remove the tea from the cup. The infusion time varies depending on your tastes. The longer a tea infuses, the stronger and more robust its body and flavor will be.
Our expert opinion
At Kusmi Tea, black tea is a must in our mornings and breakfasts. Perfect for an energetic but gentle awakening! We strongly recommend that you choose organic. Organic tea is a guarantee of quality and health!
To the question: which black tea to choose? You can answer: absolutely all! You can vary the pleasures depending on the time of day and your desires. There will always be black tea to offer you a moment of gentle or intense comfort. Did you know that the black tea has multiple benefits?