When people say “tea,” black tea is likely what comes to mind. It is Camellia sinensis’s most well-known form and, unlike its kin, processed black tea is a fully oxidized product and is graded uniquely. In general, the wholeness of the leaf determines the grading of the tea and the strength of the infusion, with broken leaves yielding a stronger, often less complex brew, while whole-leaf black teas, along with being able to withstand slightly longer brewing times due to their reduced surface area, provide a more elaborate drinking experience. Black tea is also considered by most to be the form of Camellia sinensis that stands up best to milk and sugar, though with all such preferences, this is up for debate.
If you’re looking for a range in your tea preference, look no further than black tea. To say that the flavor profile is massive is an understatement: nutty, smoky, spicy, floral, earthy, sweet - mellow all-day-drinkers to robust, full-bodied special occasion teas; guaranteed, there’s a black tea for you. Our black loose leaf teas are carefully selected and hand-crafted by tea masters. We micro-blend and package small batches, assuring you get the best loose leaf tea from each harvest. Those wanting to sample black tea’s scope will enjoy perusing our Traditional Black Teas page.
While the science is ongoing, it’s known that black tea is a source of caffeine, a natural stimulant, so it’s not recommended before bedtime for those sensitive to caffeine. Black tea is also a known source of polyphenols, such as flavonoids, which are being studied for their potential to affect certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease, though this research is currently inconclusive.
Black teas taste best when brewed between 205° and 212° Fahrenheit. Our wide offering of unique black tea blends results in different optimal temperatures, so it’s best to experiment to find the best temperature range. As a general rule, black tea leaves should steep for at least 3-5 minutes and will grow stronger and more robust with each additional minute of steeping time. You can also refer to our packaging for specific brewing instructions to complement each tea. But most importantly, do what makes you happy!