Everything About Tea
What is tea ?
Tea is probably the most popular drink in the world, if we do not count water. There is something about tea: the aroma, the taste or maybe the ritual of seeping the perfect cup. But, there is more to tea than the pleasure of drinking it, otherwise it would not remain so popular for thousands of years. Chinese and Indians firmly believe that it is the tea that keeps them healthy and strong. English could not imagine life without restorative cup of tea when the going gets tough. What does the tea do?
Where Does Black Tea Come From?
Black tea comes from the leaves of a tea plant called Camellia sinensis, a plant that is native to Asia but now cultivated around the world. The leaves are typically plucked by hand. They are then processed to make the dry leaves used for brewing tea.
What’s Special About Black Tea?
Black, green, white, and oolong teas all come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis). The only difference is how the leaves are treated after harvest. Black tea is fully oxidized while other types of tea are oxidized to a lesser extent or not oxidized at all.
Properties that make black tea different from less oxidized teas include:
- High levels of theaflavins and thearubigins, the complex flavanoids that give black tea it’s notable health benefits.
- Darker leaves, which is where black tea gets its name.
- A stronger, longer lasting flavor.
- Black tea retains its flavor for several years. This has made it a popular commodity for trading over the centuries.
