Black Tea in China
Chinese black tea is not the same a black tea in the West (which is called red tea in China). ‘Black tea’ in China is also known as fermented tea or dark tea.
It originates from China and was introduced to India and Sri Lanka by merchants in the 19th century. It is made from the leaves of the tea shrub (Camellia sinensis) after the processes of withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying. It is much more oxidized and stronger in flavor than green tea and white tea. Actually, the infusion of black tea is red, however, its oxidized leaves are black, hence its name.
Brewing Guidelines
For each cup of tea you prepare, you will want to heat 6 ounces or 1.7 deciliters of water. You will want your water temperature to range between 205-212 degrees Fahrenheit or 96-100 degrees Celsius.
The time it takes to brew black tea correlates to the size of the tea leaf in your blend – and whether you are using loose leaf tea or tea bags. As a rule, the larger the tea leaf the longer the brewing time. As a general rule, black tea takes between three and five minutes to brew to perfection.
Health Benefits of Black Tea
Talking about tea’s health benefits, it is well-known all over the world. Every sort of tea has its own health benefits. They are healthy because of different reasons. Black tea, the one this article talk about, is beneficial due to its unique making process: fermentation. When speaking of the word fermentation, it specifically refers to black tea’s fermentation. Yet other kinds of teas are also fermented in vary degrees during making, such as oolong tea, white tea, dark tea and yellow tea. Fermentation is the key process of making black tea. The chemical change of polyphenols produces the special aroma and color of black tea, as well as its health benefits.
A Good Habit of Drinking Tea
The benefit of black tea for warming stomach is extraordinary. In cold winter days
, it is better to drink warm teas with gentler taste. Take a cup of black tea. It will reduce the discomfort feelings in stomach.