BLACK TEA
Black tea has a robust and bold flavor and is frequently enjoyed with milk and sugar. It is made from fully fermented tea leaves.
Black tea is a type of tea made from completely oxidized tea leaves. The leaves are withered first to remove moisture, then rolled or crushed to break down cell walls and release enzymes that promote oxidation. The leaves are then allowed to oxidize or ferment, which changes the color of the leaves from green to brown or black and gives black tea its distinctive bold and robust flavor.
After oxidation, the leaves are fired or dried to stop the process and preserve the tea's flavor and aroma. Black tea is usually brewed with hot water and served with milk and sugar, and Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon, and Earl Grey are all popular types of black tea.
Because of its high caffeine content, black tea is a popular choice for a midday or morning pick-me-up. It also contains antioxidants and other compounds that may benefit health, such as lowering the risk of heart disease, improving gut health, and increasing mental alertness.
Ingredients:
- 1 tea bag or 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf black tea
- 1 cup of hot water
- Sweetener (such as sugar, honey or stevia), if desired
- Milk or lemon, if desired
Instructions:
- Boil water: Bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil.
- Add tea leaves or tea bag: Place 1-2 teaspoons of black tea leaves or 1 tea bag into a teapot or directly into a cup.
- Pour hot water: Pour the hot water over the tea leaves or tea bag.
- Steep the tea: Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on the desired strength.
- Strain and serve: Remove the tea bag or strain the loose leaves using a fine mesh strainer. Add sweetener and/or milk or lemon, if desired.
- Enjoy: Sip the black tea and enjoy its rich, bold flavor.
Note: You can adjust the amount of tea leaves and steeping time to your desired taste. You can also experiment with different varieties of black tea to find your favorite flavor.