Black tea: benefits and uses

To better understand the origins of black tea

Black tea is the drink made from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Camellia sinensis is a tree of the Theaceae family, growing to around 10 meters tall. The remarkable leaves are generally 15 cm long and 5 cm wide on the most vigorous trees. Alternate and leathery, they are characterized by a downy underside and finely toothed margins. Camellia sinensis leaves are light green, turning dark green as they mature. Growing in small groups or alone, camellia sinensis flowers are highly fragrant. They are characterized by 5 white or pale yellow sepals and 5 petals. Camellia Sinensis fruits take the form of small green to brown capsules. Flattened or spherical, they contain up to 4 small seeds. It is these seeds that are pressed to make Camellia sinensis oil. Originally from China, camellia sinensis is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical zones. It is found in Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Kenya. The tree is also grown commercially from the equator to Cornwall in the north of mainland Britain. In addition to a humid environment, Camellia sinensis requires acidic soil and a sunny or semi-shady exposure to thrive. It does not tolerate drought, but can withstand temperatures as low as -8°C. Today, Camellia sinensis plants are distinguished by their small size, designed to make leaf picking easier. Nevertheless, if not cut or pruned regularly, tea plants grow into magnificent, bushy trees.

All about the process of preparing the leaves used to make black tea

Camellia sinensis leaves are harvested and dried. They are then rolled and fermented. To do this, the leaves are simply placed in a warm, humid environment. This encourages the leaves’ natural aging process. Fermentation is essential, not only to darken the color of the leaves, but also to release their aromas. In fact, the drink obtained from these leaves has a smoother, earthier flavor. Intense notes of undergrowth can also be detected. Camellia sinensis leaves may look similar, but their flavors can differ. It all depends on the climate of the region in which the plants are grown. Harvesting techniques also influence the taste of the resulting tea. For intense flavors, manufacturers offer smoked black tea, for example. After drying, the Camellia sinensis leaves are immediately heated with coniferous wood. This adds woody notes to the tea. What’s more, this method of preparation produces a beverage with a mushroom-like taste.

Enjoy the daily benefits of black tea

Like green tea, black tea is naturally rich in caffeine. It also contains a healthy dose of antioxidants. Once ingested, these active ingredients act synergistically to promote the body’s comfort and well-being. To take advantage of the beneficial effects of black tea, you can buy the leaves in 500 g to 1 kg packs from specialist stores. In addition to plain versions, Camellia sinensis leaves are now available in scented versions. There are black tea leaves scented with jasmine flowers, for example, or dried fruits such as orange. For more unusual flavors, you can also play with black tea by incorporating other ingredients into the drink. Depending on your taste, you can add honey, milk or even a small slice of lemon. Black tea can also be enjoyed iced. What’s more, it’s excellent with seasonal fruits such as peaches or apricots. As with all herbal products, black tea should be consumed in moderation. We always advise you to follow the recommended dosage and length of treatment. On a daily basis, we also encourage you to eat colorfully and adopt a healthy lifestyle.