The
American palate has certainly become used that typical strong black tea that
can stand up to sweetener and cream or lots of ice. For a long time, the
quality and variety of black tea wasn’t something that was highly regarded here
in the United States. Mass production to meet the demand for tea was more
important. But as consumers learn more about the world of tea, demand for
premium, artisan, loose leaf teas are on the rise, and variety, freshness and
flavor have become important distinguishing factors in choosing which black tea
to sip.
When
choosing a black tea to drink, remember that not all black teas taste the same.
Just like with fine wine, there are so many variables that give individual
black teas their own particular flavor profiles, including where it was grown,
if it grew near other crops that affected its flavor (e.g. rose bushes or
coffee plants), what kind of climate it grew in, if it was fertilized naturally
or with chemicals, how long the leaves were allowed to oxidize when processed,
what kind of heat treatment the leaves received to stop oxidization, and
whether the leaves were left whole (orthodox) or cut into smaller pieces
(non-orthodox) for packaging.
Generally,
black tea is stronger, bolder and richer than green tea. A brewed black tea can
range in color from amber to red to dark brown, and its flavor profile can
range from savory to sweet, depending on how long it was oxidized and how it
was it was heat processed. Black tea typically has more astringency and
bitterness than green tea, but if brewed correctly it should be smooth and
flavorful.
Some
common traits used to describe the overall flavor profile of the black tea
category include malty, smoky, brisk, earthy, spiced, nutty, metallic, citrus,
caramel, leather, fruity, sweet and honey.
Brewing
The
more delicate black teas, such as Darjeeling, should be steeped for 3 to 4
minutes. The same holds for broken leaf teas, which have more surface area and
need less brewing time than whole leaves. Whole leaf black teas, and black teas
that will be served with milk or lemon, should be steeped 4 to 5 minutes.
Longer steeping times make the tea bitter (at this point, in the UK it is
referred to as being "stewed"). When the tea has brewed long enough
to suit the tastes of the drinker, it should be strained before serving.
Are you looking for Teas to use as gifts for
a business associates, family or friends? A quick visit to
http://sunburstoranges.com can solve all of your fresh gift giving adventures.
We sell only the finest selections and the freshest citrus you can buy.
Presented By:
Sunburst Oranges
180 South “E” Street
Porterville, CA 93257
559-561-3391
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