Black Tea and its impressive health impacts.
Black tea is a featured tea around the globe that is known for its color, taste and popularity. Black teas well-known categories are such as iced tea, sun tea, afternoon tea that is known over the globe. It is also known as “red tea” for its reddish infusion in China. Extracted from two different forms of Camellia sinensis plant broadly known as Camellia sinensis sinensis (that yields shorter leaves) which is mostly found in Chinese provinces and Camellia sinensis assamica (that yields lager leaves) found over neighboring East Asian countries. Great Tea Road carry the best black teas with a lot of selection. We obtain directly from tea farms. They are exceptional quality."
Black tea is extracted from the plant, Camellia sinensis. It is the most usual form of tea that is served without milk or any related supplements. Due to high level of oxidation in this form of tea, the color ranges amber to dark brown. The desired level of oxidation gives black tea its unique color, flavor that tastes savory to sweet. Black tea is fermented and oxidized during the processing stage while other tea forms such as green tea, white tea are only exposed to the oxidation process.
Origins of Black Tea
Black tea has a delicate, fresh and aromatic fragrance. The culture of black tea has spread over a period of centuries. It has been brought to popularity by the Chinese, Tibetans in their early trades. But in 16th century, the Dutch brought tea to Europe and arrived in England. Demands of black tea have gone beyond leaps as its addition with sugar imports from the Caribbean colonies has increased. As the world going rounds over the popularity of black tea, the next leap of its production came in the 1800s in the mountainous regions of Assam, India. The Britishers then ruled in India started planting tea gardens in Darjeeling, India. This region of sub-tropical climate suited the best for the production of bold black teas that went in huge demand across the globe. Oxidation
Black tea is product of high levels of oxidation. The tea leaves extracted from the plant, Camellia sinensis are allowed to fully oxidize before being processed under heat and finally, allowed to dry. Oxidation process allows the leaf cell to interact with oxygen thus turning the leaves to rich dark brown. This adds up to the beautiful flavor from malty to smoky notes. Processing of Black Tea Processing of black tea typically done by two methods:
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HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACK TEA1.Reduces risk of many dental problems
Intake of black tea reduces formation of plaque and growth of other tooth decaying bacteria’s that are responsible for formation of cavities and other teeth related issues. The presence of polyphenols suppresses formation of cavity causing bacteria and other bacterial enzymes that bind to plaque formations. 2.Skin Care Black tea is highly rich in antioxidants that also act as anti-aging and anti-inflammatory. Consumption of black tea improves skin tone and also benefits the health. Tea extracts or tea rinses applied over face adds moisture and improves skin quality. It also lighten blemishes, wrinkles due to aging and has a whitening effect on skin. 3.Controls Obesity and Reduces Cholesterol It has been found in people who drink 1-2 cups of Black tea every day have a lower risk of heart problems. Black tea reduces bad cholesterol levels in the body. It has anti-hypercholesterolemia effects that help human body to respond against heart diseases and obesity. 4.Rich source of Antioxidants Black tea is a rich source of anti-oxidants that help blocking DNA damages associated with consumption of tobacco or unhealthy beverages. 5.Stress Relief
Black tea is stress reliever. The presence of amino-acids L-theamine in black tea helps you relax and concentrate better. It also reduces the release in level of stress hormones, Cortisol when consumed on a regular basis; preferably 1-2 cups daily. 6.Keeps Digestive Tract Healthy Black tea is also responsible to release alkyl-amine antigens in the body that boosts the immune system. Tannins (polyphenolic biomolecules) present in black tea has a therapeutic effect on gastric and intestinal illnesses and also responsible for decreasing digestive dysfunctions. 7.Increased energy and Happiness Factor Unlike other drinks black tea has relatively higher caffeine content that enhances blood flow to the brain and the heart without over-stimulating the bodily activities. It activates metabolism and other functionalities of the respiratory system. |
Black tea is a sip perfect happiness that makes you smile and helps you indulge in work experience sovereignty activities of life goals."
Belgian Chocolate
The aroma of our Handcrafted Belgian Chocolate Tea is that of warm melted fresh chocolate. Everyone loves Belgian chocolate!
INGREDIENTS: Loose leaf black tea, Cocao Nibs, Natural Flavored
CAFFEINE LEVEL: High
BREWING DIRECTIONS: About 1 teaspoon per 6- 7 oz, steep for 4-5 minutes at 212F, recommended soft or purified water, add sugar or milk/cream if preferred.
ORIGIN: Prior Lake, Minnesota
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
FYI: We switched from using chocolate chips to Cocao Nibs because it melts in the summertime when we take to the Farmers Market.
Almond Caramel
It is a silky, smooth, warm, and straight light almond-caramel chew that somehow manages to be candy in the form of a drink without being sugary-sweet.
INGREDIENTS: Loose leaf green and black tea, Caramel bits, Almond pieces, Natural Flavor
CAFFEINE LEVEL: High
BREWING DIRECTIONS: 1 teaspoon| 8 oz Water | 4-5 minutes | 212F | Extra: honey and/or milk
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Coconut Delight
It is smooth black tea blended with Shredded Coconut and Coconut flavor. Yum!
INGREDIENTS: Black Tea, Shredded Coconut, Natural Flavored
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium-High.
BREWING DIRECTIONS: About 1 teaspoon per 8 oz, steep for 2-3 minutes at 180F.
ORIGIN: Prior Lake, Minnesota
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Vanilla Mystique
A blend of black tea and cornflower petals. Excellent as a hot or cold beverage.
INGREDIENTS: Tea (Camellia Sinensis), Cornflower petals. Natural Flavored.
TYPE: Black Tea
CAFFEINE LEVEL: High
BREWING DIRECTIONS: About 1 teaspoon per 8 oz, steep for 4-5 minutes at 212F, recommended soft or purified water, add sugar if preferred.
ORIGIN: Prior Lake, Minnesota
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Darjeeling
A very finest grade, whole leaf SFTGFOP(1), First Flush Darjeeling Tea from Singbulli Tea Estate. It is known as "Champagne of teas" with musky-sweet tasting notes similar to muscat wine. It can also have delicate vegetal, mossy, fruity, and citrus flavors.
INGREDIENT: Tea
TYPE: Black Tea
CAFFEINE: High
BREWING: 1 Tea spoon | 7oz Waterater | 212F | 3-4 Minute |Multiple infusions.
ORIGIN: Darjeeling region, India
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Minnesota Chai
Minnesota Chai is a warm, piquant, and delightful blend of Darjeeling and traditional Chai ingredients with a slight hint of Vanilla.
INGREDIENTS: Darjeeling, Ginger root, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves, Nutmeg, and Vanilla bean.
TYPE: Black Tea
CAFFEINE LEVEL: High
BREWING DIRECTIONS: About 1 teaspoon per 8 oz, steep for 4-5 minutes at 212F, Add honey and milk if preferred.
ORIGIN: Prior Lake, Minnesota
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
English Breakfast
A full-bodied Ceylon black tea blend Assam black tea and Keemun black tea. It has an inviting aroma and taking milk/cream well.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
TYPE: Black Tea
CAFFEINE LEVEL: High
BREWING DIRECTION: About 1 teaspoon per 8 oz, steep for 5 minutes at 212F, recommended soft or purified, and honey or sugar with milk.
ORIGIN: Assam (India), Keemun (China)
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Sun Moon Lake Black Tea #18
Taiwan is an island near China. Although mountainous, its climate conditions make it ideal for farming. Many Taiwanese have either Chinese and/or original tribal heritage, and the country's main languages are Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese. This tea is uniquely produced with a mixture of local Taiwanese tea cultivar and Burmese tea cultivar. The leaves were picked by hand. Its smell is like light lotus and cinnamon which is uniquely produced in Taiwan. Read more in our blog.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
TYPE: Black Tea
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium - High
BREWING DIRECTION: About 2 teaspoons per 7 oz, steep for 2-3 minutes at 212F. Multiple brewing.
ORIGIN: Sun Moon Lake area, Taiwan
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Hearth & Home Decaf
Tangy and lightly spicy without worrying about caffeine level. (Formally known as Orange Cinnamon Decaf)
INGREDIENT: Black Decaf Tea, Lemongrass, Lemon Peel, Cinnamon, Chamomile, Lavender, Hibiscus, Apple pieces
TYPE: Black Tea
CAFFEINE LEVEL: None
BREWING DIRECTION: About 1 teaspoon per 8 oz, steep for 5 minutes at 212F, recommended soft or purified, and honey or sugar with milk.
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Earl Gray Cream
Luxurious creamy aroma mixed with Black tea and Bergamot. It has become a big hit in our shop.
INGREDIENTS: Black Tea, Cornflowers, Orange Peel, Natural Flavored.
TYPE: Black Tea
CAFFEINE LEVEL: High
BREWING DIRECTIONS: 1 teaspoon | 8oz Water | 4-5 MIN | 212F | Extra: honey with milk.
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Lychee
Black tea scented with Lychee fruit, a native Asian fruit. It is perfect for both hot or ice tea.
INGREDIENT: 100% Camellia Sinensis (Tea)
TYPE: Black Tea
CAFFEINE LEVEL: High
BREWING DIRECTION: 3-5 minutes in boiling water temperature.
TASTE & AROMA: Red-brown color with a sweet aroma.
ORIGIN: China
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.
Lapsang Souchong
Smoky-dried over pinewood created this black tea unique and distinct from other black teas.
INGREDIENTS: Tea (Camellia Sinensis).
TYPE: Black Tea
CAFFEINE LEVEL: High
BREWING DIRECTIONS: About 1 teaspoon per 8 oz, steep for 1-3 minutes at 212F. Multiple brews.
ORIGIN: China
GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in an air-tight container, away from strong odor or sunlight.