Contents
- First Historical Mentions
- Cultivation and Harvesting Techniques
- Composition of the Magical Drink
- Pros and Cons of the Elixir
- Tea Collaborations
- Choosing and Storing Tea
- Brewing Secrets
- Interesting Facts About Tea
- Shopping Tips
Classic black tea is one of the oldest beverages known around the world. A timeless rival to coffee, it has a significant impact on emotional and physical well-being when consumed moderately and regularly. In many cultures, tea drinking is a ritualized practice associated with cultivating and appreciating the finest tea varieties.
First Historical Mentions
High-quality black tea has long been considered a remedy for both body and soul. The earliest mentions date back to the 3rd century BC. In China, tea leaves were seen as medicinal food and consumed as part of the diet.
For centuries, tea was consumed in pressed forms. In Europe, experimentation with brewing methods only began in the 16th century. Initially, it was reserved for the aristocracy and only became widespread among the general public by the 19th century.
Cultivation and Harvesting Techniques
The best black tea varieties are grown on mountain plantations in Asia, India, and Sri Lanka. Harvesting is done in two ways:
- By hand – ensures product purity and quality.
- Mechanically – requires extra processing to remove stems and substandard leaves.
After harvesting, the tea goes through several stages:
- Withering – to reduce moisture.
- Rolling – triggers fermentation and enhances flavor and aroma.
- Drying and sorting by size.
Composition of the Magical Drink
The Japanese call tea the "medicine of wisdom" — they’re well aware of its health benefits. Black tea contains many beneficial elements:
- Tannin – improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation.
- Fluoride – disinfects the mouth and strengthens enamel.
- Carotene – supports skin and hair health.
- Vitamin B group – boosts energy.
- Vitamins P and K – support blood vessels and the circulatory system.
Pros and Cons of the Elixir
The benefits of black tea are well-researched and documented:
- Helps prevent cardiovascular diseases thanks to flavonoids.
- Improves digestion (thearubigins).
- Boosts immunity and helps fight colds (antioxidants).
- Enhances alertness and focus (caffeine).
Cosmetologists believe strong black tea rejuvenates the body and tones the skin. Still, there are some warnings:
- Not recommended for those with gastrointestinal issues.
- Drinking it at night may cause insomnia.
- Avoid brewing the same leaves multiple times — oxidation can be harmful.
100 ml of pure black tea contains about 20 calories. Adding sugar or honey increases the calorie count up to 8 times. It's best to drink tea plain or with healthy, low-calorie natural ingredients.
Tea Collaborations
Tea lovers often experiment by adding ingredients to enhance flavor and aroma:
Milk softens the taste and reduces caffeine levels. However, drinking tea with milk on an empty stomach is not recommended.
Bergamot helps flush out toxins and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar. Be sure to choose natural bergamot, not artificial flavoring.
Tea with lemon is warming and immune-boosting. Add lemon directly to your cup.
Mint has a calming effect, relieves fatigue, and supports cardiovascular health.
Pure loose leaf black tea provides energy and uplifts the mood.
Choosing and Storing Tea
Black tea maintains its properties for up to 12 months after opening. Store it in a sealed container, away from light, moisture, and strong odors.
Signs of quality tea:
- No stems or dust.
- Leaves are uniform in size, shape, and color.
- No excessive flavorings.
- Well-rolled leaves — a sign of proper fermentation.
Brewing Secrets
- Use soft water.
- Warm the teapot before brewing.
- Water temperature should be up to 95°C (203°F).
- Steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on variety and preference.
Interesting Facts About Tea
- Our ancestors stored tea in painted chests like treasure.
- Tea blends were invented by fraudsters to cheapen the product.
- There are thousands of tea varieties around the world.
- Milk was originally added to tea to protect porcelain cups, not for flavor.
- The UK has an official “ideal tea cup” standard.
- Tea bags still spark debate — true connoisseurs prefer loose tea.
Shopping Tips
Choose tea based on your taste and needs. You can buy premium black tea online at “Miy Chay.” We offer:
- Great prices
- Fast delivery
- Expert advice
- Certified natural and quality products
Buying black tea online with us is convenient, reliable, and cost-effective.