Black tea originated in China, where it was first produced during the Ming dynasty. Later, black tea spread to other countries and regions, such as India and Sri Lanka, and today its distribution extends to South America, Africa and beyond. Black tea is produced in many different leaf styles and flavour profiles, each reflecting the terroir of its origin. We offer black teas from the world's great tea traditions; malty Assam, balanced Ceylon teas, aromatic black teas from the Himalayan slopes of Nepal and Darjeeling, and earthy and complex Chinese black teas such as Yunnan and Keemun. The steps in production include plucking, withering, rolling, oxidation and drying. Depending on the terroir and style, the infusion can have anything from a light yellow to a dark red infusion.
Black tea has long been a popular beverage around the world, offering rich flavours, caffeine and potential health benefits. By subjecting the leaves of the Camellia sinensis tea plant to a complete oxidation process, black tea acquires its distinctive dark colour and rich flavour profile, which distinguishes it from other teas such as green tea. Where green tea is mild and contains a smaller amount of caffeine, black tea offers a deeper flavour and a higher caffeine content. This makes black tea a good choice for those looking for a refreshing drink with a strong and robust flavour. Popular black teas include classics such as Ceylon and Earl Grey; Ceylon is known for its clean, refreshing taste with hints of citrus, while Earl Grey, flavoured with bergamot, is an elegant blend appreciated by connoisseurs around the world.
For those who want to enjoy tea in its purest form, black tea is also available in bulk. Buying loose leaf tea allows you to discover the full aroma and flavour of the tea leaves, and is a great choice for enjoying all the nuances of caffeine and taste. Loose leaf teas come in a wide range of flavours and blends, from robust, robust varieties from Assam and Ceylon to the more subtle and fruity tones of other varieties. Loose-leaf teas make it easy to experiment with different brews to adjust the caffeine content to taste.
Black tea is not only an enjoyable beverage - it is also considered to have health benefits. Studies suggest that black tea can support cardiovascular health thanks to its antioxidant content, making it a tasty choice with potential health benefits. Many people find that a daily intake of black tea, thanks to both antioxidants and caffeine, can be good for both body and mind. For those who prefer a milder flavour and lower caffeine content, but still want to benefit from these antioxidants, organic green tea can be a valuable alternative. Organic green tea is often grown without pesticides and is considered to be good for both health and the environment. A good organic green tea can be enjoyed as a fresh and healthy drink as green tea is rich in antioxidants but contains less caffeine than black tea.
For those looking for variety, black tea and green tea are just the beginning. The tea range is vast, with many flavours and varieties to suit every occasion and taste preference. From the rich, caffeinated tones of Assam to the finest green teas from organic plantations, there's a variety of unique blends to discover. Whether you choose a cup of black tea with a strong, smoky character and higher caffeine, or a milder green tea with a lower caffeine content, each cup offers a moment of reflection and enjoyment.
Enjoy your tea with something tasty, like a light dessert or a simple sandwich, to enhance the rich flavour profile of the drink. With loose-leaf tea, it's easy to tailor the brew to your own tastes and discover how each variety develops its character differently - and how caffeine levels can be adjusted for the perfect balance of flavour and energy.
Take time to explore the world of tea and experience how both black and green tea can enrich your flavour experience and contribute to your well-being.
