What is Chinese black tea?
1. Definition of Chinese Black Tea:
Chinese black tea, also known as red tea, is a fully oxidized tea made from the fresh leaves of the tea plant. It undergoes a series of processes including withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying to achieve its final form. The name "black tea" comes from the reddish color of its brewed tea liquor and leaves.
2. Appearance of Black Tea:
Chinese black tea comes in various shapes and appearances, such as strip-shaped, broken, and bud teas. Different types of black tea exhibit slight variations in appearance. The leaves of black tea are typically dark red or have an orange-yellow hue mixed with black, and the brewed tea is either golden-yellow or deep red. It is known for its rich aroma and elegant fragrance.
3. Flavor Characteristics of Black Tea:
Due to its oxidation process, black tea is less bitter and has a sweeter, fuller taste. It is characterized by a strong and elegant aroma, bright and dense liquor, and bright red tea leaves. Black tea offers unique flavors such as fruity, cedar, caramel, and honey notes.
4. Nutritional Value of Black Tea:
Black tea contains polyphenols, sugars, amino acids, and pectin, which stimulate saliva secretion. Caffeine in black tea can regulate the body's temperature control center, maintaining physiological balance and promoting fluid production to help eliminate lactate, uric acid, excess salts, and harmful substances, thus relieving edema caused by heart or kidney diseases. Black tea also acts as a refreshing stimulant by enhancing central nervous system activity, accelerating blood circulation, and promoting metabolism to enhance concentration and alleviate fatigue.
5. Brewing Methods for Black Tea:
Black tea is best brewed using a Gaiwan (lidded bowl) or Yixing teapot for a finer taste experience. Alternatively, a glass cup can be used for convenience at work or home. To preserve its unique aroma, it is recommended to use water at a temperature of 90-95°C (194-203°F). The brewing ratio is typically 1 part tea leaves to 70 parts water (e.g., 4g of tea leaves to 280g of water), with steeping times around three minutes. Black tea can generally be steeped multiple times, up to five or more.
6. Storage of Black Tea:
To maintain quality, black tea should be stored in a dry, airtight container like a sealed ceramic jar, stainless steel canister, or dedicated tea tin immediately after use to prevent moisture absorption. It should be kept away from light to preserve color and aroma, stored in a cool and stable environment, and isolated from strong odors to retain its original fragrance.
7. Recommended Tea Accessories for Black Tea:
Preferred tea accessories for black tea include Yixing teapots and Gaiwan, as they enhance the absorption of impurities and tea oil, and prevent over-steeping of tea leaves. Glass cups can also be used with reduced tea leaves to avoid over-brewing.
8. Pairing Black Tea with Food:
Black tea's slight sweetness pairs well with salty and slightly sour snacks such as sour jujube cakes, hawthorn strips, smoked plum cakes, preserved fruits, and fruit preserves.
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