Best Black Teas
Black tea, just like any other type of tea, comes from Camellia Sinensis plant. It is the most popular type of tea in the US and west, mostly because of its long shelf life and bold flavor.
The black tea has its origin in China. It was discovered in the mid 17th century and then was introduced in the Middle East and Europe. Over time the production of black tea spread to India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Brazil, and elsewhere.
The black tea is diverse, and it includes several popular varieties such as Earl Grey, English breakfast tea, etc.
What makes black tea different is that the leaves are allowed to oxidize fully before processing and drying it. This gives the black tea it’s dark brown and signature flavor. It is bold and brisk and is often described as astringent.
India produces 50% of the world’s black tea followed by Sri Lanka and Africa. Black tea is enjoyed both cold and hot, and it has a caffeine content of 50 to 90 mg per cup.
In this article, we will talk about the different types of black tea, what are the benefits of drinking black tea and tips for choosing the best black tea. Along with this, we have also curated a list of top 6 best black tea available online. Further, you will find some frequently asked questions to clear your doubts.
Top 6 Best Black Tea in India
Benefits of Drinking Black Tea
Contains Antioxidants
Antioxidants provide various health benefits and consuming them helps in removing free radicals and decreasing cell damage and block DNA damage due to toxic chemicals or tobacco in the human body. This also helps prevent chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, etc.
The main sources of antioxidants in black tea are polyphenols, catechins, thearubigins, and theaflavins which help in promoting the overall health of humans. Some studies have shown that theaflavins found in the black tea help in reducing blood sugar levels and cholesterol. The catechins help with body weight.
May Boost Heart Health
Black tea also contains flavonoids. It is a type of antioxidant that benefits heart health. This antioxidant is also found in red wine, dark chocolate, and a few fruits and vegetables.
Some studies have shown that consuming black tea regularly can help in reducing the risk of heart diseases like cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and elevated triglyceride levels.
According to a research paper by Arab L. et al. people consuming three cups of black tea in a day has a lower risk of stroke when compared to people having one or no cup of tea per day.
May Improve Gut Health
Our gut has trillions of bacteria and the type of bacteria plays an important role in your overall health. While many bacteria are good for your health, some are not.
Studies have shown that bacteria type plays a vital role in reducing the risk of heart conditions, obesity, diabetes, etc. The polyphenols in black tea help in maintaining a healthy gut by inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria and promoting the growth of good bacteria.
Helps building stronger Immunity
Black tea also helps in improving the immune system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. The alkylamine antigens help in boosting the immune response and tannins found in black tea have therapeutic effects on intestinal illnesses and gastric illness.
It has the ability to fight viruses and protect the body from stomach flu, influenza, and other such common viruses.
May Help Reduce Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is very common worldwide and it increases the risk of stroke, vision loss, heart diseases, etc. Studies have shown that people who drank black tea daily had a significant decrease in diastolic and systolic blood pressure. However, it depends on person to person and not everyone may have the same benefit.
May Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer
There are 100 different types of cancer and many are not preventable. The polyphenols found in black tea may help in preventing cancer cell survival. Studies have shown that polyphenols in black tea may help in overcoming the spread of breast tumors.
This does not mean that black tea will help in preventing or curing cancer but it may help in decreasing the cancer cell development.
May Improve Focus
Black tea has L-theanine (a type of amino acid) and caffeine, that helps in improving the focus and alertness. It increases alpha activity of brain cells and helps in relaxation.
Unlike beverages with high caffeine content, the low amount of caffeine in tea enhances the blood flow to the brain without over-stimulating the heart.
It helps in stimulating the metabolism and respiratory system.
Easy to make
Black tea is quite simple to make.You just need to boil water first and then simply add the tea bag to an empty mug and fill it with boiled water. If you are using loose tea, use two-three grams of tea to one teacup. Let the tea steep for a few minutes. Strain it and enjoy the perfect cup of tea.
Prefer drinking the tea without any additives like sugar or milk to reap out the maximum health benefits.
Types of black tea
Assam Black Tea
In the 1830s, the British saw the opportunity to compete with Chinese tea makers, so they started production in India.
Assam became the world’s largest tea-producing region and produced about one-sixth of the world’s tea. It grows tea near sea level and the tropical climate and large rainfall result in its unique finish. It has a strong, bright burgundy color with malty notes and briskness.
It has a slight astringent flavor and is sometimes called the tea version of coffee.
Ceylon tea
The Ceylon tea got its name from the original name of Sri Lanka. The Ceylon tea is grown at a higher altitude or high elevation and has a light color. It as more delicate or mild flavor, while the leaves grow at the lower altitude, have darker burgundy brown leaves, and more robust and spicy flavor and results in deep black tea.
Sri Lanka started producing tea in the 19th century under British rule. It is enjoyed around the world. It is used in tea blends and is a perfect choice for ice tea.
Darjeeling black tea
Darjeeling tea is grown in the high mountaineers’ town of Darjeeling in India. It has floral and fruity notes and people like calling it champagne of tea.
It is harvested around the year and has four annual harvest.
The spring flush has a green and grassy taste, the summer flush has fruity and spicy taste, while the other two flushes have a strong flavor with a bitter taste. It is a light-colored tea with muscatel flavor.
Keemun black tea
Keemun is a special type of black tea grown in the Eastern region of China and is also known as Qimen hong cha.
This type of tea is tried and oxidized for a long period. People love its complex aroma and flavor which includes notes of tobacco, flower, fruit, and cocoa.
It has a distinctive red color and gives a sense of astringency when considered as a delicacy in China.
Yunnan black tea
Yunnan black tea has its origin in the China dynasty and is also known as Dian hong. This type of tea has a high concentration of delicate live buds known as Golden tips.
It is smooth and rich in flavor and has tones of honey, pepper, and chocolate. It has a brassy orange or Amber color rather than the normal brown or black color which most of the tea gives. The more Golden tips, the higher is the quality of tea.
Buyers guide
Research about the tea
Before buying the black tea it is important to do a little research about the type of tea you wish to purchase. The market is full of varieties of black tea and one should have a fair idea of exactly what one wants and what can be beneficial for them.
Knowing things like what the leaves should look like, what should be the color of leaves, and what is the particular aroma of the type of tea you want to buy ensures that you get the correct tea that you want.
Freshness of tea
Checking shelf life of black tea is very important. This goes without saying but it should always be consumed fresh or else its essence will be lost. The fresh tea will have a fresh aroma along with a brighter appearance and full bloom and once poured the infusion would be clear, glossy, and full of flavor.
Over time, tea loses its essence and flavor. It’s best to consume the tea within the first 6 months of harvesting. While buying tea online one should always buy from a trusted site. It is important to know the origin of tea, one that comes from a single state is always freshest and of premium quality.
Mixed tips
High-quality teas have sufficient golden/silver or taupe tips mixed with the tea leaves. Well-rolled, long, and tippy leaves are considered the best quality of black tea.
These types are also known as tippy teas; they have a rich flavor when compared to non-tippy teas. This is because the largest amount of fragrance and aromatic compounds are stored in the tips of the black tea leaves.
Aroma
It is very important to consider the aroma of tea while buying black tea. Good quality black tea leaves have a distinct aroma when they are dried and also the tea is steeped.
It should have a floral and sweet fragrance and aroma will linger when the leaves are fresh.
Purchase small quantity
It is advisable to buy it in small quantities and replenish it at regular intervals.
Buying and storing large amounts of tea is not a good idea as the flavor might run flat and you may no longer be able to enjoy the freshness of the tea.
Brand
When it comes to black tea there is a lot of information mislabeling and inconsistency in price so it is wise to purchase it from a reputable brand and website to avoid getting misled or cheated.
While choosing the brand look for the strength and brightness of infusion.
If you like having light black tea you can opt for the ones that are made during autumn and spring.
If you prefer your tea strong, you should buy black tea from Darjeeling and Assam.
Loose leaves or bagged tea
Loose black tea has a varied and deeper flavor. It is made from partial or whole leaves that gives the best quality tea. It has a more refined flavor and aroma. The bagged tea’s leaves are ground down and have a uniform texture, It also brews quickly and gives dark-colored tea.
6 Best Black Tea
1. Lipton Darjeeling Tea
Lipton tea is a product of Hindustan Unilever and is the number one tea brand in India. The Darjeeling tea by Lipton is plucked from the highest tea gardens of Darjeeling and is India’s most treasured tea exported in the world.
Lipton Darjeeling tea ensures 100% pure artisan cup of Darjeeling black tea. The leaves are long, full, and have an aroma of fruits and floral undertones.
This tea is perfect for any season. It is enjoyed with lemon and honey, but if you like you can even add a dash of milk and sugar as per your taste.
- This black tea is 100% pure and authentic
- It has the original, full and long tea leaves
- The antioxidants in this black tea help in keeping you healthy
- Darjeeling black tea is known as the champagne of tea
- The leaves are sourced from the Certified Darjeeling Tea Gardens
- It is rich in flavor and aroma.
- One can experience the same level of freshness in each cup
- It is very easy to brew. The tea gets ready within minutes
- No negative points were observed so far
2. Tetley Tea Bags
Tetley has been in the tea business for around 120 years now. Joseph and Edward Tetley started it and in the year 2000, Tetley became a subsidiary of the Tata beverage company.
This Tetley Assam black tea has a classic flavor. It is vibrant and has a unique taste every time you have it.
- It is a natural source of antioxidants
- It has a natural tea taste and there are no artificial flavors added
- It has a small amount of caffeine which can give you a morning boost
- This is an excellent tea for the newbies.
- This box comes with 100 tea bags
- It has a wonderful taste and flavor
- It is neatly packed and provides value for money
- No negatives points were observed so far
3. Dabur Vedic Suraksha Black Tea –
On cold days nothing feels as good as a cup of hot black tea. Dabur Black Tea brings you the comfort of tea with immunity-boosting Vedic herbs. Build your immune system with flavoursome Vedic Suraksha Tea.
- Dabur Black tea comes in a 25 tea bag pack.
- It has Tulsi, Daalchini, Shunthi, Black pepper and Kishmish.
- This combination provides health benefits and boosts immunity.
- It is a vegetarian product good for the heart, brain and digestion.
- The tulsi gives your ordinary black tea a wonderful flavour and has a relaxing effect and antioxidant action.
- The black pepper relieves congestion, and daalchini boosts digestion.
- The kishmish is for good heart health and shunthi for respiratory and brain health.
- When mixed with Dabur honey, Dabur Black tea tastes even more delectable.
- This immunity tea increases natural killer cell activity up to 17% that helps fight infections.
- It has Kadha like flavour, good for health but may feel too strong for light tea drinkers.
4. Vahdam Brew Earl Grey Tea Bags
Vahdam Teas are shipped to 80+ countries worldwide. A 4th gen tea entrepreneur established it with a heritage of 80 years in the tea industry.
This Vahdam earl grey tea is a perfect symphony of loose tea leaves with pyramid-shaped nylon tea bags for convenience. The leaves are sourced from the most premium tea plantations in India. The teabags are made using high-grade nylon that don’t tear up and easily brew a large cup.
- It is made of 100% natural ingredients
- The leaves are full and come in a pyramid-shaped tea bag
- With the unique tea bags, the tea infuses better and gives the full flavor
- This Early Grey citrus black tea has unmatched quality and tastes
- It is full of nutrients and has a great aroma
- The teabags are made of high-quality nylon
- It tastes good as both hot tea and ice tea
- The tea is very fresh and has a spicy flavor
- The tea is full of antioxidants
- Expensive
5. Teabox Mountain Rose Black Tea
Teabox Mountain Rose Black tea is one of the first floral blends by Teabox and it is loved by its consumers. The leaves, as well as liquor, are very aromatic and there are well-balanced flavors of jasmine, pink rose, and cardamom.
The cornflower has many medicinal properties; the cardamom has an anti-diabetic effect, the jasmine helps in reducing the risk of heart attack and the rose has various therapeutic effects like it relaxes the body and promotes glowing skin
- The tea has a smooth and sweet taste
- It has a very strong fragrance
- The teabags are nitrogen flushed and it seals the freshness of tea for a longer period.
- The tea is sealed in the bag within 48 hours of harvest to maintain the freshness
- It is a winter flushed black tea and has mild flavors
- It is made of 100% natural ingredients
- This tea is ideal for a dessert tea
- It is very easy to make
- The triangle-shaped tea bag helps with a better infusion of tea
- The notes of jasmine, rose and cardamom are appreciable throughout the length of the cup.
- The taste is very light and mild, so not ideal for those who want strong and bold flavors.
6. Teamonk Assam Dravak Second Flush Black Tea
The teas by Teamonk are grown in the highlands of Assam, India. The leaves are plucked by the most experienced tea pluckers. For them plucking the finest and freshest tea comes naturally. The tea leaves have golden tips that give the finest and highest quality tea.
This black tea by Teamonk is free from oils, artificial essence, artificial additives, etc. Anyone would fall in love with this tea at first sip. It has a very nice flavor with a golden coppery color.
- It has a mild to medium level of caffeine that will boost up your energy level and alertness
- It is made with 100% natural ingredients
- The taste of this tea is smooth and malty
- It has a strong flavor and aroma
- The tea is harvested during the second flush
- This tea is curated exclusively by the tea connoisseurs with more than 40 years of experience
- It is USDA organic certified
- It is a part fairtrade and rainforest alliance practice
- No negative points were observed so far
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it bad to drink black tea every day?
Black tea is full of antioxidants and does not have any side effects. When consumed in moderate amounts, it is safe for most people. It is advisable not to drink more than 4 cups in a day, as it might cause some side effects.
2. When should I drink black tea?
It depends on the individual. However, based on the type of tea, one should not consume it right before bed as the amount of caffeine may cause sleep hindrance. It is better to consume tea between meals. Make sure you have a gap of at least 30 minutes after breakfast or lunch.
3. Is black tea with milk good for you?
When you add milk to black it decreases the amount of antioxidants found in the tea. Also, the proteins in the milk can bind to the polyphenols and reduce the antioxidant capacity.
If you want to reap the maximum benefits from each cup of black tea, avoid having it with milk.
Conclusion
From “sweet tea” in the US to English breakfast tea, to Darjeeling tea, Assam tea from India, there are dozens of ways to make black tea and more than a hundred varieties to choose from.
Whether you are looking for the health benefits of black tea, are exploring the various flavors, figuring out the best black tea can be a daunting task.
Here we have listed the 5 best black tea brands along with the types, benefits and a buyers guide.
