Although black tea is a very common beverage in South Asia and East Asia, many people still haven’t had the chance to taste it simply because it looks a bit intimidating.
Like most people have tasted a regular cup of coffee with creamer but haven’t had black coffee. So, if you are someone who wants to try out black coffee and you’re not sure what it tastes like – this blog has got you covered.
The taste of black tea
Similar to an americano, black tea has a very dark and bold taste. There are hints of a nutty flavor that can feel a bit bitter to some people.
Unlike green tea, which feels refreshing, black tea will make your mind feel refreshed, but your taste buds will be slurped in a bitter and malty taste.
However, the taste can depend entirely on how you brew it. Sometimes, when the brew is strong, you will feel the aroma hitting your nostrils.
On the other hand, a poor brew will have a paper-like taste with less or no aroma. You can add milk and sugar to the tea mix to lessen up the bitterness of black tea.
The color of black tea
Similar to its taste, the color of black coffee will depend upon the quality of its brew. If you brew it properly with the lid closed, you will get an orange-black color.
However, when the brew is not strong, the black and orange color will be distilled. But once it’s concentrated into a mug, it will appear as black.
Similarly, when you add milk and cream into black tea, the color changes into a nude shade. It can be either light or as dark as you want. The darker the tea is, the stronger it is.
The consistency of black tea
The consistency of black tea is very watery since it does not require any milk or cream while brewing.
However, if you add milk, sugar, or cream while brewing black tea – the consistency grows a bit thicker while still being watery.
The ingredients used to make black tea
Black tea does not require plenty of ingredients if you are making it in its organic version. The tea leaves used for black tea come from the plant Camellia sinensis.
However, some people like to add cardamom and cinnamon while the tea is brewing to add another layer of flavor.
The origin of black tea
Although there are multiple sources for the original black tea with the most popular ones are from China. This is part of why Chyna had a monopoly over black tea for a long period.
However, the British East India Company brought black tea into the subcontinent to abolish the monopoly of China over The supply of black tea.
But now, black tea or chai tea is consumed mostly by people in south Asia and east Asia. India exports it into Europe and the United States.
Types of black tea
Although black tea might look the same, there are different types that you can find in a superstore or a restaurant. Following are some of the best types of black tea.
Early grey
Early grey is the type of black tea that has bergamot oil in it. It is also known as an English breakfast tea, and people usually enjoy it with milk and sugar.
The taste is rich and warm, and the robust flavors will wake you up in no time.
Masala Chai
Masala Chai is a creation that is exported by the subcontinent into the world. The ingredients include black tea leaves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Some people also add cloves and salt to taste.
Because of the long list of ingredients, Masala Chai requires more time to brew to assemble all the flavors properly. You can add milk and sugar that will help to enhance the richness of the flavor.
Assam Tea
How the name suggests, this tea is grown in Assam, India. The flavors are more robust. Similarly, the color of the Assam tea is darker, which also produces a very strong aroma.
How to make black tea?
The recipe depends on what type of tea you want to make. However, the initial process is the same. Here’s what you need to do to enjoy a fresh cup of black tea.
- Boil some water into a pan or use a kettle.
- Once the water starts to simmer, add black tea powder or leaves.
- If you are using a kettle, just pour the simmering water into a cup and add your teabag.
- Once the orange-black color spreads into the pan, cover it with a lid, so the moisture gets locked inside.
For Masala Chai
- Add cardamom, cinnamon, and other Indian herbs according to your taste, and let the water brew.
- After you can smell all the spices, add sugar, salt and milk.
- Let it boil for another 2-3 minutes, and then pour it into a cup with the help of a filter.
Takeaway
Black tea without any condiments is not a popular drink among Gen Z, but the millennials and boomers still enjoy it.
The taste is a bit similar to black coffee, the first few tries may leave a bitter aftertaste, but once you start enjoying the flavor, you will enjoy black tea more than ever (and it’s good for your health too).
Especially because the bitter and robust flavor can wake your mind up in a matter of minutes, although the first traces of black tea were found in China, the subcontinent is now the biggest exporter and consumer of black tea.