What Is Black Tea?

It is generally stronger in flavor and contains more caffeine than the less oxidized teas. Two principal varieties of the species are used, the small-leaved Chinese variety, also used for green and white teas, and the large-leaved Assamese plant which was traditionally only used for black variety teas, although in recent years some green has been produced.



In Chinese, the term is a commonly used classification for post-fermented teas, such as Pu-erh tea. In the Western world, "red tea" more commonly refers to rooibos, a South African tisane(not a true tea).

Amazingly it can retain its flavor for several years. For this reason, it has long been an article of trade, and compressed bricks of tea served as a form of currency in Mongolia, Tibet, and Siberia into the 19th century. The tea originally imported to Europe was either green or semi-oxidized.

It still accounts for over ninety percent of all tea sold in the West.

Health Benefits of Black Variety Teas

- contain antioxidants which help protect against heart attacks and cancer.

- stimulates your immune system to assist in the prevention of colds and flu

- contains around half the caffeine of coffee

Read more about the health benefits of Oolong Tea and also Green Tea, including how they can help you lose weight.

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