Where To Buy Black Tea Leaves

Bold Flavor In Every Sip

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Beloved for its strong taste and wide range of options, black tea has been one of the most popular beverages in the world for hundreds of years. It is far and away the most consumed tea in the U.S. Even casual tea drinkers have likely enjoyed a black tea blend, like a robust English breakfast, a citrus-infused Earl Grey, or a sweet-and-spicy masala chaiand the list continues.

What separates black tea from other varieties is its long oxidation process. The tea leaves are left to dry and darken until they are packed with more tannins, antioxidants, caffeine, and, above all, flavor. Black tea also boasts an extremely long shelf life if stored properly, it can stay fresh for two to three years. Below, we rounded up our favorite options in a number of categories, flavors, and prices to help you find the perfect cuppa.

Whether you prefer bagged or loose leaf, with milk or with sugar, here are the best black teas.

• Can get two uses per bag

• A little pricey

• Difficult to find in stores

Form: Tea bags and loose leaf | Size: 40, 80, and 160 tea bags | Origin: Assam, Kenya, and Rwanda

Final Thoughts On The Best Black Teas

Black tea is popular around the world, and rightly so. Thanks to its rich history, full-body, and enticing aroma, theres nothing that can take its place.

Theres a black tea out there for everyone. If youre on a quest to discover your favorite, remember to stick with fair-trade, high-quality, USDA organic loose-leaf tea or tea crystals.

Black Currant Tea Recipe

• Mix 1 teaspoon of dried fruits with the 250ml water and boil it
• Switch off the burner and let it stay for around 30 minutes
• Sweeten with sugar accordingly

For black currant leaf tea, put 2 teaspoons of dried leaf in quarter of a liter of boiled water. You can easily mix both the leaves and dried fruits for optimum taste. For black currant iced tea, serve with ice cubes. In both the ways, the prepared tea offers a fresh flavor of black currants.

Black Currant Tea Photos

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What’s Special About Teatulia Black Tea

Organic and sustainable: The Tetulia region of Northern Bangladesh is home to Teatulias own USDA-certified organic tea garden. At nearly 2,000 acres, were proud that our tea garden is one of the largest of its kind in the world. We cultivate our black tea using natural farming methods that dont harm the environment. And we package our black tea using environmentally responsible packaging, made from recycled and compostable materials.

Award-winning taste: We oxidize our organic tea leaves just enough to create a black tea that brews into a fresh, sweet liquor with notes of apricot and honey. Our black tea is balanced, never bitter, and has a smooth and slightly sweet finish. Non-tea drinkers tell us all the time that our Teatulia Black Tea has converted them into tea enthusiasts! The tea industry has even recognized Teatulias Black Tea with a 2nd place award in the North American Tea Championships single origin black tea category.

What Is Black Tea

When it comes to tea, its hard to go wrong with Black Tea. One of the most well-loved blends in Western culture, Black Tea is a popular drink. Made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, Black Tea is the basis of many popular teas, such as English Breakfast Tea and Earl Grey Tea. All tea is made from this plant.There are two varieties of Camellia sinensis used for tea, Camellia Sinensis , which originates from China and Camellia Sinensis , which is native to the Assam region in India. Most Black Tea is made from Camellia Sinensis assamica. The Camellia Sinensis assamica tea variety became famous in 1823 and is now the most popular variety of Black Tea.

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Black Tea Has Antioxidants

Black Tea has many fantastic health benefits to offer those who partake of its tasty brew. First, antioxidants contribute a significant amount of health benefits to those who drink Black Tea. Not only can antioxidants fight off free radicals, but they can also defend against viruses and microbes. Free radicals are single oxygen atoms that negatively affect your health by attacking other molecules within the body. During this attack, cellar damage can occur, which may have long-lasting repercussions.

Black Tea For Your Hair And Skin

Besides fighting off free radicals, antioxidants can improve skin health and assist with heart health. Heart health is a substantial benefit of Black Tea. Someone who is not familiar with Black Tea might be surprised to hear that the drink can do many great things for their heart. Black Tea is packed with naturally occurring saponins, which can help to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. By lowering bad cholesterol , Black Tea may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving blood vessel function.

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What Are Black Teas

Black teas are derived from Camellia plants Var. and the subspecies, Assamica. This differentiation and the level of oxidation in the production of black teas allow them to retain their flavor for many years, unlike green teas. This has made them a more popular option among teas. Black teas are normally named after the region from which they are derived, such as Assam, Darjeeling, Nepali, etc. Black teas brew from reddish-brown to dark brown. They are the most popular types of teas in the West, although green teas have seen a rise in popularity recently. India is the largest exporter in the world. Other nations that produce black teas are Kenya, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Indonesia.

Collection: Loose Leaf Tea

Experience premium loose leaf tea with our handcrafted signature blends and single-estate full leaf teas. Our selection of organic leaf tea supports traditional harvesting methods and skilled tea masters while offering fresh flavor and natural health benefits. Whether you need a kick to get you going in the morning or just a small escape, theres a handcrafted tea here for you.

• Black Tea Club – Quarterly Box

  Regular price

• Boulder Blues Iced Tea Pouches $3.50 – $25.95
• Flat Belly Hibiscus Cucumber, Organic $4.00 – $44.95
• Flat Belly Hibiscus Cucumber, Organic Iced Tea Pouches $4.50 – $33.95
• Ginger Peach Iced Tea Pouches $3.50 – $29.95

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Best For Milk Tea: Taylors Of Harrogate Assam Tea Bags

• Slight bitterness not for everyone

• Subpar tea bags

Milk tea is used to describe several tea-based drinks, but in most cases the phrase simply denotes hot tea with a splash of milk. The cozy combo is best with black tea, especially ones as bold, malty, and slightly bitter as Taylor of Harrogates Assam Tea. Named after the region in India where its grown, Assam is a potent and extra-caffeinated tea used in popular blends like English breakfast and Earl Grey. This one is so strong the brand actually recommends serving it with milk, along with steeping it for a long increment of 56 minutes. Taylors of Harrogates Assam Tea is available in boxes of 20, 50, and 100 tea bags and loose-leaf form. Customers add that its an excellent base for bubble tea, too.

Form: Tea bags and loose leaf | Size: 20, 50, or 100 tea bags 4.4-ounce box of loose leaf | Origin: India

Our top pick is Taylors of Harrogate Yorkshire Gold , a high-quality black tea that’s bold, complex, and malty. If you love the flavor of black tea but want a decaf version, go with Harney & Sons Decaffeinated Hot Cinnamon .

How To Choose The Best Black Tea

The best black tea will depend on your individual palate and preferences, but you can use these tips to discover your favorite:

• Brew it at the right temperature
• Steep for the proper amount of time
• Stick with organic, high-quality black teas

Compared to more delicate green and white teas, black teas require higher temperatures and longer steeping times. Insufficient heat or time results in a weak brew while overdoing it will lead to a bitter-tasting brew rich in tannins.

In general, you should steep black tea in hot water thats 185-206 degrees Fahrenheit for three to five minutes. In most cases, 206 degrees Fahrenheit is the appropriate temperature, but the steeping duration is up to youlonger will make your tea taste stronger.

And remember: bagged black tea from the grocery store shelf isnt going to be the best black tea! The tiny black tea bags dont allow flavors to fully develop while steeping, plus they usually contain low-quality, machine-processed black tea.

For the very best black tea experience, youll want to try premium organic loose leaf teas, or you can also try tea crystals for a convenient option that doesnt compromise on quality.

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Best Earl Grey: The Republic Of Tea Earl Greyer Black Tea Bags

• Canisters can dent during shipping

• Lighter bergamot flavor

The widespread love of Earl Grey starts with two distinct flavors: the robust punch of black tea leaves and the citrusy zest of bergamot oranges. This unique pairing comes to life in every sip of The Republic of Teas Earl Greyer. The fair-trade-certified brand combines Ceylon tea leaves from Sri Lanka and, the key ingredient, bergamot oil to create one delicious cuppa.

Some customers say the bergamot isnt as noticeable here as in other Earl Grey blends, but the tea receives high marks for flavor nonetheless. The bergamot is designed to complement the black tea flavor rather than overwhelm it. Reviewers add that this tea makes a great gift because of the decorative tin it comes in. Tins are sold in counts of 6 and 50 tea bags, and there is a cost-effective bulk bag of 250 tea bags. Loose-leaf and decaf versions are available at slightly higher prices.

Form: Tea bags and loose leaf | Size: 6, 50, and 250 tea bags | Origin: Tea leaves sourced from Ceylon and Kenya bergamot sourced from Italy

• Sweeter than most Earl Grey teas

• Thorough brewing instructions on website

• Difficult to find in stores

Experts widely agree the purest brews come from loose-leaf tea. Large tea leaves retain more flavor and aroma than the dust and fannings that so often pervade bagged tea. And with almost 1,000 loose tea options, from gentle white teas to earthy pu-erh, Tealyra is the name to turn to.

• Thorough brewing instructions on tin

Benefits Of Black Teas

Black teas contain some caffeine, which acts as a stimulant for the nervous system. However, with a lower caffeine content than coffee , and the presence of tannin, black teas’ effects are not as strong as coffee, and not as immediate. The caffeine content in all teas, in general, is linked to terroir. Processing does not noticeably reduce or increase caffeine content. If you are concerned about caffeine, please try our decaffeinated black teas.

Please try our loose-leaf black teas. Whenever possible, we offer organic versions of our loose-leaf teas.

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Taste Feel And Flavor

Astringency plays a major role in the taste and feel of loose-leaf black teas. Astringency is loosely defined as a dry, rough, or fuzzy sensation on the palate that occurs when eating or drinking something. This sensation is a result of the sourness and bitterness which often is associated with ripe fruit.

Black tea leaves have a flavor that feels like a blend of coffee and red wine. When tasting teas, your palate registers a raisin-like sweetness, a gentle lingering acidity, astringency, and a rich, velvety body. Although similar, black teas have different flavors. While some have more sweetness and astringency, some, like our popular Pu-Erh Tea, have more body than the rest. Ultimately, the taste of black teas is a measured crispness resulting from the various influencing factors, leaving it sweet but tart. It is not uncommon to hear this feel referred to as brisk. The flavor, quality, and black teas other hard-to-describe factors are called mouthfeel. Some of our most popular black teas include our Assam Organic Tea and our mild Blue Sapphire Tea.

Caffeine Without The Crash

If you’re not a coffee drinker but are still looking for a daily dose of caffeine, Black Tea may be the perfect drink. Containing anywhere from 45 to 70mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup, Black Tea is one of the most caffeinated teas that you can enjoy, and it typically doesn’t result in the stomach discomfort associated with coffee. Plus, Black Tea not only gives you physical energy but mental as well, helping to wake up both your mind and body in the morning or during your midday slump.

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Loose Leaf Tea From Eugene Oregon Oregon Tea Traders Vision

We believe in loose leaf tea as a way of life. At Oregon Tea Traders we are committed to providing you with high quality products and artisanal blends. We strive to promote health, prosperity, and healing through drinking loose leaf tea. Fueled by a passion for a more sustainable and just world we strive to create “Tea for a better day” through our organic loose leaf teas.

• Teaware

What Does Black Tea Taste Like

There are a wide variety of flavors that you can get from our different Black Teas. Usually savory, you will experience full-bodied flavors from sweet and malty to peppery and smoky.Our blends use the base of Black Tea and build on it with premium herbs and spices, giving a fresh and unforgettable experience with each sip.

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Where Does Black Tea Come From

Tea is widely known to come from China, with both green tea and semi-oxidized oolong tea were the most popular. What westerners know as black tea is called red tea in China. Traditional black tea in China is known as fermented tea . Black tea was favored by Europeans due to its ability to retain its flavor for years – making black tea an excellent trade item.In 1610, the Dutch brought black tea to Europe, later arriving in England in 1658. Black tea was known to improve concentration and health and was enjoyed by royal families and the common folk alike. During the 1700s, demand for Black Tea grew immensely. When the Camellia Sinensis plant was discovered in India, Black Teas production exploded, allowing tea growers to create a wider variety of teas with bolder flavor.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats

This piece was written by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. Before recommending these products, he gathered information from customer reviews, third-party articles, and brand websites’ details on tea sourcing. He researched the components of popular black tea blends, which influenced his selections for the best English breakfast, Irish breakfast, Earl Grey, and chai teas. To recommend Harney & Sons Decaf Hot Cinnamon he read about the decaffeination process for tea.

Shunan Teng is the founder and CEO of Tea Drunk and an avid tea educator. Tea Drunk was founded in 2013 and has a brick-and-mortar tea house in New York City. Its teaware and Chinese teas can be purchased online.

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How Much Caffeine Is In Black Tea

On average, an 8-ounce cup of black tea contains 40 to 90 milligrams of caffeine. This is a higher caffeine content than most tea varieties, including white, green, herbal, and oolong. It is roughly half the caffeine in a cup of coffee. Pure black teas tend to be more caffeinated, while teas blended with other ingredientslike the spices in masala chaiare less so. The caffeine content per cup can be increased by steeping with hotter water or for a longer amount of time.

What Is Black Tea Good For

Black tea is one of the most refreshing drinks and the simplest one as well. This is one of the drinks forged with various cultures and carries its own heritage in a simple blend. Since every tea has a character of its own, black tea has a specific simplicity and realism associated with it and makes it exclusive just like other organic teas.

Black tea holds a revitalizing and lingering taste that helps in boosting your energy level due to the presence of caffeine in it. Along with the authentic taste, the health benefits of black tea have a number of health benefits such as immunity enhancement, protection against bacterial and viral diseases, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, etc.

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Where To Buy Black Tea

Black tea can be found online! Shameless plug: but as of writing this, we sell 15 different types of black teas. Were USDA certified organic, and our products are vegan and free of GMOs. To top it all off, we have over 10,000 positive reviews, so feel free to try us out! However, if youre more of an in-store person , you can find loose leaf black tea at any organic or wellness store such as Whole Foods.

Black Tea Helps Prevent Cancer

Another surprising benefit of Black Tea? It’s potential for fighting off cancerous cells. That’s right! The same saponins that have been shown to help with lowering cholesterol partnered with the rich abundance of antioxidants in the drink have the potential to fight against cancerous cells and potentially limit the growth of dangerous tumors.

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