What are the different types of black tea?
Take a minute and imagine a freshly brewed cup of tea in a white Chinese teacup. What was the colour of the liquor in the cup of tea? Unless you wholeheartedly prefer some other type of tea to black tea, there is a high probability that you imagined a cup of fresh black tea. This may not sound extremely surprising, as the tea industry is closely associated with black tea. Its robust flavour, aroma and darker hue when it is freshly made is the face of the industry.
However, not all black tea varieties are the same. These are a few similarities, but the flavours, aromas and other properties largely vary from one type to another. Before discussing these various types of black tea, we must understand the four main black tea grades. These grades consider the flush, leaf size and the method of processing.
- Orange Pekoe (OP)
- Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP)
- Fannings
- Dustings
Additionally to the tea grades, black tea is further identified by its origin. While black tea is cultivated in many parts of the world, below black tea types have gained the most fame and are highly favoured by tea drinkers everywhere.
- Lapsang Souchong
Historians have evidence to believe that Lapsang Souchong was the earliest type of black tea. As a result, it holds a prominent value among the rest of the black tea varieties.
Premium Ceylon Black Tea has always been one of the best Ceylon black tea varieties due to its premium quality in flavour, aroma and natural properties present. Ceylon black tea, generally, has always been one of the most favoured brews in the international and local markets. It is used in several infusions and to create tea-inspired culinary gems.
- Assam Tea
Assam tea hails from the Assam region in India and has a rich history that spans centuries.
- Darjeeling Tea
The flavours of Darjeeling tea vary based on the flush it belongs to. However, it is recognised as a superior-tasting tea by tea connoisseurs globally.
- Kenyan black tea
Kenya has become one of the leading tea producers. Their black tea has a robust flavour complimented by undertones of citrus, anise and cardamom.
