Black Tea

Black Tea: Diverse Enjoyment of a Classic

Not only the British and East Frisians love it: Black tea is one of the most consumed teas in the world. Once you've developed a taste for the tangy and aromatic flavor of this reddish infusion, the love for enjoying Assam, Ceylon, Darjeeling & co. often lasts a lifetime. How is this tea produced? And how can you, as a tea retailer, buy hand-picked black tea wholesale in Hamburg? Here are the most important facts about this tea. 

Black tea began its triumphal march in Europe and worldwide in Great Britain. In the mid-17th century, the English began importing Chinese tea. Initially, the first varieties were an expensive luxury product and a status symbol for the upper class. Over time, the world-famous British tea culture developed, which still prefers to drink unflavored, strong black tea. Although its preparation and enjoyment cannot be compared to Asian tea ceremonies, tea drinking in Britain is still a ritual. For instance, early-morning tea is sometimes consumed in bed, and afternoon tea or five-o’clock tea – often served with sweet tea bread – is world-famous.

Black tea is also beloved in Germany – especially in East Frisia. In 2016, the average East Frisian citizen drank around 300 liters of tea. Strong Assam varieties are often used to prepare East Frisian tea. So black tea is a true classic in this country as well. No other tea is consumed as frequently worldwide as this tangy, reddish infusion, available in so many delicious variations and considered the epitome of tea enjoyment by tea lovers.

Global Cultivation Areas

Like green tea, white tea, and yellow tea, black tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is also partially derived from the Camellia assamica plant. Originally from China, Camellia sinensis is now cultivated in many Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and even worldwide, including South America. In China, mostly green tea is produced, and in Japan exclusively. Kenya has risen to become the third-largest producer of black tea in Africa. The global distribution of cultivation areas gives rise to a variety of teas differing in texture and taste. Every tea lover is sure to find their personal favorite – whether it's from Sri Lanka, India, China, Kenya, or Bangladesh. 

The Five-Step Production Process of Black Tea

Black tea is generally produced in five steps. Fresh tea leaves from Camellia sinensis and Camellia assamica must be processed immediately after harvest due to their limited shelf life when raw. The production process is therefore carried out directly on the plantation: 

1. the leaves are hand-picked
2. the fresh tea is withered
3. the tea leaves are rolled
4. the tea is fermented
5. the fermented leaves are dried

The freshly picked leaves are first withered to extract water. Then the tea is rolled, traditionally using special machines that rupture the cell walls and release cell fluids. The process is similar to rubbing a leaf between your palms. It’s important that the tea leaves are not completely destroyed. The tea is then fermented, allowing essential oils to develop. During fermentation, the leaves are exposed to heat, moisture, and oxygen. After fermentation, the tea is dried at 85°C for 20 minutes, preserving its contents. The entire production process takes about ten hours.

The Most Popular Varieties of Black Tea

Black tea comes in a seemingly endless variety. From Assam and Ceylon to Darjeeling – many types differ in taste and aroma. That’s exactly what makes this type of tea so popular. There is a perfect variety for every tea lover. Here’s an overview of the most important types of black tea. 

• Assam

Assam tea comes from the state of the same name in northeastern India. It is made from a special tea bush – Camellia assamica. Assam tea is particularly strong in flavor and forms the basis for both English and East Frisian tea. It is ideal for preparation with milk or cream. 

• Ceylon

Ceylon is the former name of Sri Lanka – and accordingly, this tea comes from the large island in the Indian Ocean. It is also made from Camellia assamica and has a strong flavor similar to Assam tea.

• Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one of the most widespread black teas. It is grown in the northeastern part of India in the foothills of the Himalayas under a mild, subtropical climate. Darjeeling tea is characterized by a lighter taste and a pale color.

• Earl Grey Tea

Earl Grey tea is named after Charles Grey, the 2nd Earl Grey, who in 1833 lifted the East India Company's monopoly on tea prices in China while serving as British Prime Minister. Earl Grey was not the inventor of the tea; it was simply named after him. This tea features a typical bergamot aroma with a slightly smoky note. Today, Earl Grey is available in numerous variations – including those made with green instead of black tea.

Ingredients of Black Tea

Black tea contains a variety of valuable components. These include caffeine, tannins, flavonoids, theobromine, theophylline, phenolic acids, amino acids (L-theanine), vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. However, during the fermentation process, the catechins in black tea convert into theaflavins, resulting in a loss of most catechins. Theaflavins, though less studied than catechins found in green tea, are also considered beneficial. The type and quantity of ingredients may vary depending on the variety and preparation.

Effects of the Popular Infusion

Caffeine is likely the only ingredient that has a stimulating effect on many tea drinkers. Thus, black tea remains primarily a beverage of enjoyment that magically helps many tea lovers relax at home – perhaps with a splash of milk and a bit of sugar.

Buy Black Tea Wholesale from Wollenhaupt

Besides green tea, black tea is the most popular and consumed infusion beverage in Germany. Consumers increasingly focus on the quality of exceptional products when making purchasing decisions. As a tea retailer, you should therefore offer the finest and most exquisite varieties of black tea, which you can purchase wholesale from Wollenhaupt. With over 140 years of experience in trading fine teas, we provide personalized advice and supply you with varieties your customers will love. Our utmost priority is the passion for tea enjoyment combined with the assurance of hand-picked products – building trust that you can pass on to your customers.

Conclusion: Black Tea for Special Everyday Moments

Not only the British and East Frisians love black tea. This variety of processing the Camellia sinensis tea plant is among the most popular infusions worldwide. Black tea is available in countless varieties from different origins, flavors, and blends. No other true tea is used in so many ways and offers such great everyday enjoyment. Compared to other true teas like green, white, and yellow tea, and the milder, tea-like infusions such as rooibos tea, fruit melanges, and herbal tea, black teas have a distinct tangy and slightly bitter note, which many tea lovers highly appreciate.

Whether you enjoy your black tea early in the morning or as five o’clock tea in the afternoon – with this reddish infusion, pure enjoyment is key. As a tea retailer, you should offer only particularly exquisite varieties to your customers. At Wollenhaupt, you can purchase black tea wholesale and benefit from our decades of experience – and that’s something you can taste in every sip.