Black tea: aromatic, spicy or elegant?

The versatile classic invigorates body and mind.

After Dutch sailors brought the first shipment of tea to Europe in the 17th century, people were enthusiastic about this aromatic infusion, which already had a tradition going back thousands of years in China.

In the beginning, tea leaves were a rare treasure and a luxury product reserved only for wealthy people in Europe.

In Great Britain, however, tea became so popular in the 18th century that the British spread its cultivation in their colonies and tea became a national drink in England.

The founding of the British East India Company in 1600 contributed to the strong expansion of the tea trade and had a major impact on tea consumption in Europe.

How is black tea made?

Black tea, like white tea, green tea and oolong tea, is made from the leaves of the tea plant Camellia Sinensis.

After harvesting, the leaves are oxidized before they are dried. The tea leaf is broken open so that cell juices come out and turn brown when they come into contact with oxygen.

This oxidation, also called fermentation, gives them their characteristic dark color and aromatic taste.

Where is black tea grown?

Black tea is grown in many tea producing countries, including India, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Kenya, China and several other regions. New countries are also trying their hand at growing this amazingly hardy plant, such as Colombia, Italy and Portugal.

What are the well-known types of black tea?

The most popular types of black tea are Darjeeling, Assam, Ceylon and Earl Grey, the latter of which is enriched with bergamot oil.

Each variety has its own taste and character.

Expressive black teas from Assam or Ceylon bring strong, spicy taste experiences, while Darjeelings and other highland teas delight with their floral, delicate elegance.

Black tea contains caffeine and is often enjoyed as a stimulating drink. It can be served hot or cold and is the base for many tea blends and drinks such as chai or iced tea.

Discover an incredible variety of delicious flavors and stunning cup colors.

What type of black tea drinker are you?

Are you still not sure which black tea is right for you?

Together we will find your favorite variety!

We would like to know:

How do you drink your black tea?

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• This is how I drink my tea: pure, white sugar.
• I appreciate an elegant, bright infusion and have an exquisite taste.

▶ Darjeeling & Nepal high-grown

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• This is how I drink my tea: Pure , white sugar, lemon, sometimes milk, as iced tea.
• I guess a "tea that always works". I like sparkling black tea, with a golden cup and a mild to medium-strong aroma. Occasionally I also make an iced tea out of it.

▶ Ceylon

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• This is how I drink my tea: pure , white sugar, sometimes milk.
• I guess a tea with little acidity that is gentle on the stomach.

▶ Black tea from China

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• This is how I drink my tea : milk, brown sugar, rum.
• I appreciate a strong black tea with a full flavor. I like the malty aroma. I also like coffee sometimes.

▶ Assam and Assam-based blends

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