Black Tea Recipe
The history of Black Tea goes back to 1640s when Dutch Traders introduced tea to society patrons in The Hague and it became a fashionable range. Eventually, England came into the picture, and tea became an integral part of their community. Over time, black tea became a national obsession and was enjoyed by all classes of the society from royalty to peasants. Since then, black tea is the most well-known tea in the western parts of the world. Paradoxically, black tea is the least consumed class of tea in China even though it produces it in large quantity and amazing quality. It is also not consumed in Japan, Korea or Taiwan, but is widely consumed as well as produced in India and Sri Lanka. Production of Black Tea: Crafting black tea has always been considered an art because the flavor profile develops quickly. The basic process of producing good quality black tea includes withering, rolling, oxidation and drying. However, the quality and taste of black tea is also determined by the amount of soluble matter in the leaf (chemicals that dissolve during different tea processing stages) that transform during the oxidation process. This transformation creates unique tastes and aromas. Black Tea Recipe: The best thing about making black tea at home is that you don’t need a lot of ingredients. It is less expensive and easy to make.
Servings 1 Person
Calories 2kcal
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of Simmering Water and some more, if you wish to pre-heat the equipment used to brew tea.
- 1 TBsp 2 to 3 Grams of Loose Leaf Black Tea.
- Optional Milk Lemon, Sugar, Honey, etc.
Instructions
- Place the water in a tea kettle and heat it between 200° and 212°F.
- Pre-heating the teapot or cup in which the tea will be served (optional). It is always good to do so before you pour the boiling water into it because the temperature of the water may drop down immediately if the pot or cup is not warm.
- Measuring the tea leaves, undoubtedly an important step. Up to two grams of black loose tea leaves can be added to make one perfect cup of tea.
- Place the tea leaves in the pot or cup, either directly or in an infuser, and pour water over them.
- Place the lid on the teapot, or if using a cup, cover the cup with a lid or a small saucer.
- Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. It’s best to taste your tea after 3 minutes and then after every 30 seconds until it satisfies your taste.
- As soon as the tea is ready, remove the leaves by lifting out the infuser or pouring the tea through a strainer. (The taste may vary if the leaves are not removed on time)
- You can add milk and honey to sweeten your tea. Many people also prefer adding lemon and sugar cubes to their tea. If you add milk, heat it gradually by adding the milk to the cup first and then pouring in the tea. Avoid combining milk and lemon together as the milk may curdle.
Notes
Black Tea Recipe
If you like your tea strong, you may add more tea leaves rather than cooking it for a longer time. For if you cook it for a very long time, it may become bitter. Make sure that you boil your tea at least 2 to 3 times to bring out the complete flavor of the tea leaves. Also, the water that you use to make black tea also plays an important role. You should never use distilled water to brew your tea as it may make the black tea taste flat. Using fresh water is the best choice you can make.
Equipment:
- Kettle to boil water
- Teapot
- Scale or measuring spoon
- Filter or strainer
- Tea cup
- Spoon for stirring milk, sugar, lemon