Black Tea Nutritional Facts

Black tea is a popular type of tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia senensis plant. Here are the nutritional facts for an 8-ounce (240 ml) cup of black tea prepared with water:

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg

Black tea is rich in antioxidants, specifically a type called flavonoids, which have been linked to various health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Black tea also contains caffeine, which can help improve mental alertness and concentration. However, it's important to note that too much caffeine can cause negative side effects, such as anxiety and sleep disturbances, in some people.

What is Black Tea Powder

You may have heard of the phrase, black tea powder and wondered what it is.

Black tea powder is made by grinding the tea leaves into a fine powder, which can then be used to make tea or added to food and drinks for flavour and nutritional benefits. It is commonly used in cooking and baking, and can be added to smoothies, yogurt, and other beverages for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients. You can take whole leaf black tea and add it to a fine food processor/blender to turn it into a powder at home.

Black tea powder is a rich source of antioxidants and other nutrients, such as caffeine and theanine. It has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including improved mental alertness and concentration, reduced risk of heart disease, and improved immune function.

Black Tea Types

There are several different types of black tea, each with their own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Here are some of the most common types of black tea:

1. Assam - grown in the Assam region of India, this tea is known for its strong, malty flavor and dark color.

2. Darjeeling - grown in the Darjeeling region of India, this tea has a lighter flavor and floral aroma, with hints of astringency.

3. Ceylon - grown in Sri Lanka, this tea has a bold, full-bodied flavor with notes of citrus and spice.

4. Keemun - grown in the Anhui province of China, this tea has a sweet, floral aroma and a smoky flavor with notes of fruit and wine.

5. Lapsang Souchong - also grown in the Anhui province of China, this tea is known for its smoky, bold flavor, which is achieved by smoking the tea leaves over pine wood.

6. Yunnan - grown in the Yunnan province of China, this tea has a rich, earthy flavor with hints of chocolate and spice.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of black tea available. The flavor and characteristics of black tea can vary depending on factors such as where it is grown, how it is processed, and the specific cultivar of the Camellia sinensis plant used.

Different Types of Tea

All 'traditional' tea including black tea comes from the camellia senensis plant. 

The colour and intensity of the tea is a result of how the tea is prepared and at what stage it is picked. Young tea leaves are typically picked to be prepared for white "silver needle" or "green" teas, including Japanese tea.

Black tea is when they pick the leaves, allow it to oxidise into a darker colour, resulting in a rich amber black tea. 

About Camellia Senensis (the tea plant)

Freshly Picked Tea Leaves

There are hundreds of species of camellia plants grown in gardens all over the world for their beautiful flowers and dark green glossy foliage. However, only one species of camellia is used to make tea, the botanical name is Camellia sinensis.

All tea, whether it's white, green, oolong or black is made from this one plant.

The tea is native to the high mountain ranges of Yunnan province in southern China, the botanical word "sinensis" actually means "from China". An old quote I heard as a child "I wouldn't swap it for all the tea in China", I suspect that's where this originated from.

From this plant there are two main varieties from which tea is made. Tea is best grown in China and Japan, but is also now grown in many other parts of the world. 

Many hybrids have been cultivated over the years to grow in Sri Lanka, India and Africa.

This tea likes to grow at high altitudes where misty mornings and evenings allow the plant to absorb a lot of moisture. These plants like the warmth and light of the sun during the day. It is possible to grow white tea in other parts of the world with the right growing conditions, high quality air, water and soil.

All the varieties of tea (white, green and black) occur at different growing and harvest cycles of the plant. White being the early harvest, green mid harvest and black late harvest.

The most popular varieties of tea made from this plant include:

White Tea 

Image: White Tea

Also called bud tea, is made with the soft tips of the plant. There is only one bud on each stem and it must be harvested only while it is tightly twisted. The new buds are pale grey with silvery white hairs, hence the name "white tea".

These precious buds are plucked carefully by hand to keep as many of these hairs attached as possible. The newest growth is the sweetest and most subtle of all the teas. It's definitely a favourite if you're looking to moderate your tea drinking intake.

White Tea Benefits 

Historically white tea was used because of it's antibacterial attributes and antioxidants. It is also a stimulant and can promote a relaxed body and mind, helping with concentration. It is one of the most refreshing of all teas.

Preparation of White Tea

• Boil the kettle.
• Add 2-3 buds of white tea to a cup and cover with water (250ml).
• Allow to infuse for 3-4 minutes. 
• Remove tea leaves and enjoy.
• Serve hot, warm or over ice as a cold and refreshing drink.
• This tea is subtle, sweet and delicious.

Green Tea 

Image: Green Tea Leaves

In it's natural form, dried green tea can be a dark emerald green through to a light green colour. Thousands of years ago in China, green tea was used as a medicinal drink. It was the choice of tea in the UK until the middle of the 18th century. It is still the most popular drink in China and Japan.

Green tea is made from the same tea leaves, but the leaves are heated to retain their beautiful green glossy colour.

Green Tea Benefits

Green tea is known to be a stimulant, diuretic and antibacterial. It contains the highest levels of antioxidants of all the Camellia sinsensis teas. 

Preparation of Green Tea "Sencha Green Tea"

Only a small amount of green tea is needed to make a beautiful drink.

• 6-8 leaves (these are tightly rolled in the pack)
• Boil water to 185 degrees
• Add leaves to warmed cup, pour over 250ml water
• Let steep for 3-4 minutes
• Remove tea leaves and enjoy

Finally we reach black tea. Full bodied, flavour that fills your soul with goodness.

Black Tea Blends

Black tea is often blended with other ingredients such as florals and spices to create different flavour profiles.  You can take a plain black tea like English Breakfast and add other ingredients in your pantry to make a delicious blend. We recommend a home made chai marsala blend using whole spices, cooked gently on the stove top for a refreshing black tea, with or without milk.

Black Tea Chai Marsala at home

Top 10 Black Tea Blends

1. English Breakfast - A classic blend of black teas, typically including Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas. It has a robust, full-bodied flavor and is traditionally enjoyed with milk and sugar.

2. Earl Grey - Black tea flavored with bergamot oil, a citrusy essential oil. This tea has a distinctive aroma and flavor that is both floral and citrusy.

3. Chai - Black tea blended with a mix of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. Chai is typically served with milk and sugar and has a warm, spicy flavor.

4. Darjeeling - A light and delicate black tea from the Darjeeling region of India, with a floral aroma and a subtle, slightly astringent flavor.

5. Irish Breakfast - A strong, full-bodied blend of black teas, typically including Assam and Ceylon teas. It is traditionally enjoyed with milk and sugar.

6. Lapsang Souchong - A smoky black tea from the Fujian province of China, with a unique, bold flavor that is achieved by smoking the tea leaves over pine wood.

7. Keemun - A Chinese black tea with a sweet, floral aroma and a bold, slightly smoky flavor with notes of fruit and wine.

8. Russian Caravan - A blend of black teas, typically including Lapsang Souchong, Keemun, and oolong teas. It has a smoky, full-bodied flavor and is traditionally served with lemon and sugar.

9. Ceylon - A black tea from Sri Lanka with a bold, full-bodied flavor and notes of citrus and spice.

10. Moroccan Mint - A blend of black tea and peppermint, with a refreshing, minty flavor. It is typically served sweetened and is a popular choice for iced tea.

Black Tea

Black tea is made from completely oxidised leaves of the camellia plant. The tea is a dark colour and has a strong, rich flavour. The leaves used to make black tea are bigger and it's the way it's prepared that creates the 'black' appearance and robust flavours. 

Benefits for Black Tea

Historically black tea was chosen for the antioxidants found in it believed to help many different conditions. It may also help with circulation and reduce fatigue.

Benefits for black tea includes rich in antioxidants, specifically a type called flavonoids, which have been shown to have several health benefits. Antioxidants help to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals, which are molecules that can cause oxidative stress and contribute to the development of chronic diseases.

Benefits for black tea may help to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation in the body which can lead to a healthier heart.

Benefits for black tea may help to improve mental alertness, due to the caffeine which is a natural stimulant. Black tea is a versatile ingredient that can be used hot, cold, in bubble tea and all types of cooking.

Preparation of Black Tea

The first thing you need is good quality tea leaves and filtered water.

We have a selection of tea curated for you, below.

Forever Young (Black/White Tea with Rose)

Premium Sencha Green Tea (Green Tea)
Bold English Breakfast Tea
Stormy Earl Grey Tea (Black Tea)
Chic Earl Grey Tea (Black Tea)

 

Next boil the kettle and find a tea pot to pour your water into with the tea leaves to steep. Many of our black teas have other botanicals included to create magical blends and maximise enjoyment. Preparation is similar other teas.

• Boil kettle
• Add tea leaves
• Steep for 3-5 minutes
• Strain, serve hot, warm or over ice

White, Green and Black Teas by the Tea Cartel

• Forever Young (Black/White Tea with Rose)
• Premium Sencha Green Tea (Green Tea)
• Bold English Breakfast Tea
• Stormy Earl Grey Tea (Black Tea)
• Chic Earl Grey Tea (Black Tea)