Almost every tea drinker started their tea journey with black tea at some point in the past but not sure exactly when. You’re not alone! Black tea is the most consumed tea globally, making up approximately 75% of the total tea consumption. It's strong, flavourful, and enjoyed by millions. From strong and bold to mild and smooth, there’s a black tea blend for everyone.
Black tea’s legacy goes back to the 17th, while it is green tea that holds the title of the original brew. Discovered in China around 2737 BC, green tea paved the way for the development of black tea, which emerged many centuries later.
The exact origin of black tea is debated among tea historians, but here's a popular story. Black tea was discovered in China in the mid-17th century. Before this, only green and oolong teas were commonly consumed.
The story goes that an army from Jiangxi entered the Fujian Province and set up camp near a tea factory. This unexpected event caused a delay in the tea production, leaving the tea leaves out in the sun for too long. The extended exposure made the leaves oxidize and turn a dark red colour.
To save the tea and speed up the drying process, a farmer placed the leaves over a pinewood fire, giving them a smoky flavour. This accidental discovery led to the creation of Lapsang Souchong, the first black tea, which eventually became popular in China and later, the Western world.
Because of its fermentation process, black tea can improve in flavour with age and be preserved longer. This made black tea highly sought after. When British traders discovered its benefits, they happily bought as much as they could until the Dutch took over the market.
This prompted the British to find new sources and they eventually discovered another variety of the Camellia sinensis plant in India. These Indian teas had larger yields, were more cost-effective, and offered stronger flavours with higher caffeine levels. British growers in India developed teas like Darjeeling, Earl Grey, and Orange Pekoe.
Black tea was initially very expensive and mainly enjoyed by the wealthy. It became a symbol of status. Princess Catherine introduced black tea to the British royal court, where it has remained a staple.
In 1840, Duchess Anna Telford popularised the concept of afternoon tea. As black tea became more affordable, it became a common beverage for both morning and afternoon enjoyment.
Today, some of the best black teas come from specific regions around the world:
- India: Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri
- Sri Lanka: Ceylon
- Kenya: Known for its bold and robust black teas
- China: Yunnan, Fujian (for Keemun)
