Black Tea
Black tea is the most consumed type of tea in the Western world, with a stronger and fuller flavor than green tea. Fully oxidized, it contains more caffeine and pairs well with milk. Correct steeping time is essential to balance flavor and bitterness.
⏱️ Cooking Time: 5 minutes
🥘 Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon black tea (leaves or bag)
- 200ml boiling water
- Milk, lemon, or honey (optional)
👨🍳 How to Make
- 1
Boil water (black tea uses boiling water, unlike green tea).
- 2
Place tea in cup or teapot.
- 3
Pour boiling water directly over the tea.
- 4
Steep for 3-5 minutes (3 min milder, 5 min stronger).
- 5
Remove bag or strain leaves.
- 6
Add milk, lemon, or honey if desired.
🔄 Cooking Variations
| Method | Time | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chai latte | 8 min | Simmer black tea with milk, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom for 5-8 min. Sweeten with honey. | |
| Earl Grey | 4 min | Black tea flavored with bergamot oil. Steep for 3-4 minutes. British classic. |
💡 Tips
- ✦ Unlike green tea, black tea uses boiling water (100C).
- ✦ Do not exceed 5 minutes steeping to avoid excessive tannins (bitterness).
- ✦ Never use milk and lemon together in tea - the acid curdles the milk.
- ✦ For iced tea, make a concentrated brew and dilute with ice.
🧠 Did You Know?
Black tea and green tea come from the same plant! The difference is that black tea is fully oxidized.
The British consume over 60 billion cups of tea per year - most of it black tea with milk.
🥗 Nutrition Info
One cup of black tea (200ml) without sweetener has just 2 kcal. Contains caffeine (40-70mg), theaflavins (antioxidants), and fluoride.