Collection: Black tea

Black tea is an infusion made from the fully oxidized leaves of Camellia sinensis, which gives it its characteristic intense flavor and deep amber color. It originates from China (where it is called hong cha, meaning “red tea”), but today it is grown all over the world.

Unlike green or white teas, black tea leaves undergo full oxidation, resulting in a much more pronounced, robust aroma.

Black tea appears in many regional varieties, each with its own distinct flavor profile:

• Assam (India) – full-bodied with a strong, malty taste.
• Darjeeling (India) – known as the “champagne of teas”; light, highly aromatic, with floral-fruity notes and a delicate muscatel character.
• Ceylon (Sri Lanka) – the profile depends on elevation: high-grown teas produce a bright, golden infusion with a gentle aroma, while low-grown teas are fuller and more robust.
• China – a wealth of varieties; for example, Keemun offers a fruity aroma with a hint of dried plum, while Lapsang Souchong is famous for its intensely smoky, pine-smoked character.

High-quality black tea is usually made from leaves grown in regions that have been known for tea cultivation for generations. Its origin often helps you determine whether the tea is truly premium and what flavor notes you can expect.

While brewing black tea is generally not complicated, it’s still worth following a few key principles to bring out the best in your cup.

To achieve the best flavor, it’s worth following a few key brewing principles:

1. Fresh water and warmed vessels.
   Use cold, fresh water (avoid repeatedly boiled water, which loses oxygen). Before brewing, warm your teapot, cup, or mug with hot water — this helps maintain a stable temperature during infusion.
2. Measuring the leaves.
   Use about 1 level teaspoon of leaves per cup (~240 ml). Large, whole-leaf teas produce a more delicate infusion than finely cut leaves or tea dust.
3. Water temperature.
   The recommended temperature is around 85–95°C. Water hotter than 95°C may scorch the leaves, resulting in bitterness.
4. Brewing time.
   Typically, black tea is brewed for 3–5 minutes. Shorter brewing produces a lighter, gentler cup; longer steeping gives a deeper, more robust flavor. Delicate Darjeelings do best with around 3 minutes, while stronger Assams or Ceylons benefit from closer to 5 minutes.
5. Add-ins.
   Black tea can be enjoyed plain or with additions depending on your taste — a slice of lemon, a spoonful of honey, or milk all work well. Some blends already contain aromatics - Earl Grey is black tea flavored with bergamot oil. English Breakfast is a blend of Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas. You can also choose fruit-infused or spiced black teas (with dried fruit pieces, flowers, or spices). They’re a great choice for cooler days and a delicious alternative to festive drinks.

The most ceremonial styles of tea preparation come from Asian tea traditions. When it comes to black tea, however, the process is usually not very complicated. It’s enough to use good-quality teapots or cups — preferably porcelain — and steep the leaves for a few minutes, remembering that the longer the steeping time, the stronger the infusion becomes.

For more refined varieties, the most important rule is to drink them “au naturel” — without lemon and certainly without sugar. Only then can you fully experience the aroma and character that come directly from the tea leaves themselves.

Drinking high-quality black tea is not only a pleasure but may also offer health benefits. It contains many valuable bioactive compounds.

• Polyphenols and catechins (antioxidants).
  Research shows that these compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects [1]. Thanks to this, regular tea consumption may help protect cells from oxidative stress and even reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart diseases [1]. Black tea is considered a dietary ingredient that may positively influence the body due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [2].
• Heart and circulation.
  Theaflavins and flavonoids found in black tea may help lower “bad” cholesterol and blood pressure [3]. Regular black tea consumption is correlated with a lower risk of heart disease — studies indicate a reduced risk of cardiovascular events with each daily cup.
• Alertness and concentration.
  Black tea contains a moderate dose of caffeine (approx. 50–90 mg per cup). Combined with the amino acid L-theanine, it provides a gentle boost of energy that enhances alertness and memory without overstimulation or a “caffeine crash.” In practice, this means better focus and mental performance throughout the day.
• Low calorie and hydrating.
  Unsweetened black tea is virtually calorie-free, and a cup of brewed tea is 99–100% water, making it a good source of hydration. Regular intake of unsweetened teas helps maintain proper hydration and may support weight management.
  

In summary, black tea is not only about bold flavor and aroma — it is also a source of beneficial compounds. Its richness in polyphenols and caffeine places it among valuable dietary elements. It’s worth choosing high-quality leaves and brewing them properly to enjoy the full spectrum of flavor and health benefits.

For lovers of loose-leaf tea, we especially recommend SUKI Tea black teas — from classic varieties such as Darjeeling or Belfast Brew to the iconic Earl Grey with natural bergamot aroma. Our selection also includes blends with fruity and spicy notes, where high-quality black tea leaves are combined with pieces of fruit, flower petals, and warming spices. Thanks to these additions, the infusion gains a beautifully layered, floral-fruity flavor profile.

If you enjoy changing your daily rituals, explore our fruit teas as well as herbal and functional blends — a great complement to your everyday tea menu. Fans of Japanese tea traditions will appreciate our organic Moya Matcha perfect for moments when you want to swap a cup of black tea for a creamy, vibrant green ceremony in a cup.

To make the most of any tea, the right accessories come in handy — visit our Tea Brewing Accessories section, where you’ll find teapots, French Press brewers, and filters that help extract the full flavor from the leaves.

Whether you start your day with a bold breakfast blend or unwind in the evening with a delicate Darjeeling, a good black tea can turn an ordinary moment into a small ritual. Choose the loose-leaf tea that matches your rhythm — from classic Earl Grey to expressive Assam — and brew it exactly the way you like it.
In the JAVA Coffee Roasters collection, you’ll find black teas for every occasion: breakfast, work, time with loved ones, or quiet evenings just for yourself.

How much caffeine is in black tea?
A typical cup of black tea (about 200–250 ml) contains around 40–60 mg of caffeine. That’s less than coffee, but still enough to gently energize you, improve focus, and “wake up your mind” in the morning.

How do you brew black tea correctly?
The simplest method: 1 teaspoon of leaves per 200–250 ml of water, temperature 90–95°C, steep for 3–5 minutes.
Delicate teas (like Darjeeling) prefer a shorter brew, while stronger breakfast blends can steep a bit longer. Remember: over-steeping increases bitterness.

Does black tea dehydrate you?
No — consumed in reasonable amounts, it does not “dry out” the body. Tea is mostly water, and the moderate caffeine content has only a mild diuretic effect. Unsweetened black tea can be part of your daily hydration, just like water or herbal infusions.

Can you drink black tea in the evening?
It depends on your sensitivity to caffeine. If afternoon coffee keeps you awake, choose a caffeine-free option in the evening (like fruit or herbal tea). If caffeine affects you mildly, a lightly brewed black tea after dinner usually won’t be an issue.

Is black tea healthy?
High-quality loose-leaf black tea contains polyphenols and antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Unsweetened, it’s practically calorie-free, and when consumed regularly, it may benefit heart health and concentration. Just avoid adding excess sugar or syrups.

What’s the difference between loose-leaf black tea and tea bags?
Loose-leaf tea typically contains whole, larger leaves with richer aroma and a cleaner flavor. Many tea bags contain finely cut leaves or tea dust — the infusion is stronger but less complex. At JAVA Coffee Roasters, you’ll find both high-quality loose-leaf teas and carefully selected bagged teas filled with full leaf.

Can you steep black tea twice?
Some high-quality black teas (especially loose-leaf) can be steeped a second time — the infusion will be milder but still pleasant. Experiment, but always use fresh hot water and shorten the steeping time for the second brew.

Black tea with milk, lemon, or “plain” — what’s best?
It depends on taste and the type of tea. Breakfast blends pair wonderfully with a splash of milk. Classic Earl Grey is often served with a slice of lemon. Delicate Darjeelings shine best when enjoyed plain, without any additions.

How should you store black tea to keep its aroma?
In an airtight, non-transparent container, away from light, moisture, and strong odors (like spices or coffee). Properly sealed tea retains freshness and its characteristic notes longer — from Assam’s maltiness to the citrus-floral tones of Darjeeling.

Which black tea should you start with?
For everyday drinking, classic breakfast blends or Ceylon teas work great — versatile, bold, and perfect with milk.
If you like citrus notes, choose Earl Grey with natural bergamot.
For a more “tasting-oriented” experience, try a Darjeeling — light, floral, and incredibly aromatic.

Sources

1. Henning S.M. et al.: Bioavailability and antioxidant activity of tea flavanols after consumption of green tea, black tea, or a green tea extract supplement, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2004.
2. Ostrowska J.: Herbaty – naturalne źródło antyoksydantów, Gazeta Farmaceutyczna, 2009.
3. Gardner E.J. et al.: Black tea – helpful or harmful? A review of the evidence, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007.