In the realm of tea, black tea stands out like an elegant gentleman, captivating the hearts of countless tea enthusiasts with its unique charm. Today, let us delve into the world of black tea and unveil its mysterious veil.
The Magical Fermentation Journey of Black Tea As a fully fermented tea, the fermentation process of black tea is akin to a magical spell. Much like the enchanted potions in Western fairy tales, it transforms ordinary leaves into something extraordinary. Polyphenols in the tea leaves, under the influence of enzymes, interact intimately with oxygen in the air, embarking on a splendid transformation. From their initial green and unripe state, they gradually become rich in color, fragrant, and full-bodied in taste. This process is akin to the metamorphosis of an uglyling duck into a swan, a transformation that is nothing short of astonishing. Take Lapsang Souchong, for instance; its fermentation is uniquely particular. After picking, the leaves undergo withering, akin to a lazy afternoon sunbath, losing some of their moisture. Then comes the rolling process, which is like giving the leaves a massage, allowing the tea juices to seep out and laying the foundation for subsequent fermentation. Finally, under specific temperature and humidity conditions, the leaves undergo fermentation, during which the internal substances of the tea undergo continuous chemical reactions, forming the distinctive flavor of Lapsang Souchong, with a hint of pine smoke, reminiscent of a bonfire in the forest. A Grand Tour of Black Tea Flavors 1. Jin Jun Mei: The Elegant Taste of Tea Aristocracy Jin Jun Mei, originating from Wuyi Mountain in Fujian, is like a noble aristocrat. Its taste is fresh and sweet, with a subtle floral and honey fragrance. It is as if one is tasting sweet nectar in a spring garden, with every sip filled with the essence of spring. The brewed Jin Jun Mei has a golden, transparent tea soup, resembling sunlight passing through amber, pleasing to the eye. Its aroma is long-lasting, much like a melodious classical piece, with lingering aftertastes that resonate in the mouth for a long time. 2. Dian Hong: The Passionate Yunnan Flavor Dian Hong hails from the colorful clouds of Yunnan’s Xishuangbanna region, brimming with a vibrant and passionate spirit. Its taste is rich, mellow, and sweet, with a high and long-lasting aroma. A sip of Dian Hong is like standing under the intense sunlight of Yunnan, feeling the warmth of the ethnic minority’s passionate songs and dances.Dian Hong’s tea soup is bright red, akin to a burning flame, with a rich aroma that carries fruity notes, reminiscent of the enticing scent of ripe fruits in an orchard.
3. Lapsang Souchong: The Unique Charm from the Depths of the Forest Lapsang Souchong boasts a unique charm from the depths of the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian. Its distinctive smoky aroma is like the mist in the forest, carrying an air of mystery. The taste is mellow, much like an aged individual who has experienced many vicissitudes, with a wealth of connotations. When paired with milk, Lapsang Souchong drinks like a Western gentleman meeting an elegant lady, creating a wonderful spark and a smoother, richer taste. 4. Keemun Black Tea: The Unique Representative of Eastern Tea Fragrance Keemun Black Tea, originating from Qimen County in Anhui Province, is renowned for its unique ‘Qimen fragrance.’ This aroma is both unique and enchanting, with fruity and sweet notes, much like the unique charm emanating from an Eastern woman. The taste is mellow, leaving a lasting impression. Like ancient Chinese poetry, it is concise yet full of charm, with new discoveries upon each savor. The Secret Garden of Black Tea Prices The prices of black tea are like a mysterious garden, with different levels and landscapes. Numerous factors influence the price of black tea, much like a complex symphony where each note plays a significant role. The origin is one of the significant factors affecting the price. Just as with Bordeaux wines from France, specific origins confer unique qualities and value on the wine. For instance, Jin Jun Mei from Wuyi Mountains, due to its unique geographical and climatic conditions, boasts superior tea quality and is relatively more expensive. On the other hand, black teas from common origins are more affordable. The quality of the tea is also key in determining the price. High-quality black tea has tightly rolled leaves, a dark and moist color, a rich aroma, and a mellow taste. Naturally, such tea commands a higher price in the market. Average quality black tea will be less expensive. Additionally, the manufacturing process can affect the price. Meticulous craftsmanship, akin to an artisan meticulously carving a piece of art, requires more time and effort, which in turn raises the price. Discerning the Authenticity of Black Tea In the market for black tea, there are also instances of counterfeit products, which necessitates the development of a keen eye to distinguish the genuine from the fake.Judging by appearance, genuine black tea leaves have uniform strands and natural color. For instance, Zhengshan Xiaozhong has tightly bound strands with a dark brown color. Counterfeit tea may have uneven strands and overly bright or dull colors. It is akin to discerning a famous painting; the brushstrokes and colors of the original are natural and smooth, while the fake appears rigid and unnatural. Smelling the aroma is also a crucial method for authenticity. Genuine black tea has a pure aroma with natural floral, fruity, or honey scents. Fake tea might have a pungent, unnatural aroma, or be overly strong, suggesting the addition of artificial fragrances. This is similar to distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit perfumes; the former has a rich, long-lasting, and natural scent, while the latter may have a simple, pungent odor. After brewing, genuine black tea has a clear and bright red soup with a rich taste and a lasting sweet aftertaste. Counterfeit tea may produce a turbid soup with a bitter taste and no sweet aftertaste. It is like tasting an authentic cup of coffee, which has a rich taste and strong aroma, while inferior coffee might have a sour taste and weak aroma. Common Questions about Black Tea 1. Question: Can black tea be brewed cold? Answer: Yes, cold-brewed black tea has a unique flavor, a more refreshing taste, and reduces the release of caffeine. 2. Question: Can black tea be consumed after being stored for a long time? Answer: If properly stored and not spoiled, it can still be consumed, but the taste may change. 3. Question: Does drinking black tea cause ‘internal heat’? Answer: Generally, moderate consumption does not cause ‘internal heat,’ but individual differences exist, and some people may have mild reactions. 4. Question: Can black tea and green tea be brewed together? Answer: Although they can be brewed together, their tastes and effects are different, and mixing them might affect the taste. 5. Question: Can pregnant women drink black tea? Answer: It is possible to drink in moderation, but be cautious not to overdo it, as black tea contains caffeine.
6. Question: How should red tea be stored? Answer: It should be kept in a dry, cool, and light-free environment, preferably in a sealed container.
7. Question: Can red tea be consumed by boiling? Answer: Yes, boiling enhances the aroma and flavor of red tea. 8. Question: Is it suitable for children to drink red tea? Answer: It is not recommended for children to drink red tea frequently due to the caffeine content which may affect their nervous system development. 9. Question: Can red tea be consumed on an empty stomach? Answer: It is not advisable to drink red tea on an empty stomach as it may irritate the stomach and intestines; it is better to drink it half an hour after meals. 10. Question: Are different red teas suitable for different seasons? Answer: There is no strict rule, but in summer, one might opt for refreshing red teas, while in winter, one might prefer rich and full-bodied red teas.
