Dark Tea is named for its black appearance when finished. It is one of the six major categories of tea and is a post-Fermented tea. The main production areas are in Hunan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Anhui, Sichuan, Yunnan, and other regions. Traditional dark tea is made from mature raw dark tea leaves, which are primarily used as the main ingredient for compressed teas.
Can dark tea be paired with milk?
Dark tea contains rich vitamins and minerals, while milk has a high content of proteins and minerals. Combining dark tea with milk is not only nutritious but also very healthy. Therefore, it is possible to brew dark tea with milk. In Northwest China, many people like to mix dark tea with milk and add a moderate amount of salt, creating a cup of milk tea with a distinctive Western Chinese flavor! It's really convenient and simple!
When brewing dark tea with milk, note that boiling water or hot tea should not be used to mix with the milk, as this can cause the milk to curdle and reduce the nutritional value. It is recommended to wait until the dark tea has cooled to between 60-80°C before adding the milk. This will preserve the nutrients and improve the taste.
In addition, dark tea and milk can also be prepared by boiling. Boiled dark tea, especially aged dark tea, has a smoother mouthfeel. After cooling it down to 60-80°C, pour in the milk for an even richer and sweeter taste. Alternatively, you can add some honey for seasoning, which may bring you a delightful surprise!
What else can be paired with dark tea?
1. Chrysanthemum
Prepare dark tea and tribute chrysanthemum and brew them together in a teaware at a ratio of 3:1. The taste will be very refreshing. Chrysanthemum has the benefit of clearing heat and detoxifying, while dark tea is mild in nature. Together they balance each other's properties and enhance their effects. This tea is particularly suitable for those with a hot constitution, especially during autumn and summer.
2. Lemon
After brewing dark tea, add a few drops of lemon juice or lemon slices, either fresh or dried, though fresh lemon slices are better. Then, add honey or sugar for flavoring. The taste will be more sour and sweet, and it's best served chilled. Both lemon and dark tea have the effects of quenching thirst and aiding digestion. When combined, they work very well together. This tea is perfect after a big meal or when you need help digesting.
3. Tangerine Peel
Brew dark tea with tangerine peel or dried orange peel. Although the taste might be slightly bitter, it can help relieve coughs, clear phlegm, and soothe the breath. Those who often have excess mucus may find drinking this helpful.
4. Flower Teas
Mixing dark tea with other flower teas to make a dark-flower tea blend also has significant health benefits. Dark tea can be paired with rose petals, Osmanthus, jasmine, or lavender. However, the best choice is ancient tea flowers. When paired with dark tea, they not only promote health but also make the tea broth richer and more fragrant, making it a highly recommended beverage.
How about that? Are you eager to try these combinations now? If you enjoy drinking dark tea, consider trying out the above pairings!
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