Black Tea, a fully fermented tea, is made from new shoots and leaves of suitable tea trees. It undergoes processes such as withering, rolling (cutting), fermentation, and drying. Withering is an important process in the initial production of black tea, which is called “wu tea” at this stage. The name “black tea” comes from the red color of the brewed tea and the infused leaves.
Black tea can help digestion, stimulate appetite, promote diuresis, reduce edema, and strengthen heart function. It contains flavonoids that eliminate free radicals and have antioxidant properties, reducing the risk of myocardial infarction. According to traditional Chinese medicine, teas vary in their thermal nature; for example, green tea is cold and bitter, suitable for summer consumption (depending on individual constitution) to relieve heat. Black tea and Pu'er tea are warmer and more suitable for winter drinking.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Black Tea Long-Term?
1. Warming the Stomach and Dispelling Cold: Because black tea tends to be warm in nature, it can benefit those experiencing cold pain, poor appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain, or bloating due to a cold stomach by warming the stomach and dispelling cold;
2. Refreshing and Energizing: The polyphenols in black tea can effectively increase nervous system excitability, benefiting those suffering from neurasthenia or mental fatigue by refreshing and energizing;
3. Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects: Black tea contains rich trace elements like zinc, selenium, and manganese, which can play roles in antioxidation and anti-aging.
How to Drink Black Tea
To achieve a stomach-nourishing effect from black tea, it is recommended not to drink it too strong. Adjust the taste by controlling the amount of tea and water used. Generally, 3-5 grams of tea is sufficient, maintaining a ratio of about 1:50 between tea and water. This will produce a moderately concentrated and pleasantly sweet black tea.
The best way to brew black tea is using an open cup. Do not wait until all the water is consumed before adding hot water; instead, refill when about one-third remains. Three refills will provide the best taste.
Note:
Black tea should be drunk while hot to benefit the stomach. Freshly brewed black tea is best. If the temperature drops, it may affect the stomach-warming effect and decrease the nutritional content.
When brewing black tea, pay attention to the method. The water temperature should not be too high, ideally between 80°C and 95°C. When using a Gaiwan, use approximately 6 grams of tea. For a clay Teapot, adjust the amount based on its size. Using a clay teapot to brew black tea enhances its flavor and develops a richer aroma over time when consistently used for the same type of tea.
First, steep the black tea, then add maltose. Drinking a cup of “maltose black tea” in the morning can have a similar effect on people with a cold spleen and stomach as eating ginger after getting out of bed. You can also add a slice of ginger to the tea for an even warmer effect.