Today
we're going to discuss Black Tea...
I
consider this a staple in my house, The Black Tea always feels like a great
strong substitute in the morning to a cuppa coffee. I often get the
question of "What's like Orange Pekoe" or something "along the
lines of a 'Plain Black Tea'"
These
questions/comments are so common I figured I'd touch base on a few basics of
Black Tea.
D – Dust
F-
Fannings
OP –
Orange Pekoe
BFOP –
Broken Flowery Orange Pekoe
TGFOF –
Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Fannings
FTGFOP –
Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe
 |
| Irish Breakfast - 1031/1032 |
Now, if
you notice here, the "Orange Pekoe" doesn't show you the flavours,
it's actually part of the Tea Leaf Grading System. Similar to not finding
a California Roll in a Sushi Restaurant in Japan, you won’t find the Chinese
aware of the "Orange Pekoe" grading as it's used more in Sri Lanka,
India and more Western Cultures.
All our
Teas, with Steeped Tea are graded at high quality & levels and come from
some amazing Farms around the world. When someone asks me about "Orange
Pekoe" I always confirm they are referring to a Lipton's Red Rose or
Twinnings Orange Pekoe, That being said we have two. Our Irish Breakfast
& English Breakfast are the perfect “Plain Black Teas. Irish Breakfast
is a popular tea and is full bodied
and loved by tea drinkers everywhere. English Breakfast is a classic
breakfast tea is fresh, full and flavorful. Traditionally served with milk.
 |
| Mango Blossom - 1401/1402 |
Brewing
your Black Tea
The rule of thumb when brewing black tea is a teaspoon of leaves per 8oz
cup of water. Individual tea cups or larger teapots are both easily used.
Boiling water and brew times of 3 to 5 minutes are fairly standard. Darjeeling
teas are sometimes brewed a bit lower, with water around 195 degrees. The
longer a black tea is steeped the more bitter it will taste. This is because
hot water triggers the release of tannins. This causes the same dry, mouth
puckering feeling you might get from a strong red wine. Milk and sugar are of
course optional.
 |
| Egg Noggin' Black Tea Ornament |
Now –
Would you like to try something a little different to your “Plain Black Tea”,
What about some flavours. By adding a fruit oil or flower essence
the flavour of your tea will change. We have many blends of Black
Tea, some specific to the Holidays, some for everyday enjoyment. What
about a Mango Blossom Black Tea – Mango and orange blossom in your cup with
soft floral notes in a bold fruity blend sure to lighten any afternoon
tea.
Looking
for something for the Holidays? A delightful treat without all the Calories –
Our Egg Noggin’ tea is one to savor the sweet flavor of this traditional drink
without worrying about the calories.
Hope you enjoyed a little run down on Black Tea...If you have any questions or would like more information on our Blends please contact me directly, send a message on facebook (www.facebook.com/teabyashi) or comment below.
