Black Tea

tea · oxidation · beverages

Made from one plant. All types of tea, including black tea, green tea, and white tea, come from the same plant called Camellia sinensis. The difference is how much the leaves are processed and exposed to air.

Oxidation makes it dark. Black tea gets its dark color and strong flavor because the leaves are fully oxidized, which means they have been exposed to air for a long time. This is different from green tea, which is barely oxidized at all.

Stronger flavor than others. Black tea tastes bolder and more powerful than other types of tea like oolong, yellow, and white tea. This strong taste is one reason many people enjoy drinking it.

Rarely used cousin. While most black tea comes from Camellia sinensis, there is another tea plant called Camellia taliensis that is sometimes used, though it is much less common.