Black Tea

Our selection of high-quality black teas has been carefully curated to provide you with a unique and rich experience. Enjoy the deep and earthy notes of our Darjeeling, the subtle sweetness of our Ceylon or the spicy kick of our Assam.

Letitia Baldrige

etiquette expert

Tea time is a chance to slow down, pull back and appreciate our surroundings..

There are many different types of tea, from equally as many countries. They have one thing in common, whether it is black, green or white tea, they all come from the tea plant Camellia Sinensis.

The difference is caused by the method of processing the tea leaf after picking, the type of leaf that is used, the season in which the leaf is picked, the place where the tea plant grows (height, exposure to sunlight etc.) and the type of soil on which the plant grows.

In the western world, black tea is still the most popular tea, although green tea has started to catch up.

Black tea is obtained by allowing the tea leaves to oxidize completely before processing and drying. This turns the leaf dark brown to almost black and gives it its distinctive flavor profile.

Black tea originated in China, but the production has now spread to India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Indonesia, Rwanda and Brazil, among others.

Tea shop The Smallest House has a very extensive collection of black loose tea, from unique Single Origins to special tea blends. Go explore and let yourself be surprised!

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Origin of Black tea

In the West, we speak of black tea, but the Chinese are talking about red tea. Referring to the red color that is released during the infusion of black tea.

Black tea is just as green and white tea made from the leaves of Camillia Sinensis. It is not clear exactly when black tea made its entry into the Chinese tea culture. But we can assume that after many years of experimenting with the production of tea, the black tea variations was born.

Black tea undergoes a longer oxidation process than green or white tea. This allows the flavor to intensify and it extends the expiration date of tea. Black tea contains, in general, also more  caffeine than other teas.

Until the late 19th century, black tea, in compressed form, was used as currency in countries such as Mongolia, Tibet and Siberia.

Production of Black tea

Black teas are mainly produced in India, Turkey and Kenya. After picking the tea leaves, the leaves are wilted and then rolled or bruised. The released juices and enzymes can then be oxidized through the use of air. The tea leaves turn slowly to dark brown / black.

Brewing tips for Black tea

Black tea can withstand hot water better than green or white tea. The average temperature of water should be between 90ºC - or 100ºC before it is poured over the tea leaves.

The average brewing time for black tea is between 1 and 3 minutes.

On the information sheet of the tea you can find the desired water temperature and brewing time.

What many people do not know, is that you can brew the leaves of black tea multiple times. You will notice that every time the tea will taste slightly different!

Need advice?

Please fill in our contact form or call us at +31 20 752 75 85. We are more than happy to help you!