There are four types of teas — namely green tea, white tea, oolong tea, and black tea. All four come from the leaves of the tea plant known as Camellia sinensis. The difference in color of these tea types is attributed to how they are processed. Among these varieties, black tea is the most processed and is the most consumed tea throughout the whole world. Compared to other types of teas, black tea has a stronger flavor and a higher content of caffeine. In addition, black teas undergo a full withering process making it preserve its strong flavor for several years unlike the others.

There are several black tea types in the market and thru online shops available for the public today.  Traditionally, black tea types are classified in what country they came from. The three main countries in producing black teas are China, India and Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon).  These three countries are known for having the world’s largest export market for black tea. Black teas from different origins produce distinctive flavors.

Chinese Black Tea

According to legend, in 2737 B.C., Chinese Emperor Shan Nong discovered tea by chance. Tea leaves accidentally fell into his boiling water bringing an exquisite aroma. To his surprise, he felt energize and refreshed after drinking it. He then commanded that the gardens of his palace should be filled with tea plants. The rumor spread throughout China and eventually, brewing and drinking tea has become a major part of Chinese culture up to present the time.

There are different varieties of Chinese black tea to choose from. Probably the most famous is the Lapsang Souchong. Interestingly, part of the production process of this tea is that they put the leaves inside bamboo baskets and dry them over a fire. As the end result, the tea has a remarkable smoky characteristic. Tea drinkers may enjoy Lapsang Souchong either hot or cold.  Another is the Keemun black tea, pride of the Qimen county of Huangshan Shi, in Anhui province. This type of black tea leaves a very smooth flavor from your palate and gives you a light hint of floral aftertaste. It is the most prominent ingredient of the English breakfast tea blend. Yunnan tea is another type of black tea from the Yunnan province in southern China. Yunnan tea brews a bright amber color tea which gives a malty and peppery taste.

Indian Black Tea

The most famous black tea in India is the Assam tea from the Assam region near sea level. Assam tea is a type of black tea which has a full-bodied flavor along with a distinct malty taste. In the district of Darjeeling in India, Darjeeling black tea is produced. Unlike other black teas, Darjeeling black tea is difficult to describe in terms of taste and color.

Sri Lankan Black Tea

Across Sri Lanka, Ceylon tea is being carefully handpicked by Sri Lankan women. Their nimble yet gentle fingers help to produce the perfect blend. Sri Lankan black tea is known all over the world for its high quality. The package of genuine Ceylon tea bears the symbol of a lion carrying a sword. This type of black tea gives you a full-bodied flavor with hints of orange and spice.

Other black tea type includes Kenyan black tea from the eastern coast of Africa has become popular worldwide. This type of black tea gives a brisk flavor with hints of malt and berry.