Black tea is one of the teas that is included in the four-group classification of basic teas: black (or red), green, white and oolong. It is a true tea, unlike the so-called teas such as herbal, in that the leaves are grown from the camellia sinensis, the one true tea tree. This article outlines the types of areas in which black tea is cultivated and manufactured and, as well, the methods by which people generally serve and enjoy black tea.

Growing Black Tea

The areas which typically manufacture black tea are those of harbor high altitude areas and some which have a tropical climate, and this could include many areas such as the rainforest areas in South America, for instance. But traditionally, Asian countries were the prime host to the growing of the tea trees and the manufacturing of the teas for consumerism.

While the Asian countries still do control a corner of this market, black tea is now spread further around the world and many countries now greatly participate in the growing and marketing of black tea and black tea products.

Serving and Enjoying Black Tea

Black tea can be served in many of a variety of different ways; it can be served hot, which is a very common method in Asian countries or in Asian influenced restaurants around the world, and when served hot, individuals may choose to prepare it with milk and/or with sugar or other condiments.

As well, some others prefer honey and some even prefer that of spices like cloves or cinnamon.  When served cold or over ice, individuals usually try out similar additions to their black tea.

Another popular black tea based drink is that of chai tea. While chai tea can be made using any of the other variety of teas, the traditional method is to use black tea. Chai tea can be served either hot or cold, and cream and milk is typically incorporated into it to lighten it up. Additionally, some spices such as cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg are used to spice things up. Then honey, although sometimes sugar as well, is added to sweeten it to the drinker’s liking.

There are many ways to enjoy the tastiness of black tea.  For the purist, they may simply choose to seep the tea bag for a few minutes and enjoy it straight up, while others may like theirs over ice for that hot summer night.

Still others may find that they want to go all out and create a tasty concoction like chai tea with the added sweeteners and the creaminess of milk and the kick of an extra spice. Whatever way the drinker chooses to enjoy their black tea is obviously dependant on their own personal preferences, but one thing is for sure and that is that they are sure to enjoy drinking this tasty beverage.

Because of it’s exceptional flavor, Chai tea is one of the most consumed teas in the world. As a matter of fact, Chai is the Hindi word for tea and numerous Eastern languages use it to cite to quite simply tea itself, not as a kind of tea as we in the West a likely accustomed to. In English, the word Chai is used by most people to denote a spiced tea that is recognized in the Eastern part of the world as masala chai.

Masala is the Indian word for spice. Masala chai, or Chai tea as we are used to, is the most famous variety of tea available in the Eastern world and especially India. The tea is, however, not that popular in India as it is believed.

The preferred way to preparing tea in India is quite different from Chai tea, in fact. It is made using the boiling of leaves together with milk to get a strong flavour and colour out of it. Chai is, however, more popular than coffee in India and is a relatively popular beverage in coffee houses in other countries around the world alongside of Wu Long tea.

It is also known as somewhat of a specialty at European music festivals and other special events because of its strong association with various underground cultural ideologies. These ideologies are often derivative of the people that partake in Chai tea and represent a philosophy of peace.

Making Chai

The making of Chai tea is quite an interesting and engaging process, especially if you intend to follow the old world instructions. There is no actual fixed recipe for Chai, however, and many Indian families actually have their own special recipes for the tea.

Chai, especially in the Eastern world, should be considered a class of tea itself instead of just a singular type. This is because of the wide variety of preparation techniques and other options available with Chai itself. It is extremely varied in possibility, spice, and overall flavour content.

There are four primary parts that make up Chai tea. Firstly, is that of tea; the base or primary part of Chai is mainly a highly strong black tea that is utilized for the purpose of of sweetners and flavors don’t overpower it. The next component is sweether. This is mainly composed of white sugar, however some diehards still use honey or molasses as well.

The third part of Chai tea is a milk or alternative cream component. The final addition are the spices. The addition of spices such as star anise, peppercorn, or even ginger can enhance a delightful cup of malasia chai and produce a great and unique beverage for everyone to enjoy.[tags]Chai Tea, tea[/tags]

Wu Long Tea, which is also called “black dragon tea”, it is listed among the various teas that have a kind of mythic quality to them. They’re very presence appears to hearken back to a different time in which tea was one of the most predominant drinks of the land and in which the tea, in and of itself, had mystical healing powers that everyone used despite distinction or class.

As we look at our present times, it seems that not much has changed in a lot of the world. We still revere tea and will still view it as having healing powers and magical values to it. It also still unites classes, just like Wu Long tea of old, and engages people in conversation.

There are three types of teas coming from leaves of the tea bush. There are black teas, green teas, and Oolongs. The Oolongs are the Wu Long tea of which we speak. The Oolong teas combine the properties of oxidation from both the green and black teas and come up somewhere in the middle of the oxidation scale. They are neither fully oxidised nor not oxidised and maintain properties of both teas in their existence. This makes the Oolong teas exacting in specification and a great combination of the best qualities in both teas.

A Good Oolong

Wu Long tea is incredibly good for you as it creates a healing process within that is remarkable. A good Oolong is going to be very refreshing and delicious, very pleasing to the palette as a whole and enriching to your life. The spectrum of teas of this type available range from the very aromatic to the smoother tasting, offering a lot of variety in one tea categorization. Anything that you are likely used to from your green or black tea varieties is available with an Oolong, so give it a shot and check out some of your options in the world of Wu Long tea.

Only half the amount of caffeine is contained in the average cup of Oolong compared to your average cup of green tea or black tea. There are little to no traces of bitterness in Oolong tea unless you over brew it and it also has a tendency to have a sort of stronger smelling aromatic flavor than most black or green teas. Wu Long tea is slowly but steadily becoming increasingly popular throughout the world due to the fact of the unique factors mentioned as well as the benefits to help that are contained within this incredible alternative tea.[tags]Wu Long Tea, Oolong tea, black dragon tea[/tags]