Identifying features of good black tea and the origin of the rarest varieties

Black tea is one of the most popular teas worldwide and offers a wide range of flavor profiles. But how do you actually recognize a good black tea and where do the rarest varieties come from? In this post we give you an overview of the characteristics of good black tea and introduce you to some of the rarest types of black tea and where they come from.

1. Appearance and sheet quality

A good black tea is characterized by its high leaf quality. The tea leaves should be uniform and of high integrity, with no signs of discoloration or breakage. The leaves should also be an appealing color that can vary from dark coppery red to black. Make sure that the tea leaves are of even size and have a certain thickness, as this indicates good processing.

2. Aroma and taste

The smell and taste of a black tea are decisive factors for its quality. A good black tea should have an appealing, complex aroma that can range from malty and spicy to floral and fruity, depending on the variety. In terms of taste, the tea should be full-bodied and balanced, with a pleasant aftertaste. Taste the tea to discover its individual nuances and qualities.

3. Origin of the rarest black teas

The rarest black teas often come from special growing areas with unique climatic conditions and soil types. Here are some examples of the origins of the rarest black teas:

• Darjeeling, India: Famed for its elegant flavor, Darjeeling tea is grown in the highland gardens of the Indian state of West Bengal. The region offers ideal climatic conditions for producing teas with floral and nutmeg aromas.

• Assam, India: Assam tea comes from the state of the same name in northeastern India. The humid climate and fertile soil give Assam tea its strong and malty flavor. Assam is known for its high-quality black teas, which are often used as the base for blends such as English Breakfast.

• Yunnan, China: Yunnan tea, also known as Dian Hong, comes from the southwestern province of Yunnan in China. The region is known for its ancient tea trees and the production of rich-flavored black teas with golden buds. Yunnan tea can exhibit natural sweetness and pleasant fragrance.

• Ceylon, Sri Lanka: Named after the former name of Sri Lanka, Ceylon tea is grown in the high elevations of the In

  seldom grown in Sri Lanka. The cool temperatures and unique geographic conditions in Ceylon's tea gardens give black tea its distinctive flavor and aroma. Ceylon tea is known for its freshness, light citrus note and variety of flavors.

  • Keemun, China: Originating in China's Anhui province, Keemun tea is one of the country's best-known black teas. The tea is characterized by its sweet and flowery taste and its delicate aroma. Keemun tea is often referred to as the "burgundy of tea" and is considered one of the finest black teas in the world.

  These are just a few examples of the origin of the rarest black teas. Each region brings forth its own unique traits and flavor profiles that make black tea an intriguing and diverse beverage choice.

  7TEA®: High-quality black tea for discerning connoisseurs

  At 7TEA® you will find an exquisite selection of high-quality black tea from different regions of the world. We attach great importance to the quality and careful selection of our teas. Discover the diversity and uniqueness of the rarest black teas in our range and enjoy an extraordinary tea experience.