Black Tea: A Timeless Tradition of Bold Flavor

The origins of black tea trace back to the late Ming Dynasty of China (1368-1644), where it was first produced in the Fujian province. Originally created to extend the shelf life of tea for Western trade, black tea soon found its way to Europe, where it became a cornerstone of culture. The East India Company introduced tea to England, but it was during the reign of King Charles II and his Portuguese wife, Infanta Catherine de Braganza, in the 1660s that tea truly captured the British imagination. In 1706, Thomas Twining opened the first tea shop in London, cementing afternoon tea as a cherished British tradition.

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Today, black tea is the most widely consumed tea in Western culture, beloved for its versatility and bold flavor. Whether enjoyed in sweet tea, flavored blends, or as the base for the popular chai tea, its robust profile and natural caffeine content make it a go-to choice. But the allure of high-quality black tea goes beyond flavor. Packed with antioxidants, it also offers protective benefits against free radicals.