Black Tea: A Timeless Tradition of Bold Flavor

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Black tea’s story begins in China’s Fujian province during the late Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), originally developed to extend tea’s shelf life for long-distance trade. By the 17th century, it had made its way to Europe, where it quickly became a cultural cornerstone. Tea was introduced to England by the East India Company, but it was Queen Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II, who popularized it at court in the 1660s. In 1706, Thomas Twining opened London’s first tea shop—laying the foundation for the cherished tradition of afternoon tea.

Today, black tea remains the most widely consumed tea in the Western world. Its bold flavor, natural caffeine content, and versatility—whether in sweet tea, spiced chai, or classic breakfast blends—make it a daily favorite. But beyond its taste, black tea is rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals and support overall wellness.

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At Elevation Tea Company, we source premium full-leaf black tea from the rich, high-altitude regions of Kilimanjaro, Mount Everest, Kenya, and Peru. These exceptional origins yield teas with deep character, robust flavor, and powerful health benefits.

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Black Tea Processing
Plucked → Withered → Rolled/Bruised → Fully Oxidized → Dried