black tea
Chinese black tea, or hong cha (红茶), is celebrated for its rich aroma, smooth taste, and warming character. Carefully crafted through full oxidation, it develops deep, complex flavours that range from malty and sweet to floral and fruity.
Valued in Chinese culture for both daily enjoyment and its potential health benefits, black tea remains one of the most beloved teas worldwide.
Black tea is prized for its bold flavor, smooth body, and natural richness. Each type offers a slightly different character, from malty and sweet to deep and complex, making it one of the most versatile teas to enjoy.
Our collection includes Dianhong black tea, Rwanda black tea, and Wuyi black tea, all offered exclusively as loose leaf tea for the freshest, most authentic experience.
Unlike tea bags, which often contain broken leaves and lose flavor quickly, loose leaf black tea preserves the full aroma, complexity, and natural health benefits of the leaf. In addition to its satisfying taste, black tea benefits include antioxidants, gentle energy from caffeine, and digestive support, making it a perfect everyday tea.
Discover our carefully curated collection of premium loose leaf black teas, crafted with tradition and care from small farms across China. Perfect for tea lovers seeking authenticity, depth, and the very best Chinese black tea experience.
loose leaf black teas
Uncover the richness of black tea
black tea gift set
The best black tea uk tea discovery box.
New to black tea or eager to explore its rich, diverse flavors?
Discover the world of premium teas with our “Black & Yellow” Black Tea Discovery Gift Box. This curated collection features four exceptional loose-leaf teas, including the exceptionally rare Supreme Meng Ding Yellow Buds, each handpicked for its distinctive character and remarkable depth.
From the smooth, honeyed sweetness of Gold Dian Hong Pagodas to the aromatic spice and nuttiness of OP1 Rukeri Rwanda, the floral-sweet complexity of Supreme Meng Ding Yellow Buds, and the bold, lingering richness of High Mountain Wuyi Wild Black Tea, every sip offers a unique taste adventure.
Full-bodied, versatile, and deeply satisfying, this collection makes a thoughtful gift for tea lovers or a luxurious treat for yourself.
For effortless brewing, there is also the option to add a 3-piece infuser glass, making it easy to enjoy these exceptional teas anytime.
what is black tea?
Black tea is a fully oxidized tea known for its bold flavours, rich amber color, and robust aroma. Its fermentation process creates a deep, complex taste, ranging from malty and honeyed to smoky and spicy.
Naturally packed with antioxidants, black tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine (typically around 40–70mg per cup, about half the caffeine of a standard cup of coffee) making it a perfect choice for a gentle energy boost without the jitters. Versatile and satisfying, black tea can be enjoyed plain, with milk, or as a base for chai and iced teas, making it one of the most popular and beloved teas worldwide.
Chinese vs. African black teas
Both regions produce exceptional black teas, reflecting their distinct climates and cultivation methods, but while Chinese teas emphasise complexity and refinement, African teas shine in strength, aroma, and versatility. Exploring both offers a fascinating journey through the diversity of black tea flavours.
Chinese Black Tea
Often hand-processed and fully oxidised, Chinese black teas are celebrated for their delicate, nuanced flavours. They range from the smooth, honeyed sweetness of Dian Hong to the rich, floral complexity of Yunnan or the bold, malty character of Keemun.
Chinese black teas tend to have a lighter, elegant body with subtle layers of taste, making them perfect for sipping slowly and appreciating their craftsmanship.
African Black Tea
Typically grown in high-altitude regions like Rwanda, Kenya, and Malawi, African black teas are known for their bright, brisk, and aromatic qualities. They often feature lively, nutty, or spicy notes, with a fuller, more robust body than many Chinese varieties.
African teas are ideal for strong morning cups, blending, or creating bold iced teas.
how to prepare black teas
1. Measure your tea.
Use 2–3g of loose-leaf black tea or one tea pagoda per 200–250ml (1 cup) of water.
2. Heat and pour.
Bring fresh, filtered water to a rolling boil (around 95°C) and pour over the tea leaves in a cup, teapot, or infuser.
3. Steep.
Allow the tea to brew according to the variety. For example, steep a Gold Dian Hong pagoda for 2 minutes to enjoy its smooth, honeyed flavour, or let a High Mountain Wuyi Wild Black Tea brew for 3–4 minutes to bring out its rich, sweet, and complex notes. Use a strainer or remove the infuser once brewed.
4. Serve and enjoy.
Drink as is, or add milk, sugar, or honey to taste. For easy brewing, you can also use a 3-piece infuser glass.
black tea FAQs
Chinese black tea, known as “hong cha” (红茶) meaning “red tea” in Mandarin, is a fully oxidised tea celebrated for its smooth, malty flavor and reddish-brown liquor.
Unlike Western “black tea,” Chinese black teas are often more nuanced, with natural sweetness, floral notes, and less bitterness.
Yes, Chinese black tea is rich in antioxidants, such as theaflavins and thearubigins, which support heart health, improve digestion, and may help lower blood pressure. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can boost mental alertness without overstimulating the nervous system.
Chinese black tea may support weight loss by boosting metabolism and aiding fat oxidation. Drinking it regularly, especially before meals, can help reduce appetite and improve digestion, contributing to healthy weight management.
Compared to English black tea, Chinese black tea is often less bitter, with more natural sweetness and aromatic complexity.
It’s also lower in caffeine than coffee but offers a gentle, sustained energy boost without the crash. Unlike green tea, it’s fully oxidised, giving it a richer taste.
Absolutely. Many people in China enjoy black tea daily for its comforting flavour and health benefits.
Just avoid consuming it too late in the day due to its caffeine content. It’s a great alternative to coffee for those seeking a gentler pick-me-up.
To make Chinese black tea, steep 1-2 tsps per cup in boiling water for 2–3 minutes. It can be served plain, or with a splash of milk if preferred.
For a traditional Chinese experience, enjoy it without milk or sugar to appreciate its natural notes.
Top varieties include Keemun (Qimen), known for its wine-like aroma; Lapsang Souchong, famous for its smoky flavour; Yunnan Dian Hong, prized for its golden buds and rich, malty taste; and Wuyi black teas from the Wuyi Mountains, which offer a bold, mineral-rich profile often referred to as “rock charm” (yan yun).
These teas vary by region and processing style, offering something for every palate.
Chinese tea emphasizes purity, terroir, and artisanal processing. Each tea reflects the climate, soil, and traditions of its region. Unlike many Western blends, Chinese black tea is often single-origin and valued for its natural character and craftsmanship.
Yes. The polyphenols in Chinese black tea can help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and protect against oxidative stress. It’s been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for detoxification and to support internal balance.
Chinese black tea is made from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. The leaves are withered, rolled, fully oxidised, and then dried, which gives the tea its distinctive dark leaves and rich flavor profile. No additives are needed—just pure, expertly processed tea leaves.