The most popular style of tea consumed in Europe and North America, black tea hails from Africa, China, India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Delicious alone or with milk or sugar, black tea has been an essential beverage for Westerners since the China Trade tea frenzy began in the mid-1600’s, first with Holland and then with England.

Black teas are fully-oxidized and will brew the “strongest” cup. Black tea is produced in many different leaf styles and flavors: assertive, sturdy Tanzania from Africa, aromatic and smooth Keemun, Sichuan and Yunnan from China, delicate and aromatic Himalaya-grown Darjeeling, robust Assam from north-eastern India, lush, mouth-filling Nilgiris from the Blue Mountains of southwestern India, plus the classic fruity and flavoury Ceylon from the Highlands of Sri Lanka.