BLACK TEA

What is Black Tea?

Black tea is beloved around the world for its deep, rich flavors, intoxicating aromas, and comforting character. What defines this tea is a process called full oxidation. After harvesting and withering, fresh tea leaves are rolled to break down their cell walls, allowing natural enzymes to react with oxygen. This transformation turns the leaves from green to a deep coppery-brown, developing complex, robust flavour profiles ranging from malty and fruity to smoky, honeyed, and spicy.

Single-Origin Terroir & Musical Pairings

At Prelude Tea, we curate single-origin black teas from small, dedicated farms and craft producers. Each micro-batch in our collection is paired with an original piano composition tailored to its specific oxidation level, aroma, and mouthfeel—inviting you to pause and experience a truly immersive sensory ritual.

Does Black Tea Contain Caffeine?

Yes, because black tea undergoes complete enzymatic oxidation, it generally contains higher caffeine levels than green or white teas made from the same plant. However, black tea also contains L-theanine and complex tannins, providing a sustained, smooth lift in energy rather than a sudden spike. It makes an exceptional morning brew or mindful afternoon pick-me-up.

How to Steep Single-Origin Black Tea

To fully release the rich aromatic compounds and layered sweetness of fully oxidized leaves, black tea thrives with hot water near boiling (90°C–95°C for delicate single-origins, 95°C–100°C for robust leaves). For serving, explore our handcrafted teaware accessories or check our full Tea Brewing Guide for exact leaf-to-water ratios.