EILLES TEE Black tea

Full-bodied aroma and fine depth

The diversity of black tea

The classic in all its facets

Black tea is a world of its own. Hundreds, if not thousands, of varieties exist internationally. Each growing region produces its own character, shaped by climate, soil and tradition. The aroma spectrum ranges from mild and flowery to strong, spicy or malty. Some varieties have fresh, slightly tart notes, while others develop depth and structure.

Today, black tea is grown in over 40 countries - the most important of which include India, China, Kenya and Sri Lanka. Many teas bear the name of their growing region, which determines their characteristics. Most plantations are located in tropical or subtropical highlands, where heat, rain, high humidity and mineral-rich soils provide optimal conditions. Darjeeling tea, which grows on the southern slopes of the Himalayas and is prized for its fine elegance, occupies a special position.

EILLES TEE combines tried and tested classics, innovative compositions and special rarities to create a balanced range with a distinctive profile.

Black tea AT A GLANCE

From characteristics to optimal storage

CHARACTER THROUGH FERMENTATION

What makes black tea special

Black tea is an infusion made from fully fermented - or more precisely: oxidized - leaves and leaf buds of the tea plant. It comes from the same plant as green tea: Camellia sinensis (China) or Camellia sinensis var. assamica (India) - as well as from numerous crosses of both varieties.

The decisive difference lies in the processing: while green tea is heated after harvesting to stop oxidation, the leaves of black tea undergo complete oxidation. This process gives it its dark leaf color, the copper-red cup color and its characteristically strong aroma.

Alongside green tea, black tea is one of the most widely consumed types of tea in the world. Whether enjoyed pure or refined with fine flavors: Hardly any other category offers such a wide range of varieties.

THE VERSATILE COMPANION

Black tea in all its nuances

Black tea impresses with its extraordinary range of flavors. Its aroma spectrum ranges from mild and flowery to strong and malty, from fresh and lively to subtly tart or slightly bitter. Each variety bears the signature of its origin - characterized by climate, soil, altitude and harvest time.

The variety of the tea plant and the degree of oxidation also influence the character, color and aroma. The biochemical process of fermentation gives black tea its typical dark cup color and complex aroma.

Last but not least, brewing time, dosage and water quality determine the result in the cup. Sugar, milk or lemon set additional accents and change the taste profile individually.

Thanks to its structure and tannin content, black tea is a versatile accompaniment to food. It harmonizes with hearty meat dishes, spicy dishes or curry as well as with sweet classics - especially with chocolate, syrup or jam. Whether for breakfast, in the afternoon or in the evening: black tea shows culinary presence and fine balance at the same time.

Discover the diversity of varieties

THE PERFECT CUP Black tea

The art of correct preparation

The quality of black tea unfolds above all in the correct preparation. Loose tea is ideally placed in a sieve or filter so that the leaves have sufficient space to unfold. Only when they can swell freely can they develop their full aroma.

A classic of tea culture is the English two-pot method, known from traditional high tea: the tea leaves are first poured loosely into a pot and allowed to steep freely. After the desired infusion time, the tea is poured into a pre-heated serving pot - a ritual that brings clarity and elegance to the cup.

The guideline is about 2.5 grams per cup - roughly a slightly heaped teaspoon. The tea is poured over with hot, preferably soft water. A preheated pot helps to ensure even extraction and maintain the temperature. Black teas have a stimulating effect after two to three minutes and taste mild. Two to three minutes more will also have a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract and a strong taste.

The result is a cup of black tea with structure, depth and character.

Do you have any questions?

We will be happy to help you.

Talk to us and discover how EILLES creates moments of pleasure that connect.

Which variety should it be?

From powerful to elegant - a selection

Assam tea

Assam comes from the growing region of the same name in north-east India. The tropical climate and fertile soils give it its characteristically strong, malty taste and a dark, copper-red cup color. Assam is considered an ideal breakfast tea and goes particularly well with milk.