There are so many tea options to choose from. Where do you start? We’ll be looking at the different types of black tea and how they differ from their close relatives: green, white, oolong, and red tea. We’ll then go deeper to highlight some of the side effects that black tea can cause.

Let’s first clarify what black tea is. It is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant. This was first discovered in China. It isn’t known in China as black tea. Red tea is a South African herbal tea called Rooibos, which is unavailable outside China.

What is Black Tea?

Black tea is the same as green or white tea. The only difference is the amount of oxidation the leaves go through. Black tea is the most popular type of tea globally, accounting for 90% of all tea consumed. It is also one of six teas known as true teas. Other true teas include green tea, white and yellow teas, and Pu-erh tea. It is commonly consumed as a single beverage or mixed with sugar and milk. However, it can also be used as the base for flavoured teas like Earl Grey or Masala chai. Loose leaf black is often characterized by a malty taste and a full body with chocolate or caramel notes. Each black tea is unique, and each one can be found by exploring its personality.

Different types of black tea

Each country has its black tea, each with a unique flavour profile. As you explore the world of black tea, your taste buds will be taken on a tea adventure. These are the most well-known varieties, sorted by country.

You can find China’s Congou, Keemun and Lapsang Souchong Dianhoung (oxidized black Tea) and pu’erh (“truly fermented Black Tea”) from China. Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s most loved black tea. India drinks Assam and Darjeeling most often. Jackson is from Korea. Nepali is, you guessed correctly, Nepal. Ceylon is a product of Sri Lanka. Turkey creates Rize.

You can spice up your culinary adventures with blends that you already know, such as Earl Grey varieties and Chai tea blends.

Although black tea is known to have many health benefits, you need to be aware of potential side effects when drinking it.

Black Tea Side Effects

High Caffeine Content

Except for some pu-erh teas, black teas have the highest levels of caffeine among all true tea types. For those sensitive to caffeine, side effects such as nausea, jitters and insomnia can be a problem. Consuming high amounts of caffeine regularly can cause stomach ulcers or other problems. To reduce the risk of having side effects from caffeine, you should avoid black teas if you are allergic to them.

Potential consumption of heavy metals

It is important to know where your tea leaves come from when you drink them. Teas from different parts of the world will have unique flavours and be influenced by the environment they were grown. Different soils can contain different elements, including different levels of heavy metals that can affect tea plants. Research has shown that people who drink black tea regularly have safe levels of heavy metals. However, more research is necessary. It is important to remember this if you regularly drink black tea and consult your doctor if any concerns arise.

Oral side effects

In recent years, black tea has been praised as beneficial for oral health. Black tea is rich in polyphenols that can help prevent many health problems. Black tea can cause tooth staining and is harmful to your oral health. Tooth discolouration can also be caused by tannins and other ingredients in black tea. This can be avoided by switching to oolong or green teas.