❓ What exactly is black tea and how is it made?

Black tea is a type of tea that undergoes complete oxidation during processing. It's made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant through a specific process:

• Fresh leaves are withered to reduce moisture
• Leaves are rolled to break down cell walls
• The leaves oxidize fully, turning dark brown or black
• Finally, they're fired or dried to stop oxidation

This process creates black tea's distinctive rich, bold flavor and deep amber color. It typically contains more caffeine than other tea varieties, with about 40-70mg per cup compared to green tea's 25-35mg.