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

Black tea is a type of tea that undergoes full oxidation during processing. It's made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant through these main steps:

• Withering: Fresh leaves are laid out to wilt and become pliable
• Rolling: Leaves are rolled to break down cell walls and release enzymes
• Oxidation: Exposed leaves turn dark through oxidation (formerly called fermentation)
• Drying: Heat is applied to stop oxidation and preserve the tea

This process creates the characteristic dark color and robust flavor that black tea is known for. The result is a tea that's typically stronger and contains more caffeine than green or white teas, with rich malty, fruity, or sometimes smoky notes depending on the variety.