Face to face with red tea
Red tea is becoming increasingly popular not only among dedicated tea lovers but also among people keen to look after their health. Associated with support for weight management and cholesterol levels, it has plenty to offer. That makes it worth a closer look, so let us begin!
Red tea — the basics
Red tea originates in China, specifically Yunnan province. In the days of the Tang dynasty, this type of tea was reserved for the royal family. Fortunately, it is now available not only in China but around the world.
Today, red tea is produced mainly in south-eastern China and Taiwan. It differs from ordinary black tea through special fermentation and ageing processes, which give it an unusual taste and aroma.
The ageing period deserves particular attention. The longer it lasts, the better the tea is considered to be. Some teas on sale have been aged for several decades. They are also among the most expensive.
Red tea — taste, aroma and appearance
Anyone who has tried red tea knows its distinctive smell, intense earthy taste and reddish-brown colour. These come from fermentation and ageing. Fermentation takes place just after the leaves are picked. This stage is relatively short because it is interrupted at a certain point to move on to the next important stage: ageing.
Through both processes, with ageing lasting from several years to several decades, red tea acquires its distinctive red colour, unique taste and aroma and valued health-related qualities. Speaking of those, let us explore them too.
Red tea — properties and effects
The widely publicised health-related properties of red tea have attracted considerable interest around the world. Its flavour often takes second place and is discussed much less. Is that surprising? Decide for yourself, but first discover the main benefits associated with drinking red tea.
Red tea is known as a fat fighter. Regular consumption is associated with a faster metabolism, which is why it is particularly recommended to people following weight-loss diets. Substances in its leaves are said to reduce the absorption of fats and sugars. Support for weight management is its best-known quality.
It is also associated with support for intestinal and liver function, lower “bad” cholesterol, blood-pressure regulation and improved memory and concentration. Its considerable polyphenol content helps counter free radicals linked to many serious diseases. Fluoride helps protect teeth against decay. Its caffeine content makes it an alternative to coffee, offering stimulation and improved concentration. It is also traditionally enjoyed during colds and flu for its association with helping the body clear bacteria and viruses. Finally, it has a diuretic effect, supporting the body's cleansing processes.
How to brew red tea
Once you have bought a high-quality red tea*, all that remains is to brew it properly and enjoy it. How should you go about that?
- Measure one or two teaspoons of tea leaves.
- Pour over water at 90–95°C.
- Cover and steep for around two to three minutes. Interestingly, the leaves can be brewed several times. Each subsequent infusion will have a slightly lighter flavour, aroma and colour.
If you are adding red tea to your diet to support weight management, remember that it is best drunk after a meal, ideally around thirty minutes after breakfast, lunch or another meal.
* Our online shop offers two loose-leaf red teas: Albert Tea Oolong and Albert Tea Pu-erh.
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