BLACK TEA
Black Tea represents the majority of the tea consumed in the Western world. In production, the leaves are first exposed to hot air for several hours in order to reduce their water content by 50% to 60%. This step starts to free up the enzyme responsible for oxidizing the leaf. It also softens the leaves, preparing them to undergo subsequent operations without breaking.
Next, the leaves are rolled (by hand or machine), allowing the essential oils to spread and to permeate the buds. The aroma of the tea depends on these essential oils. A screen is used to sort the tea. The smallest leaves go directly to the next stage, while the larger, tougher ones undergo a second rolling. Oxidation involves the chemical reaction of the leaves and their components (polyphenols) with air, humidity, and heat. Finally, comes firing. Drying the leaves in the oven stops the oxidation process.
