Black tea is fully oxidized, so it brews dark, rich and malty. Assam is bold, Darjeeling light and floral, and Chinese blacks smooth and honeyed. Use water just off the boil (93–100°C) and steep 3–5 minutes. New to black tea? Try an English Breakfast, or Yunnan gold for something gentler.
Black Tea
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Black tea in Canada: how to choose
Origin decides the cup. Assam is bold and malty, Darjeeling is lighter and floral, and Chinese blacks from Yunnan and Fujian are smoother and naturally sweet. Start with the strength you like, then explore: Assam Harmony for a brisk morning cup, Margaret’s Hope First Flush Darjeeling for something delicate, Yunnan Golden Monkey Imperial for honeyed sweetness.
For an everyday cup, choose English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast or Orange Pekoe Ceylon. Like it smoky? Traditional Lapsang Souchong. Looking for flavoured teas? Browse our black tea blends, including Cream Earl Grey Moonlight. Prices are in CAD and free shipping is available.
| Type | Taste | Water and time | Try |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assam | Bold, malty, brisk | 95–100°C, 3–5 min | Assam Harmony |
| Darjeeling | Light, floral, muscatel | 90–95°C, 3 min | Margaret’s Hope First Flush |
| Yunnan | Smooth, honeyed, cocoa | 90–95°C, 3–4 min | Yunnan Golden Monkey Imperial |
| Keemun | Winey, soft, slightly sweet | 95°C, 3–4 min | Keemun Mao Feng Premium |
| Breakfast blends | Strong, rounded, good with milk | 95–100°C, 3–5 min | English Breakfast |
| Lapsang | Smoky, pine, resin | 95–100°C, 3–4 min | Traditional Lapsang Souchong |
Black tea FAQ
How do I brew loose leaf black tea?
Use about 1 teaspoon (2 to 3 g) of leaves per 250 ml cup and water just off the boil, around 93 to 100°C. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes, then taste. Delicate Darjeelings are best at the shorter end; strong breakfast teas can take the full 5 minutes.
Can I add milk to black tea?
Yes. Strong, malty teas such as Assam, English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast are made to take milk and sugar. Lighter teas like first-flush Darjeeling and Jin Jun Mei are usually best enjoyed plain so their aroma comes through.
What is the difference between Assam, Darjeeling and Chinese black tea?
Assam, from the lowlands of northeast India, is bold and malty. Darjeeling grows in the Himalayan foothills and is lighter, with floral, muscatel notes. Chinese black teas from Yunnan and Fujian are often smoother and naturally sweet, with notes of honey, cocoa or dried fruit.
Does black tea have caffeine?
Yes. Black tea contains caffeine, generally more than green or white tea and less than a cup of coffee. If you want the taste without most of the caffeine, try our Decaf English Breakfast or Decaf Orange Pekoe Ceylon.
How do you drink black tea?
Drink it plain, or add a splash of milk, sugar, honey or lemon. Strong teas like Assam and English Breakfast suit milk; Darjeeling and Chinese black teas taste best plain.
How much black tea should I use per cup?
Use about 1 teaspoon (2–3 g) of loose leaves for a 240 ml (8 oz) cup, with water at 95–100°C (203–212°F), and steep 3–5 minutes.