There are four main types of tea: white, green, red and black, while its many leading to more than 3000 different classes.

Until the sixteenth century produced only green tea, but market growth forced prodcers to investigate new methods of conservation to prevent it from losing its qualities during storage. In this way they discovered that if you dry, leaving it to ferment and then baked to avoid decomposition, the tea was kept in optimal conditions for much longer. Thus arose the black tea.

The black tea, a fermented tea

teas are derived from the tea tree (Camellia Sinensis or Thea Sinensis ). White tea, from buds that are left to wither, the green tea is not fermented, from the leaf is cooked and dry-fire to stop fermentation, the red tea, semifermentado, is obtained from the leaves are dried in the open air for a short period of time to control fermentation and finally black tea, fermented, dried leaves from left to ferment and become dry.

properties of black tea

Antioxidant has
black tea polyphenols. These are antioxidant substances that protect the body against the deleterious effects of free radicals that weaken the defense system and accelerate the aging process.

Astringent
tannins tea components that give it its characteristic bitter flavor. Have an astringent effect, so their consumption is beneficial in cases of diarrhea and other digestive disorders such as gastritis, among others. Diuretic
important
The diuretic effect of tea helps to remove excess fluid with waste substances from the body.
Comforting and low in calories If
adds little or no sugar sugar you get a drink with little calories, provides a pleasant feeling of satiety (hot only quenches rioja cold), making it a healthy alternative compared to sugary sodas.
Stimulant
Like coffee, tea drinking is a good stimulant which helps clear the mind and awaken the body.

Some curiosities

Sri Lanka and India are major producers of black tea. It has an aroma all its varieties, while black tea "Earl Gray" is one of the most aromatic essence of bergamot andalusia possess, a fruit derived from a cross between the lime and orange.

The black tea in the kitchen

Any time of day is a good time to take a cup of black tea and enjoy the intense aroma and flavor. However, fans of this drink should know that their use in different recipes makes the dishes taste and win in acquiring stunning aromas.
This is the case of "black tea sauce and honey", made with ingredients such as orange juice, garlic and of course honey and black tea "Earl Gray".
Can also prepare a cup of black tea ice punch with a little orange and lemon juice, sugar and fresh mint leaves. The
"Masala chai is another different way to enjoy black tea which is prepared with spices like cinnamon or ginger and a little milk.
You can even use a bit of black tea to flavor a mushroom canapés and a salad of cucumber, bringing a touch of aroma and flavor.

Source: Consumer.es