Compared to green tea, black tea (red tea in China), White Tea, etc., some friends may find dark tea, which is also one of the six major types of tea, a bit unfamiliar. So how do you select dark tea? And what are some ways to enjoy it? Interested tea enthusiasts, read on!

1.How to Select Dark Tea

Appearance

The brick should be intact with clear molds and distinct edges. There should be no cracks on the sides, no old stems, and not too many fine tea fragments mixed in.

If you're assessing loose leaf dark tea, then uniform and lustrous strands indicate good quality. Taking high-quality Fu Brick Tea and Qianliang Tea as examples, vibrant “golden flowers” that are large and abundant are important characteristics of premium teas.

Aroma

High-quality dark tea carries a fragrant aroma of fungi or smells like pine smoke; aged tea has a mature fragrance. Using Fu Brick Tea and Qianliang Tea as examples, both have unique fungal fragrances; while wild dark tea has a faint fresh scent that can be invigorating.

The aroma of the brewed tea can also serve as an important identification standard. For example, the tea liquor of aged dark tea is initially rich and mature with a subdued character, then a combination of mature and mellow in the middle phase, followed by a prominent mature aroma with waves of richness.

Color

Distinguishing color involves both the dry tea and the brewed tea liquor. High-quality dark tea typically appears brownish-green or oily black, with a glossy surface.

After brewing, the liquor of premium dark tea is bright orange-red, crystal clear like amber. The liquor of top-quality new tea can be as red as wine, extremely beautiful.

Taste

High-quality dark tea has a sweet and mellow taste or is slightly astringent, while aged tea is extremely smooth, leaving a sweet aftertaste. Aged dark tea, when initially brewed, is sweet, smooth, and slippery, with a thick texture but not overly so, and a lingering sweet aftertaste; in the middle phase, it is sweet and pure with a refreshing finish, dissolving instantly upon entry; in the later phase, even as the liquor color lightens, the tea remains sweet and pure, without any off-flavors.

2.Who Is Suitable for Drinking Dark Tea

Dark tea has a mild nature, suitable for most people to drink. Based on its health benefits, the following groups are particularly well-suited for drinking dark tea.

People with high blood sugar

Because dark tea contains tea polysaccharides that have insulin-like effects, helping to lower blood sugar levels; polyphenols and their oxidized products assist in the removal of lipids from blood vessels, reducing cholesterol levels.

Those who smoke and drink

The Caffeine in tea has a diuretic effect, aiding in the elimination of harmful substances. Drinking dark tea diluted can help sober up and detoxify from alcohol, and the polyphenols in dark tea help clear free radicals produced from smoking, reducing harm to the body.

People with constipation

Dark tea is rich in fiber, which has a cleansing effect on the intestines. Therefore, drinking more dark tea is beneficial for maintaining digestive tract health.

3.Ways to Enjoy Dark Tea

In addition to the usual brewing method, dark tea can also be mixed with an appropriate amount of milk and salt to make a blended tea, which also has health benefits. Below are several methods of enjoying dark tea.

1. Brewing Method

Use a covered Yixing clay or ceramic cup/bowl, rinse once with boiling water, then discard the rinse. Re-fill with boiling water and Brew. Strain and drink.

2. Boiling Method

Take about 6 grams of tea and heat the water to around 60 degrees Celsius. Place the tea (first rinse dark tea with boiling water before placing it into the teapot to boil) into the pot and simmer over low heat. After boiling, continue to cook for about 5 minutes before drinking.

3. Milk Tea Method

Brew the tea using traditional methods and mix it with milk in a 1:1 ratio. Add brewed dark tea to milk to make milk tea, resulting in a smooth and creamy taste.

Dark tea is known for its aftertaste of sweetness, leaving a lingering sweet sensation after swallowing. The unique dairy fragrance of milk complements the tea's aroma and sweetness, creating a harmonious blend that lingers on the lips, leaving a lasting impression. You can also add fried rice, fried soybeans, or pair it with cheese and beef jerky according to personal preference.