Dark tea is named for its black appearance in the finished product. It is one of the six major types of tea and is a post-Fermented tea, primarily produced in regions such as Hunan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Anhui, Sichuan, Yunnan, and others. Traditional dark tea is made from mature dark tea leaves, which are mainly used to produce compressed teas. So, besides pairing it with Milk tea, what other teas can be combined with dark tea?

When combining dark tea with milk, note that boiling water or hot tea should not be used to mix with the milk, as this could cause the milk to curdle and reduce its nutritional value. It is recommended to wait until the dark tea has cooled to between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius before adding the milk. This will preserve the nutrients and improve the taste.

In addition, dark tea and milk can also be prepared by boiling. The taste of boiled dark tea, especially aged dark tea, becomes smoother. After cooling it down to between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius, pour in the milk for an even richer and sweeter flavor. Alternatively, you can add some honey for seasoning, which may pleasantly surprise you!

Good pairings for dark tea:

Dark tea + Chrysanthemum flowers

Prepare dark tea and chrysanthemum flowers, using a ratio of 3:1, and steep them together in your teaware. The taste will be very refreshing.

Chrysanthemum flowers have the benefit of clearing heat and detoxifying, while dark tea has a gentle nature. Together, their effects are multiplied, making them particularly suitable for autumn and summer consumption to clear heat and reduce dryness.

Dark tea + Lemon

First, brew the dark tea, then add a few drops of lemon juice or lemon slices (fresh or dried). Honey or sugar can be added for flavor. The taste will be more sour and sweet, and it tastes better when chilled.

Lemon, like dark tea, has the effect of relieving summer heat, quenching thirst, and aiding digestion. This tea is perfect after a big meal or when you need to aid digestion.

Dark tea + Dried Tangerine Peel

Brew dark tea with dried tangerine peel or dried orange peel. The taste might be slightly bitter but can help relieve coughs and expel phlegm. Those who often have excess phlegm can benefit from drinking this regularly.

Benefits of drinking dark tea regularly:

1. Improved Digestion: The tea polyphenols and Caffeine in dark tea can stimulate gut motility and promote the digestion and absorption of food.

2. Boosted Metabolism: Tea polyphenols and caffeine in dark tea can boost metabolism, helping to burn fat and sugars, which aids in weight loss and maintaining body shape.

3. Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases: Dark tea contains abundant tea polyphenols and caffeine, which can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, preventing cardiovascular diseases.

4. Antioxidant Properties: Tea polyphenols in dark tea have strong antioxidant effects, helping to eliminate free radicals and prevent aging and various diseases.

5. Improved Bad Breath: The tea polyphenols in dark tea can eliminate bacteria and bad odors in the mouth, improving bad breath.

In summary, moderate consumption of dark tea can improve health and prevent disease. However, excessive intake may cause adverse reactions.