Black tea: Properties, uses and curiosities in the Kitchen
There are four main types of tea: white, green, red and black, while many are leading to more than 3000 different classes.
Until the sixteenth century only green tea was produced, but market growth forced producers 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 bake 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, semi-fermented, is obtained from the leaves dried in the open air for a short period of time to control fermentation and finally black tea, fermented, from dried leaves left to ferment and become dry.
Properties of black tea
Black tea has 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 give its characteristic bitter flavor. It has an astringent effect, so the consumption is beneficial in cases of diarrhea and other digestive disorders such as gastritis, among others.
Diuretic
The diuretic effect of tea helps to remove excess fluid with waste substances from the body.
Comforting and low in calories
If you add little or no sugar, you get a drink with little calories, provides a pleasant feeling of satiety, making it a healthy alternative compared to sugary sodas.
Stimulant
Like coffee, tea drinking is a good stimulant, which helps clearing the mind and awaken the body.
Some curiosities
Sri Lanka and India are major producers of black tea. All its varieties have an aroma, while "Earl Gray" black tea is one of the most aromatic essence of bergamot 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 its use in different recipes makes the dishes taste and win in acquiring stunning aromas.
This is the case of "black tea and honey sauce ", made with ingredients such as orange juice, garlic and of course honey and black tea "Earl Gray" style.
You 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.