What makes Chinese black tea different from Indian or Sri Lankan black tea?
Chinese *hóng chá* tends to be smoother, less astringent, and more aromatic — often showing notes of cocoa, dried fruit, or pine smoke — while Indian and Ceylon teas lean brisk and malty, designed for milk.
Is black tea the same as red tea?
Yes. In China it's called 'red tea' (*hóng chá*) for its ruby liquor. What the West calls 'red tea' — rooibos — is a different plant entirely.
Does black tea contain caffeine?
Yes, typically 40–60 mg per cup, about half the caffeine of coffee. The amount varies with brewing time and leaf grade, but it's gentle and long-lasting.
Can I drink black tea plain, or should I add milk or sugar?
Both are traditional. Fragrant, bud-heavy teas like *Jīn Jùn Méi* are best plain to catch their honey sweetness. Keemun and Lapsang stand up beautifully to a splash of milk.
How do you store black tea for freshness?
Keep it in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and strong odours. Properly stored, it stays vibrant for 12–18 months, though smoky Lapsang can mellow nicely over time.
What is the smoky aroma in Lapsang Souchong?
Traditional Lapsang is dried over smouldering pine wood, which imparts a distinctive campfire flavour. The intensity varies by producer — ours delivers an authentic but balanced smoke.
Why is *Jīn Jùn Méi* more expensive than other black teas?
It's made entirely from tiny, downy buds hand-plucked in early spring. Thousands of buds go into a single kilogram, requiring immense labour and perfect weather — hence its rarity.
Where can I learn more about Chinese tea history?
Our encyclopedia at thetea.app covers *hóng chá* origins in depth, and tea.school offers a guided course on black tea traditions and tasting.