Why is Black Tea so Awesome?

Tea is a wonder actually, we all relate to it very much, the reason being “chai” and what else!

The leaf resonates freshness, brings in rejuvenation and simply gives joy is our being. But then it’s just doesn’t stop at ‘Chai’, we have more definition to it. Here’s why black tea is not just chai but beyond!

Black is a type of tea which is fully oxidised that means the tea leaf is processed such that it is exposed to the environment fully and thus giving its unique character black colour, crisp flavour, and smooth balance.

Black teas benefits are divine, it stimulates the mind, aids memory, gives a great high without any side effects, has caffeine lesser than coffee too. Then why not brew your chai well without sugar, pick the perfect Assam leaf from your retailer that should come with all organic certifications and off you go drinking pure happiness.

We have the splendid Darjeeling and its so many blends, we have the brisk Assam and its variations

Assam Masala INVIGORATING Chai

From the gentle undulating terrain of Jamguri situated in Golaghat district – the high-quality belt of Assamese tea, only the choicest of leaves and buds are plucked and blended with authentic spices from Kerala to give you a tea experience you will remember forever. Infused with the best of spices, Assam Masala INVIGORATING Chai is known to awaken your senses and energize you instantly.

Robust and full bodied, these teas are highly recommended if you are looking for a well-balanced, brisk, aromatic and a peppery taste. The best time to have this happiness concoction is early morning and evening.

Radhika’s Tea Tips:

Tea infused food tip: Infuse this in Indian recipes especially in North Indian gravies for its lovely brown color.

Darjeeling Black Leaf WAKE-UP Tea

Harvested in early spring in the biodynamic tea estate of Sivitar, Darjeeling-only the best selection of tea leaves is plucked to give you the finest Darjeeling Black tea ever. Mountain Fresh, Himalayan notes in a cuppa indeed.

From delicate, verdant to a full-bodied infusion that gets better with every steep, our First Flush, Whole-leaf Darjeeling Black Tea has a heady aroma and a rich muscatel flavour that is perfect to adorn your mornings and evenings.

Refreshing and rejuvenating, this leaf has the potential to turn an otherwise laidback day into an exciting one.

Radhika’s Tea Tips:

Culinary Tip: Granny’s tip was always to make the perfect chickpeas with black tea infusion!! What better that than using this organic infusion to give your Cholee a great colour and earthy aroma. Try it we say.
Garden Tip: The wet leaf at the end of the day can be used in your gardens and potted plants as organic manure, lo and behold watch the plants healthy and blooming.

Darjeeling Black Leaf Rose BEAUTEA

Harvested in the organic estate of Sivitar, Darjeeling-only the choicest of tea leaves and buds that could go well with red rose petals are plucked and processed to give you a strong, romantic after taste.

A whiff of strong black tea followed by the mesmerising aroma of rose petals is all you need to get lost in the enchanted world of fine teas. Sweet, supple, harmonious, round and well-balanced, Darjeeling Black leaf Rose BEAUTEA is your tea if you are looking for a refreshed and a romantic luncheon.

Radhika’s Tea Tips:

Tea infused food tip: Freeze green leaf rose infusion into healthy popsicles with a dash of cinnamon and a vanilla pod and have it whenever you get a craving for ice cream.
VaniTea Tip: Enclose the wet leaves in a muslin cloth, freeze it overnight and dab it around your eyes to say good-bye to dark circles or simply dab some green leaf rose infusion around your tired eyes before going to bed for a refreshing day after.

Darjeeling Ginger Black Leaf WAKE-UP Tea

Harvested in the biodynamic estate of Sivitar, Darjeeling, a selection of tea leaves and buds are chosen and blended with the organic herb ginger to give you a superior Darjeeling Ginger tea.

Rich, with flecks of ginger blended with Darjeeling Wholeleaf, this leaf is full, round with flavours that are pronounced and balanced.

An early tea, this blend is our top seller with its generous aroma and full-bodied flavour. It aids in digestion and sets you in a happy mood. This fine tea stimulates your mind and gears you up for a tealicious day ahead.

Radhika’s Tea Tips:

Tea infused food tip: Make this infusion your secret ingredient in cocktails and mocktails for its strong taste.

Darjeeling Black Tulsi Liquorice Leaf DIGESTIVE Tea

Harvested in the biodynamic estate of Sivitar, Darjeeling-a selection of tea leaves and buds are chosen and blended with organic Tulsi and Liquorice to give you a healing blend of Darjeeling Tulsi Liquorice tea.

An evening tea, this blend is one of our top sellers known for its generous aroma and full-bodied flavour. It aids in digestion, cures a nagging cold and cough and helps you to recuperate completely. This blend also serves as a great aftertaste to a romantic evening, thanks to its delightful and lively taste.

Radhika’s Tea Tips:

Tea infused food tip: Toss the wet leaves of this tea in salads to add that extra health quotient to your diet.
VaniTea Tip: Use the infusion to wash your face at the end of the day as it works as a great antiseptic to ward off blemishes and pimples.

Assam Mukhwas Black Leaf DIGESTIVE Chai

Harvested in the organic estate of Jamguri, Assam only the choicest of tea leaves and buds that could go well with organic red rose petals are, plucked and processed to give you a strong, romantic aftertaste.

A whiff of strong black tea followed by the mesmerising aroma of rose petals is all you need to get lost in the enchanted world of fine teas. Sweet, supple, harmonious, round and well balanced Wholeleaf. When this is added to organic Indian Digestive spices like cardamom, cloves and fennel, you get the perfect Paan or Mukhwas Tea. A novelty in tea and our latest arrival to charm the palate especially after a heavy meal.

Radhika’s Tea Tips:

Tea infused food tip: Freeze Mukhwas Black Leaf infusion into healthy popsicles with a dash of cinnamon and a vanilla pod and have it whenever you get a craving for ice cream.
VaniTea Tip: Enclose the wet leaves in a muslin cloth, freeze it overnight and dab it around your eyes to say good-bye to dark circles or simply dab some green leaf rose infusion around your tired eyes before going to bed for a refreshing day after.

Assam Black Vanilla CALMING Chai

When the choicest of tea leaves handpicked from the finest tea estate of Jamguri, Assam, are blended with the aromatic Vanilla pods, you get the suave and smooth Black Vanilla Chai.

Number one in elevating your happiness quotient, Black Vanilla Chai is that romantic and happy tea you would want sip on while dreaming your way into a hazy mid-morning. An instant healer and an anti-depressant, this fine tea is sweet, supple, thick, and infused with the fun aromatic notes of song and dance.

Radhika’s Tea Tips:

Tea infused food tip: Make this infusion your secret ingredient in cocktails and mocktails for its strong taste. You can also add it in caramels and custards for its strong vanilla flavour.

Kay Black Leaf WAKE-UP Tea

When in Turkey, have Kay like the Turks do. Unlike any other tea, Kay is special in every possible way right from the way it’s brewed and served on different occasions. Sourced straight from our blenders in Istanbul from the eastern Black Sea coast where it belongs, Kay is your tea if you know your teas inside out and find special delight in sipping the best of the lot.

Kay is a mandatory Turkish welcome drink which holds a special place in every Turk’s life as is Chai for us. It’s so popular that special Kay gatherings are organised in tea gardens just to celebrate and enjoy this radiant crimson drink in all its glory.

Brewed over two kettles in a unique style of preparation, served strong without milk in short tulip-shaped mugs, this black tea is full-bodied, brisk, and aromatic to taste. Every tea connoisseur’s favourite, this tea is refreshing, energising and every bit tealicious when brewed right.

Radhika’s Tea Tips:

To get that perfect supple bite, infuse KAY tea into smoked meats.

Rosey Black Leaf DIGESTIVE Tea

Handpicked by our tea partners from Qingdao and carefully curated by Radhika’s Fine Teas, the Rose Black Tea is one of those few brews that are strong in taste yet hopelessly romantic. A whiff of the lovely black tea leaves blended with rich rose essence will transport you to the Victorian Era and a sip will give you a glimpse into what a high tea service feels like.

Full-bodied, aromatic and smooth, this fine tea is your go to tea, whether you want to DIVE into the sweet memories of the past or simply want to soak in the present moment completely.

Radhika’s Tea Tip:

Drinks: This infusion goes well with rose-infused mocktails and milkshakes.
Food: Sprinkle the re-brewed wet tea leaves to add a unique flavour to your salads. Set the infusion into interesting rose popsicles with a dash of cinnamon and vanilla pod.

Lanka Mango Black Leaf DIGESTIVE Tea

If you are a tea connoisseur, we bet this tea is already amongst your favourites and if you’re a novice, brace yourself to treat your taste buds to one of the most premium teas. Presenting the “Lanka Mango Black Leaf DIGESTIVE Tea” that comes straight from the uphills of the picturesque Nuwer Eliya.

The Mango Black tea is robust yet smooth on the palate with bursts of fruity Mango notes. Curated by Mr. DeMel, our sommelier who has served as a chairman on the Tea Board of Sri Lanka, the leaves of this tea are perfect to the ‘tea’, if we may call it that.

Radhika’s Tea Tip:

Beverages: This tea makes a great partner for ice teas and mocktails.
Culinary Tip: Use the infusion of the first brew for your mango based savoury recipes, the black tea gives colour and the mango blend the subtle flavour to enhance your dish.

Here’s a list of more exciting flavours in black from Lanka