BLACK CURRANT TEA

TEA TYPE : BLACK TEA

This Black tea from the Yunnan Province in China is blended with delicate Blackberry leaves and natural flavors, imparting a distinct fruity character. The Yunnan Province is reputed for growing the best of China’s high quality black teas, well-known for its delicate large leaves and number of buds. Located remotely in the foothills along the border of Laos and Myanmar (Burma), the Yunnan Province is one of the oldest tea producing regions in the world and is hence often called the ‘birthplace’ of tea. The black tea growing conditions are considered to be ideal: the combination of red, fertile soil and the right constant climate provide the perfect conditions. Yunnan climate is misty and humid with a constant average year round temperature of 59-73°F (15-23°C). Blackberry contains high levels of Tannins and Vitamin C.

Black Currant is, after Earl Grey, the most popular flavored black tea in North America and Europe. Terrific anytime you want a caffeinated tea, we think Black Currant is best enjoyed in a traditional English-style tea time ritual, perhaps with scones and even clotted cream. Our black currant is great with milk and sugar, but the sweet berry flavor comes through best when drunk black or slightly sweetened.

Black currant, a popular fruit and flavoring in Europe, was largely banned from cultivation in the United States. Black currant trees facilitate white pine blister rust, which was deemed a threat to the white pine timber industry, leading to a ban on black currant in the early 20th century. The federal ban on growing currants was shifted to individual states' jurisdiction in 1966, and was lifted in New York State in 2003 through the efforts of horticulturist Greg Quinn. As a result, currant growing is making a comeback in New York, Vermont, Connecticut and Oregon. However, several statewide bans still exist including Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Since the federal ban ceased currant production anywhere in the U.S., the fruit is not well-known and has yet to reach the popularity that it had in 19th century United States or that it currently has in Europe. Since blackcurrants are a strong source of antioxidants and vitamins, awareness and popularity are once again growing, with a number of consumer products entering the market.

Ingredients and certifications may differ slightly between our pyramid infusers and loose tea canisters for this blend, see package for details.