Black tea: effects and preparation

With the right preparation, black tea has a similar effect to coffee. In this kitchen tip, we explain everything you should know about preparing tea and the positive and negative side effects.

Black tea - effects on the body

Black tea is often consumed as a substitute for coffee.

• It contains caffeine, but only about half as much as coffee. In addition, the caffeine of black tea is absorbed into the blood much more slowly. The caffeine kick like coffee does not exist.
• How much caffeine is actually contained in the tea depends on the brewing time; the longer you let it brew, the more caffeine it contains.
• With a longer drawing time, more tanning agents are released, among other things. Then the tea tastes a bit bitter, but it is better tolerated.
• If you only let the tea steep for a short time, fewer ingredients will dissolve. This means that there is less caffeine.
• It also contains minerals like potassium and sodium. However, since black tea is diuretic, many minerals are flushed out of your body if you drink too much of it.
• Black tea also reduces the absorption of iron from food. With regular consumption, this can lead to iron deficiency.
• The discoloration of the teeth, which can occur if black tea is enjoyed regularly, is not harmful to health, but is cosmetically undesirable.

Preparation of black tea

When brewing black tea, you can influence the effect and taste of the drink through the brewing time.

• For a cup of tea you need a teaspoon of black tea. Use water at 90 to 100 degrees for brewing.
• As already described in the first section, the brewing time influences the content of caffeine and tannins.
• Let the tea steep for at least two to three minutes before straining.
• You should not let black tea steep for more than five minutes. Then too many tannins are released and the tea tastes unpleasant, please.
• Black tea is often drunk with milk.