what is black tea made of

Black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the same plant used to make other types of tea such as green, white, yellow, and oolong tea. What makes black tea different from other types of tea is that during the production process, the tea leaves are allowed to fully oxidize before they are heat-processed and dried. During oxidation, oxygen interacts with the tea plant’s cell walls to turn the leaves the rich dark brown to black color that black tea leaves are famous for. Oxidation alters the flavor profile of a black tea as well, helping add malty, fruity, or even smoky notes, depending on the tea. The process of making black tea involves withering, heating, rolling, oxidizing, and drying. The tea leaves are harvested, wilted, and then lightly crushed. The tea leaves are then fully oxidized, which turns them a brownish-black color. The tea is then dried, sorted, and packaged.