Black Tea
All our tea is handpicked where just "two leaves and a bud" are plucked (that being the youngest shoots on the bush). This is referred to as the orthodox tea plucking method. The tea is then withered over a set time period of time.
Withering is the first and most important step involved in tea processing. By this process plucked tea leaves are conditioned for subsequent steps in tea manufacturing.
Withering helps to soften the green leaves and facilitate expulsion of excess water from fresh leaves. Generally the water level in green tea leaf ranges between 74 to 83%. Proper withering helps in bringing down this to an acceptable level of around 70%. It makes the leaves rubbery or flaccid, a prerequisite for proper twisting and curling of the leaves.
Leaf Maceration or Orthodox Rolling Method then occurs where the various tea grades are created, either a whole leaf Pekoe, Broken Orange Pekoe, Flowery Fanning, Dust, etc...are all created in this part of the manufacture of tea.
Then the tea is dried (or fired). This method was created by the British so that the tea could withstand long journeys across the ocean.
The end product is a black tea.
Black Tea contains very unique properties that are beneficial to human health.
Polyphenols found in black tea include catechins, theaflavins, tannins, and flavonoids
Black tea should be brewed in boiling water and let to steep for at least 2-3 minutes to achieve the correct balance found in its full-bodied flavor. Once brewing is complete, remove the tea leaves and serve. Black tea can be served plain, with milk and sugar, honey and lemon, spices, even a dash of a liquor for an after-dinner digestive.
Broken Orange Pekoe with Silver Tips
We felt it only fitting to begin our luxury tea collection with our most popular grade of black tea, RCTC Broken Orange Pekoe with silver tips. A rich full bodied cuppa with subtle flowery notes that flavorfully satisfy even the most discerning tea tottler.
Silver Lining-All good things have a silver lining, ours; silver tips! RCTC Broken Orange Pekoe contains our signature silver tips, in every pouch of our luxury tea collection. This is a rare and delicate tea leaf that adds to the richness of the brew and makes it smooth.
RCTC Broken Orange Pekoe with silver tips have been served to the Royal Households for many generations and is HRH the Queen's favored afternoon and morning tea.
