Why is Red Tea Called Black Tea?

The name "black tea" may seem counterintuitive to those who are familiar with the vibrant red color of its brewed liquid. However, there is a fascinating cultural and historical reason behind this peculiar naming convention. Let's explore why red tea is called black tea.

The Origin of the Name

The discrepancy between the name "black tea" and its red brewed color stems from differences in observational focus between Chinese and Western cultures. In China, where black tea originates, it is named based on the color of the brewed tea, which is distinctly red. However, in Western countries, the tea is named based on the color of the dried leaves, which are dark brown to black due to the oxidation process during production.

The Production Process

To understand this better, let's take a look at the production process of black tea:

1. Plucking: Fresh leaves are picked from the Camellia sinensis plant.
2. Withering: The leaves are spread out to lose moisture, making them softer and more pliable.
3. Rolling: The leaves are rolled or crushed to break down the cell walls and release enzymes.
4. Oxidation (Fermentation): This is the crucial step that gives black tea its distinctive color and flavor. The leaves are exposed to oxygen, causing them to oxidize and turn dark brown to black.
5. Drying: The leaves are dried to stop the oxidation process and preserve their flavor.

It is during the oxidation step that the leaves turn dark, leading Westerners to name the tea "black tea."

Historical Context

The naming convention dates back to the 17th century when the British first began importing tea from China. At that time, the tea they imported, particularly Wuyi tea from Fujian Province, was deeply oxidized and had a dark brown to black appearance. The British, observing the color of the dried leaves, naturally named it "black tea."

Cultural Differences

This naming difference reflects a broader cultural divergence in how people from different parts of the world perceive and categorize objects. In Chinese culture, the focus tends to be on the end product or the final result, in this case, the color of the brewed tea. In Western cultures, however, the focus is often on the raw material or the initial state, which in this case is the color of the dried tea leaves.

The Spread of Black Tea

Over time, the popularity of black tea spread throughout Europe, particularly in Britain, where it became an integral part of daily life and social customs. The introduction of black tea to Britain is often credited to Catherine of Braganza, the Portuguese princess who married King Charles II in 1662 and brought a dowry that included tea. This led to the development of the British tea culture, including the iconic "afternoon tea" tradition.

Conclusion

In summary, the reason why red tea is called black tea lies in the different observational focuses between Chinese and Western cultures. While Chinese name it based on the color of the brewed tea, Westerners name it based on the color of the dried leaves. This naming convention, which dates back to the 17th century, has persisted to this day, becoming an integral part of the global tea culture.