When it comes to tea, black tea has always held a special place. But here’s a bold statement: it’s probably the most misunderstood drink in history. Every day, countless people sip on low-quality black tea, without a clue about where it’s grown or how it’s made. Yet, organic black tea opens a world of jungle tea gardens and wonderful taste that goes way beyond a builders brew. Ready to explore?
Best Organic Black Teas – regional differences
Not all black teas are created equal. Just like with wine, the cultivar of tea plant, terroir and tea making process make a huge difference to the finished tea. We may be slightly biassed, but the best black teas come from small organic tea gardens, where nature plays a huge role in creating delicious flavours.
Makabari – an organic and biodynamic tea garden in Darjeeling, India.
Tea grows all over the world – from Argentina to Kenya to India. Each region and type of black tea tastes a little different, let's explore.
Darjeeling Organic Black Tea
The ‘Champagne of Teas.’ Light, fragrant, and kissed with muscatel notes, Darjeeling is grown high in the misty mountains of Darjeeling in West Bengal, India. Backdropped the Himalayas, the high altitude foothills and mineral-rich soil are ideal for tea growing.
You'll find luscious tea gardens at an altitude of 2,000 to 7,000 feet, giving the tea leaves just the right amount of sunlight and cool temperatures. This creates a unique muscatel flavour that's simply unmatched. Add in the perfect balance of monsoon rains and you’ve got a brew that bursts with floral and fruity notes. It’s not just tea; it’s a taste of the Himalayan magic in every cup.
Tasting notes: Aromatic. Light-bodied. Regenerating.
Best time to drink: Any time of day when you fancy a fragrant pick me up
Assam Organic Black Tea
Bold, malty, and rich enough to hold its own against a splash of milk or a sprinkle of sugar. Assam’s tea bushes thrive in the lush, rain-soaked lands of northeastern India, producing a tea that’s full-bodied and unapologetically strong. No shortcuts here – just the natural strength of organic farming at its best.
Tasting notes: Malty. Full-bodied. Uplifting.
Best time to drink: Assam’s rich and earthy tones make it an uplifting morning tea
Earl Grey Organic Black Tea
A classic with a twist. The boldness of black tea meets the zingy brightness of bergamot in this blend. No artificial flavours here – just the real, natural zest that makes each cup a refreshing yet comforting.
Tasting notes: Citrussy. Light. Reviving.
Best time to drink: A fresh, lively, aromatic tea great for any time of day.
English Breakfast Organic Black Tea
A blend that’s as hearty as the breakfast it’s named after. This is the kind of tea that wakes you up with its robust, full-bodied flavour. Made from a mix of Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan teas, it’s a true classic – rich, strong, and 100% organic. Because when it comes to your morning brew, why settle for anything less?
Tasting notes: Rich. Full-bodied. Uplifting.
Best time to drink: Perfect in the morning, this is a gutsy tea that’ll set you up for the day ahead.
Why Choose Organic Black Tea?
Like everything we eat and drink, the tea you choose has an impact far beyond your cup. Choosing organic black tea is a conscious decision that plays a role in the environment, your health, and the future of farming.
Unlike non-organic teas, which are often grown in large-scale monocultures reliant on synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, our organic black tea grows in biodiverse jungles.
Monoculture farming depletes the soil and reduces biodiversity. In contrast, organic farming practices promote a diverse ecosystem, where different plants and animals thrive together (hello happy grasshoppers). This gives tea richer, more complex flavours and also contributes to healthier soils that sustain life for generations to come.
Organic tea farms work with nature, not against it, ensuring that every sip you take is free from chemical residues and packed with the goodness of nature. By choosing organic black tea, you're supporting a sustainable system that nurtures the earth, boosts biodiversity, and delivers a purer, more vibrant tea experience.
How to choose organic black tea bags
Many mass market non-organic black teas are made from dust swept off a factory floor. This can leave a bitter taste in your mouth in more ways than one. It doesn’t have to be this way. By putting the highest quality organic tea leaves in a tea bag, you enjoy the convenience of a tea bag as well as the nuanced flavours of the tea. Opt for tea bags that are biodegradable or compostable – no one needs to know about your tea break in 200 years time.
At Hampstead Tea, we use whole organic black tea leaves from biodiverse tea gardens in our plastic-free tea bags. You get all the taste you love, without harming yourself or the planet in the process.
What's the benefit of choosing organic loose leaf
Organic black tea loose leaf offers a full, rich flavour – the leaves have plenty of space to expand and release their natural oils and flavours. It's a slightly slower way of drinking tea that encourages you to slow down and savour the taste. Plus, you can rebrew loose leaf leaves, making it kinder on your pocket.
Organic Black Tea – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Organic Black Tea Good for You?
Yes! Organic black tea is a natural way to stay hydrated and is packed with antioxidants like polyphenols, which can help protect your cells from damage. These antioxidants are powerful little tools to fight free radicals in your body, potentially reducing your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.
Organic black tea is also a natural source of energy. Unlike the jittery buzz from coffee, the caffeine in black tea releases a slow, calm alertness that helps you focus throughout the day. And because it’s organic, you can sip away knowing you’re avoiding the harmful chemicals and pesticides on non-organic teas.
But what are the Organic Black Tea Benefits
Black tea's benefits are plentiful and stretch far beyond its delicious taste. It's packed full of antioxidants which support your health. Depending on how it's grown, it can also be beneficial to the earth. Hampstead Tea grows in biodynamic tea gardens among ancient forests where nature thrives.
What is the Healthiest Black Tea to Drink?
Organic black teas grow without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers, making them a healthy choice. The freshest teas also have the most active ingredients, so opt for organic black teas from the most recent harvest.
Is It Okay to Drink Black Tea Every Day?
Yes, it’s more than okay. Drinking black tea every day is a healthy habit that supports overall well-being. It's been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, improved digestion and better mental clarity. Plus, the ritual of brewing and drinking tea can help to calm down, reduce stress and be more mindful.
Like anything, moderation is key. While black tea is lower in caffeine than coffee, it still contains enough caffeine that drinking too much could lead to side effects like restlessness or difficulty sleeping. For most people, 3-4 cups of black tea per day is a safe and beneficial amount. And with organic black tea, you’re avoiding the chemicals and additives found in non-organic brands, making your daily tea habit even healthier.