Made from Camellia sinensis leaves, black tea is more oxidized than other teas, contains more caffeine and has a stronger flavor. Unlike other types of tea leaves, black tea holds its flavor for years at a time, making it a hot trade commodity for centuries. Despite a recent spike in the popularity of green tea, black tea accounts for more than 90 percent of tea sales in the Western world.

Black tea is normally made at a ratio of one teaspoon of tea to six ounces of very hot water. Depending on the type of black tea being made, the tea bags should be steeped between three and eight minutes. Purified or spring water will produce the best flavor. Chlorinated tap water can detract from the taste of the tea. The optimal brewing temperature for black tea is 200 degrees Fahrenheit. http://www.imperialteagarden.com/brewtea.html