Best 16 Organic Black Tea: A Detailed Review
Organic black tea offers significant benefits that make it a wise choice for tea lovers. By opting for organic, you can enjoy pure, safe tea free of synthetic chemicals while also supporting sustainable agriculture. This article will explore 15 top organic black teas, outlining their standout flavor profiles, sourcing details and optimal brewing methods. Discover new favorites among these exceptional organic offerings.
1. Yamamotoyama Jasmine Tea
Yamamotoyama's organic Jasmine tea provides a delightful floral accent to traditional black tea. Jasmine's history as a scenting flower for tea dates back over 1,000 years to the Song Dynasty in China. Yamamotoyama in particular has perfected the art of floral tea for over 300 years. Their Jasmine tea envelops the palate with a rich, soothing body punctuated by sweet, delicate jasmine notes. As a USDA certified organic tea, it offers assurance of purity. Brew using 190°F water for 3-4 minutes and enjoy it.
2. Tazo Passion
Tazo blends black tea with sweet, tart hibiscus and lemony passionfruit for an organic herbal fusion that delights the senses. One sip floods the mouth with sunny, vibrant fruit flavors set against the full body of black tea. All ingredients are USDA certified organic and ethically sourced. Try Tazo Passion hot or chilled - either way, its bright fruitiness refreshes. For hot tea, steep for 5 minutes at boiling. For iced tea, steep double strength before pouring over ice.
3. Onyx Peppermint Yerba Mate
Onyx Coffee Lab, known for exceptional coffee, also produces intriguing tea fusions. Their Peppermint Yerba Mate marries smooth, earthy Yerba Mate with lively peppermint. This organic blend offers caffeinated vitality alongside tasty peppermint sweetness. Onyx sources ingredients sustainably and supports environmental initiatives. Savor the minty zing by steeping for 5-7 minutes in 175°F water.
4. Masha Green
Masha's USDA certified organic green tea delivers flavor clarity and purity. Grown organically in a remote region of Korea, Masha green tea offers a smooth, grassy flavor with hints of vegetation and ocean breeze. An aroma of spring greens accompanies each sip. For best results, steep 1 teaspoon of leaves per 8 oz at 160°F for 1-3 minutes. Savor this green tea plain or accent it with a spritz of citrus.
5. Ippodo Horai Matcha
Ippodo's Horai Matcha represents the pinnacle of organic Japanese green tea. As a stone-ground ceremonial grade Matcha, it delivers a sublime grassy flavor with vegetal undertones, punctuated by a hint of sweetness. The flavor profile changes with varied whisking techniques, offering a unique experience. Ippodo maintains centuries-old traditions but has incorporated modern food safety standards and tests rigorously for contaminants. For traditional preparation, whisk 1 scoop of Horai Matcha per 3 oz hot water until frothy.
6. Murchie’s Earl Grey
Murchie's exceptional Earl Grey gets its citrusy lift from organic neroli and lemon oils. This black tea blend from Canada infuses the/ cup with bergamot's uplifting citrus aroma and flavor. A creamy vanilla accent lends additional depth. Murchie’s adheres to organic growing methods for sustainable production of exceptional tea. For best extraction, steep for 5 minutes in freshly boiled water.
7. Kettl Uji Genmaimatcha
This intriguing Japanese green tea blend combines steamed sencha green tea with matcha powder and toasted brown rice for a uniquely nutty, vegetal flavor. Both the sencha and matcha are grown organically in Uji to produce a mellow, aromatic tea brimming with umami character. The addition of nutty genmai rice creates even more complexity. Kettl prioritizes direct trade relationships for ethically sourced tea. For maximum flavor, steep 1.5 teaspoons per 8 oz at 175°F for 1-2 minutes.
8. Teapigs Lemon & Ginger
Teapigs offers an invigorating, organic herbal infusion starring spicy ginger and lemon zest. Tart, fresh lemon notes mingle with warming ginger spice in this caffeine-free blend. Vibrant citrus and ginger zing make it seem freshly plucked from the orchard. The lemon and ginger ingredients are certified organic. Simply steep one temple bag for 5 minutes - easy and delicious hot or iced!
9. Luzianne Iced Tea
Luzianne's classic black tea makes an iconic Southern-style iced tea. Bold black tea flavor with caramel notes stands up perfectly to chilling over ice without turning bitter. Luzianne adheres to sustainable and ethical sourcing standards for their tea. For traditional iced tea authenticity, steep 5 heaping tablespoons of leaves in 1 quart just-boiled water for 10 minutes before pouring over a glassful of ice.
10. Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend Tea
Fortnum & Mason specially crafts the Royal Blend Tea for Buckingham Palace, using only organic tea leaves from the finest gardens in China and India. This bright, smooth black tea balances citrus freshness with warming, peppery cardamom and ginger notes for a refined yet comforting flavor. Steep for 4-5 minutes in freshly boiled water. Elevate any tea time by brewing Fortnum & Mason's royal selection, admired by Queen Elizabeth herself.
11. Third Culture Bakery Honey Bug Bite Oolong
Third Culture Bakery sources exceptional organic Tieguanyin oolong handcrafted using the traditional "bug bitten" approach, which bruises the leaves to prompt an intriguing orchid-like aroma and rich honey flavor. Their Tea Masterpainstakingly bites each leaf, demanding incredible attention to detail. Extended oxidation enhances the honeyed taste and seductive fragrance. For best results, steep 5 grams per 8 oz at 180°F for multiple short infusions to extract maximum flavor.
12. Onyx Tealight
Onyx Tealight organic black tea blend unites rich malty Assam with floral Darjeeling and vegetal Yunnan for layered flavor complexity. It offers catching, ever-changing tasting notes spanning honeyed peach, green apple and subtle cocoa. As a craft tea producer sourcing directly from growers, Onyx Coffee Labs makes sustainability a priority. Allow this fascinating fused black tea to steep for 5 minutes, then savor its shifting flavor nuances.
13. Masha Love
Masha Love organic herbal tea blend steeps up self-care with its comforting floral and berry flavors. This gentle, soothing infusion tastes like love feels - tender rose petals and passionfruit mingle with wild strawberry and sweet honey notes for a romantic flavor profile. Organically grown chamomile adds calming effects. Simply steep 1 pyramid bag in 8 oz hot water for 5 minutes.
14. Bellocq No. 96 White Wedding
Bellocq hand blends their elegant White Wedding white tea with night blooming jasmine and organic vanilla for a sweet, delicate cup emitting heavenly aroma. This certified organic tea captivates with its lush floral taste and perfumed fragrance. Bellocq innovates exceptional tea experiences through artful combinations ofesteemed small farm teas. For divine flavor, steep for 5-7 minutes at 160°F and inhale the ethereal bouquet before sipping..
15. Big Heart Tea Co. Chai
Warm up with Big Heart Tea Co.’s cozy organic chai, crafted from fair trade rooibos and soothing spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger root, cloves and black pepper. This naturally caffeine-free chai fills every sip with comforting flavor, providing a healthy alternative perfect for children and adults alike. The Masala chai spices promote digestion and contain antioxidants while South African rooibos lend a smooth, honeyed taste. Steep one bag per 8 oz hot water for 5-7 minutes for maximum spice infusion.
16. Empire State Sunrise Tea - Lifeboost Coffee
Lifeboost Coffee applies their exceptional sourcing standards to black tea in their organic Empire State Sunrise Tea. This rich black tea is expertly blended with refreshing bergamot like a vibrant New York morning. Lifeboost’s shade-grown tea retains more antioxidants and aromatic oils due to slower maturation in filtered sunlight. It is also third-party tested for over 400 potential contaminants. For full-bodied flavor, steep 1 teaspoon per 8 oz hot water for 5 minutes.
Conclusion
The world of organic black tea holds exceptional variety - far more than can be captured in just 15 offerings. Hopefully this guide provides ample inspiration to go exploring. Discover enchanting floral infusions like Jasmine or bright fruit fusions like Tazo Passion. Try classic Earl Grey or innovative blends like Onyx Tealight. And don’t miss Lifeboost’s outstanding organic black tea, boasting impeccable flavor and purity. Among these highlighted organic options lie distinctive tastes to suit all palates. Finding your new go-to black tea is a sip away.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of drinking organic black tea?
Some key benefits of organic black tea include more antioxidants, purity from no pesticides, sustainable agricultural practices and exceptional flavor. Organic cultivation focuses on quality over quantity.
How is organic tea different from regular tea?
Organic tea is grown without synthetic chemicals like pesticides or artificial fertilizers. It relies on natural methods for enriching soil and controlling pests. This eliminates toxins and often leads to more flavorful tea through careful cultivation.
What does USDA organic certification mean?
For tea to bear the USDA organic label, it must meet strict federal guidelines like frequent audits, physical barriers preventing contamination, complete record-keeping and testing for prohibited substances. The USDA certification ensures integrity of organic products.
How can you tell if black tea is fresh or stale?
Fresh black tea has vivid, complex flavor notes and robust aroma. Stale tea will taste flat, one-dimensional or harsh. The dry leaves should retain some flexibility - overly brittle dry leaves indicate declining freshness.
Can herbal blends be organic?
Yes, herbal tea blends featuring ingredients like flowers, fruits, herbs, spices and roots can all be certified organic if grown without chemicals. Roobios chai and floral infusions like jasmine tea can both meet organic standards.
Check out Lifeboost Coffee Empire State Sunrise Tea.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Charles Livingston nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
