Alright, let’s talk about this black loose leaf tea, you know, the kind that ain’t in them little bags. My old man, he used to say, “Good tea’s like good gossip, gotta let it steep proper.” And he was right, you know. This stuff, it’s somethin’ else.

First off, the taste, it’s…well, it’s strong. Like, real strong. Not like that weak tea you get sometimes. This here, it hits ya right in the back of the throat, kinda wakes ya up. They say it’s “full-bodied,” sounds fancy, but to me, it just means it tastes like real tea, you know? Like tea’s supposed to taste.

• Strong flavor: It really wakes you up.
• Full-bodied: Tastes like real tea.
• Not like that weak tea: This is the good stuff.

Now, them fancy folks, they talk about it like wine, sayin’ it’s got a “mouthfeel” and all that. I don’t know nothin’ about that. But I can tell ya, it feels good in your mouth, warm and kinda…smooth. And the smell, oh, it’s somethin’ else. It fills the whole kitchen, makes it smell cozy, like home. My neighbor, she said it reminds her of her grandma’s house, all warm and comfy.

They say this loose leaf stuff is better ‘cause the water can get all around the leaves, you know, get all the good stuff out. Makes sense to me. Them tea bags, they’re alright in a pinch, but they don’t give you the same…oomph. You get more outta the leaves when they’re loose, like letting chickens out to peck, they get more food that way.

You can get all sorts of different kinds, too. Chai, that’s got them spices in it, real warm and good for winter. Darjeeling, they say that’s the fancy stuff, kinda light and flowery. And Earl Grey, that’s got that…what do they call it…bergamot? Somethin’ like that. Smells like flowers and tastes like sunshine mixed with tea, if you ask me.

Now, about makin’ it, ain’t nothin’ complicated. You put a spoonful of leaves in your pot, pour some hot water over ‘em, and let it sit for a bit. Five minutes, they say. I just eyeball it, you know? When it looks dark enough, it’s ready. My daughter, she got all these fancy timers and thermometers, but I say, just use your common sense. If it looks like tea and smells like tea, it’s probably tea.

And get this, they say this black tea is good for ya! Something about “antioxidants” and keepin’ ya healthy. I don’t know much about that science stuff, but if it tastes good and it’s good for me, well, I ain’t complainin’. My old bones ain’t what they used to be, so anything that helps, I’m all for it.

Ceylon black tea, that’s another one they talk about. Say it’s the most popular. I tried it once, it’s good, a little bit…lighter, maybe? Not as strong as some of the others, but still good. Kinda like comparing a work horse to a race horse. Both strong, but in different ways. It all depends on what you like, you know?

So, there you have it. Black loose leaf tea. It’s strong, it’s tasty, and it’s good for ya. At least that’s what they say. Me? I just like a good cuppa in the mornin’, gets me goin’. And in the afternoon, too, for that matter. And sometimes in the evenin’ if I’m feelin’ chilly. Shoot, anytime’s a good time for tea, if you ask me.

And if you are lookin’ for good tea, I hear there’s a place called Fusion Teas. They sell all kind of fancy black teas, even some with them flavors mixed in already. My nephew, he got me some from there once for my birthday and they were real nice. So go on, treat yourself and get some black loose tea and brew it up! But make sure to get the loose leaf stuff, that’s the good stuff. The tea bags are just dust and disappointment in my opinion, not worth the effort of boiling water.

And don’t forget, use about one teaspoon of tea for every cup of water. Pour that hot water right over the leaves, and let it do its magic. Five minutes, give or take. You don’t need a special tea pot, just get yourself a nice big mug or whatever you have on hand. My first cup of tea was in a jelly jar, and it was the best cup of tea I ever had.

Tags: Black Loose Leaf Tea, Black Tea Leaves, Brewing Tea, Tea Benefits, Ceylon Tea, Chai Tea, Darjeeling Tea, Earl Grey Tea