As the saying goes, “Eat well for breakfast, eat plenty for lunch, eat less for dinner.” Breakfast is not only the first meal of the day but also a crucial source of calories and nutrients. Unfortunately, it tends to be the most overlooked meal of the day, especially for busy professionals. Therefore, choosing the right black tea to accompany your breakfast becomes essential. Let’s explore some black teas that pair well with the morning meal.
Black tea is renowned for its ability to boost the immune system, prevent and treat diseases, and is essentially free from significant side effects when consumed in moderation. It is usually prepared by steeping tea leaves in hot water. Drinking black tea has excellent benefits for digestive health, especially when consumed on an empty stomach in the morning. It can help alleviate constipation by promoting bowel movements, aiding in the elimination of toxins from the body. Additionally, regular consumption of black tea may contribute to improved skin health, accelerating skin regeneration and softening the skin, resulting in a clear and smooth complexion.
Here are some black teas that make excellent breakfast companions:
- Keemun Black Tea (祁门红茶): Commonly referred to as Qimen or Keemun, this tea hails from the southern end of Anhui province, particularly around Qimen County. Among the various Keemun teas, “Fuliang Gongfu Black Tea” stands out for its high fragrance, rich flavor, beautiful appearance, and vibrant color. It has gained international acclaim for its exceptional quality.
- Dian Hong Black Tea (滇红功夫茶): Dian Hong encompasses various black teas from Yunnan province. It is divided into Dian Hong Gongfu Tea and Dian Hong Sui Tea. The tea bushes in Yunnan are tall, with large buds and leaves featuring abundant silver hair. Dian Hong is known for having the highest content of polyphenols and alkaloids among Chinese teas.
- Ning Hong Gongfu Black Tea (宁红功夫茶): Also known as Ning Hong, this tea is produced in Xiushui, Jiangxi province. The tea-growing region lies between the Mugaomu and Jiugong mountain ranges, creating an environment with dense fog lasting 80-100 days during spring and summer. This climate results in plump tea buds and thick, tender leaves.
- Yi Chang Gongfu Black Tea (宜昌工夫红茶): Referred to as Yi Hong, this tea is cultivated in the Wuling and Daba mountain ranges. Historically, both distribution and processing were predominantly carried out in the Yichang region, leading to its name. Yi Hong is known for its mellow flavor and bright red liquor.
- Min Hong Gongfu Black Tea (闽红功夫茶): Comprising Zhenghe Gongfu, Tanyang Gongfu, and Bailin Gongfu, Min Hong Gongfu represents three varieties of black tea produced in Fujian. Each type has its own distinct origin and style, with a rich history of consumption that has endured for centuries.
- Hu Hong Gongfu Black Tea (湖红功夫茶): Primarily cultivated in Hunan’s regions of Anhua, Xinhua, and Lianyuan, Hu Hong Gongfu Black Tea is often known as “Xiang Hong.” While variations exist, teas produced in Shimen, Cili, Sangzhi, and Dayong counties are classified as “Xiang Hong.”
- Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong Black Tea (小种红茶): Originating in Fujian province, Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong comprises two varieties: Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong and Wai Shan Xiao Zhong. The former is cultivated in Chong’an County, Xingcun Township, while the latter, with relatively inferior quality, is produced in locations such as Zhenghe, Tanyang, Beiling, Pingshan, Gutian, and Jiangxi’s Qianshan County.
If you’re experiencing constipation, it’s recommended to start your morning with a warm glass of water. Drinking warm water upon waking helps stimulate bowel movements. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding late-night activities, adhering to a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and incorporating physical activity into your routine can all contribute to alleviating constipation. It’s advisable to avoid overly spicy foods, as they may exacerbate digestive issues. A breakfast pairing of black tea and a healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being.
