We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Mabol Discover Cha

In the long history river of human beings, each civilization is a star shining in the galaxy, among which, tea culture is one of the brightest stars, guides our life, thoughts, and behaviors, and even decides the economy and future of a country. And this star belongs to the whole world, either near or far. From today on, we will observe this superstar closely, decompose it, analyze it, understand it, and appreciate it in scientific methods and aesthetic altitude.

Read more

In the long history river of human beings, each civilization is a star shining in the galaxy, among which, tea culture is one of the brightest stars, guides our life, thoughts, and behaviors, and even decides the economy and future of a country. And this star belongs to the whole world, either near or far. From today on, we will observe this superstar closely, decompose it, analyze it, understand it, and appreciate it in scientific methods and aesthetic altitude.

Chinese Tea Art Micro-course has three sessions, 15 chapters, and 100 lessons, each lesson is around 5 minutes long. The series contains six basic types of tea, which are green tea, yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, black tea, and dark tea. Of course, we are here in Yunnan, the hometown of pu-erh tea, so we will target on pu-erh tea, and present you details about its origins, terroir, brewing skills, tasting and evaluation, and collection.

Chinese Tea Art Micro-course is a combination of the traditional Chinese culture and Western thoughts, therefore, it is scientific and interesting, objective and creative, traditional and open-minded. It is a different way to study tea science, a unique perspective to learn tea art.

Black tea is the top one consumed in the whole world although it has a history of only over 300 years. Why it was called black tea instead of red tea in the West? Is the term fermentation related to black tea correct? How do they drink black tea in the West? Can everybody drink black tea? What we are going to learn in chapter six may overturn your cognition, believe me?

Lesson 34 The History of Black Tea红茶的历史 Lesson 35 The Terroir of Black Tea 红茶产区风格Lesson 36 The Main Processing Steps of Black Tea 红茶的工艺Lesson 37 The Oxidation of Black Tea 红茶的氧化发酵Lesson 38 The Tea Art Ceremony of Black Tea 红茶的茶艺Lesson 39 The Tasting of Black Tea 红茶的品鉴Lesson 40 The Receipts of Black Tea 红茶的调饮

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How is chinese black tea processed usually? why does each step matter to the qualitly?
  • The science and art of brewing black tea
  • It's easy for everybody to master the evaluation and tasting method.
  • What makes black tea different from the other categories?
  • 10 recipes of black tea's drink or cuisine!
  • Learn all the black teas originating in dfferent areas through the lens.
  • Get ready for exploring chinese tea if you plan to china.
  • Practice mandarin and chinese charactors through subtitle.

Syllabus

Introduction

To learn about black tea, we'd understand its brief history!

Student will under the major black tea productions in China and overseas, and learn its varied flavors in different areas.
Read more

Generally, unblended black teas are named after the region in which they are produced, and different regions are known for producing teas with characteristic flavors, we call all the factors which impact the flavored quality TERROIR, a French term. In other words, they are the results of people understanding nature and making use of it.

Each type of tea has its unique processing skill, and black tea’s main steps are Plucking, Withering, Rolling, Oxidation, and Drying. And let's learn more details through this lesson.

Oxidation is the biochemical process by which a compound undergoes oxidation in the presence of oxygen and involvement of enzymes while fermentation is the chemical process of transforming sugars in the absence of oxygen and involvement of microbes, forming metabolites that play the role of enzymes. That’s why black tea tastes differently from pu’er tea although they look similarly.

Black Tea is the most popular tea globally, colorizes our lives, warms up our hearts, and makes us happy. No one can refuse its charms.

We recommend pure tea although it goes very well with milk, fruits, and scented flowers too.

We learn to evaluate the tea with the hope to understand its quality, meanwhile to adjust the brewing method, so we can appreciate the tea better.

Although the flavor differs subtly in different regions due to the different terroirs, species, and adjustment of processing skills, black tea is an aromatic tea with rich flavors such as honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, sugarcane, licorice, lichee, peach, and some can-fruits, which can pair vast types of food.

You have a try, please.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the terroir of black tea, which is a French term referring to the environmental factors that impact the flavored quality of tea and other agricultural products
Prepares learners for exploring Chinese tea culture, which may enrich their travel experiences and deepen their understanding of local customs and traditions
Differentiates oxidation from fermentation, which clarifies the distinct processes involved in creating black tea versus pu'er tea and enhances understanding of tea chemistry
Presents 10 recipes using black tea in drinks and cuisine, which encourages experimentation and broadens the use of tea beyond traditional brewing methods
Teaches a tasting and evaluation method for black tea, which empowers learners to assess tea quality and adjust brewing techniques for optimal appreciation
Briefly touches on the history of black tea, which may not be sufficient for learners seeking a comprehensive historical overview of tea cultivation and consumption

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Insights into chinese black tea

According to learners, this course receives a largely positive reception. Many found the explanations clear and appreciated the practical tips for brewing and tasting black tea. Students enjoyed gaining interesting cultural and historical context. The short, manageable lessons were also frequently mentioned as a positive format aspect. The course covers processing details, including the important distinction between oxidation and fermentation. While the course provides a solid foundation, some learners noted it might be too basic for those with advanced knowledge.
Lessons are bite-sized, making learning flexible.
"The short lessons are perfect for learning on the go."
"Loved the 5-minute lesson format, easy to digest."
"Wish some lessons were a bit longer, but the format is convenient."
Highlights important distinctions like oxidation vs fermentation.
"The oxidation vs fermentation part was a real eye-opener."
"Appreciated the details on the processing steps."
"Helped me understand why black tea is different."
Provides easy-to-grasp concepts and useful advice.
"The explanations are very clear and easy to understand."
"Gave me practical tips I can immediately use for brewing."
"Found the tasting method section very helpful."
"Really simplified some complex topics for me."
Excellent for beginners, but potentially basic for experts.
"Great starting point, perfect if you're new to tea."
"For experienced tea drinkers, this might feel a bit introductory."
"Already knew most of the info, expected more depth."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Minicourse of Black Tea 红茶的微课篇 with these activities:
Review Tea Production Regions
Refresh your knowledge of the major black tea production regions to better understand the influence of terroir on flavor.
Show steps
  • Research the major black tea production regions in China and overseas.
  • Identify the characteristic flavors associated with each region.
  • Create a map or chart summarizing the key regions and their flavor profiles.
Read 'The Tea Enthusiast's Handbook'
Expand your understanding of tea varieties and tasting techniques to enhance your appreciation of black tea.
Show steps
  • Read the sections on black tea and tea tasting.
  • Take notes on key concepts and tasting notes.
  • Compare the book's descriptions with the course content.
Black Tea Tasting Practice
Refine your black tea tasting skills by conducting regular tasting sessions, focusing on identifying different flavor notes and qualities.
Show steps
  • Gather a selection of black teas from different regions.
  • Brew each tea according to the recommended method.
  • Evaluate each tea's aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.
  • Record your tasting notes and compare them with others.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Explore 'The World Tea Encyclopedia'
Deepen your understanding of black tea's history, production, and cultural significance by exploring this comprehensive encyclopedia.
Show steps
  • Browse the sections on black tea and related topics.
  • Take notes on interesting facts and details.
  • Use the encyclopedia as a reference for further research.
Black Tea Recipe Blog Post
Solidify your knowledge of black tea recipes by creating a blog post showcasing your favorite recipes and variations.
Show steps
  • Select a few black tea recipes from the course or your own experimentation.
  • Prepare each recipe and take photos of the finished product.
  • Write a blog post describing each recipe, including ingredients, instructions, and tasting notes.
  • Publish your blog post and share it with others.
Black Tea Terroir Comparison Project
Test your knowledge of black tea terroir by conducting a comparative analysis of black teas from different regions, focusing on their unique flavor profiles and characteristics.
Show steps
  • Select three to five black teas from different regions (e.g., Darjeeling, Assam, Yunnan).
  • Research the terroir of each region, including climate, soil, and elevation.
  • Brew each tea according to the recommended method and conduct a blind tasting.
  • Analyze the flavor profiles of each tea and identify the characteristics associated with its terroir.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings and conclusions.

Career center

Learners who complete The Minicourse of Black Tea 红茶的微课篇 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Tea Educator
A tea educator shares their knowledge of tea with others in classes, workshops, or presentations. This course may provide the knowledge to teach others about black tea. The course focuses on the history, processing, and tasting of black tea. It also includes discussions of tea art ceremonies and recipes, which would provide a useful curriculum for a tea educator. This course is a perfect complement to the efforts of any tea educator seeking to expand their range of knowledge.
Tea Shop Owner
A tea shop owner manages all aspects of a tea retail operation, from sourcing and selling tea to managing staff. This course on black tea may help a tea shop owner gain insight into a popular variety. The course covers the history, processing, and terroir of black tea, and also covers evaluation methods, which are aspects of knowledge critical for selecting and selling the best tea. This course also provides black tea recipes that may be used in the shop. A tea shop owner will find that this course builds a good background in the knowledge of black tea.
Tea Buyer
A tea buyer sources tea for retailers, restaurants, and other businesses, and needs to be adept at assessing the quality of tea. This course on black tea provides an overview of the different varieties of black tea, the regions they come from, and the processes that create their flavor profiles, all essential for a tea buyer. This course focuses on the tasting and evaluation of black tea, as well as the impact of terroir on the quality of the tea, which are important aspects of a tea buyer’s work. Tea buyers should enhance their understanding of black tea with this course, especially the details about oxidation and tasting.
Tea Sommelier
A tea sommelier develops a deep understanding of tea, its origins, and preparation methods, similar to a wine sommelier. This course on black tea helps build knowledge of a critical tea variety consumed globally. It provides knowledge of black tea history, processing, and tasting, which are key to a sommelier's expertise. Sommelier work includes evaluating tea quality, pairing teas with foods, and educating consumers. For those pursuing a career as a tea sommelier, this course may improve understanding of oxidation, tea art ceremonies, and recipes using black tea.
Beverage Developer
Beverage developers create new drinks for various food and beverage companies. This course on black tea provides information on the nuances of tea, a widely consumed beverage. The course includes lessons on the history of black tea, its processing techniques, and the impact of terroir. A beverage developer will gain an understanding of the possibilities inherent in black tea, from tea art ceremonies to tasting and evaluation, to recipes that mix flavor profiles. This course may help developers expand their repertoire, especially for tea-based drinks.
Product Development Specialist
Product development specialists are responsible for the creation of new products, often working with a team of marketers and researchers. This course on black tea may be very helpful for specialists exploring tea-based products. The course highlights the nuances of black tea, including its history, terroir, and processing. The course explores the ways that oxidation impacts the final product and also includes tasting and evaluation methods. The course's section on black tea recipes also provides inspiration for product development. This course may be quite helpful for product specialists working in the tea industry.
Content Creator Food and Beverage
Content creators in the food and beverage industry develop articles, videos, or other media for online channels or publications. This course on black tea provides the educational background that may help a content creator produce engaging work about tea. The course explores the history, terroir, and processing of black tea, as well as tea art ceremonies, tasting, and evaluation methods. Additionally, the course includes recipes for the use of black tea. The content creator will be able to use this experience as the basis of new content.
Food and Beverage Consultant
Food and beverage consultants advise restaurants and other businesses on their menus and beverage programs, and this course on black tea may be useful to them. Understanding the nuances of tea, especially a globally popular tea like black tea, is important for consultants. This course touches on the history, terroir, and the main processing steps for black tea, which would help consultants develop informed recommendations. This course also presents recipes with black tea, an important factor when advising on menus. The knowledge gained from this training will help a consultant make more informed decisions about tea pairings.
Culinary Instructor
A culinary instructor teaches students about cooking and food preparation techniques. This course on black tea will enhance an instructor's knowledge of food and beverage pairings, especially in the realm of tea. The course delves into the processing of black tea, its history, and its varied uses in cuisine, all of which may be included in the curriculum of a culinary instructor. The course also includes recipes employing black tea, offering practical applications for instructors. This course may give instructors a good understanding of tea's role in food culture and preparation.
Agricultural Product Analyst
An agricultural product analyst studies the production and market trends of agricultural goods, and this course on black tea may provide a specialized perspective on a specific product. The course delves into the specifics of black tea production, discussing its history, terroir, and processing techniques. The course's focus on tasting and evaluation methods may help the analyst understand quality control issues. This course may be useful for analysts who wish to specialize in tea or similar agricultural products. This course will enhance any analyst's understanding of tea production.
Restaurant Manager
Restaurant managers oversee the daily operations of a restaurant, including menu development and beverage service. This course on black tea provides an understanding of tea, particularly a globally favored type of tea, which may be useful for a restaurant manager. This course covers the history, terroir, and processing of black tea, providing critical information for a manager who may be working with tea menus. This course also discusses tea art ceremonies and the evaluation of black tea, which may help enhance service quality. The recipes provided in this course may provide inspiration for new menu items. This course may be useful for anyone seeking to improve tea service in their restaurants.
Food Stylist
Food stylists create visually appealing arrangements of food and beverages for photography and other media. A course like this one on black tea can add depth to a food stylist’s understanding of a versatile beverage. This course includes details about the history of black tea, the processes involved in its creation, and the various ways it can be used. The course also covers recipes that use black tea, providing ideas for styling opportunities. A food stylist looking to expand their portfolio may benefit from the understanding of black tea gained from this course.
Herbalist
Herbalists use plants for medicinal and therapeutic purposes, and this course, though focused on black tea, may improve their understanding of one important plant. This course explores the history, terroir, and processing of black tea, providing a scientific understanding of the product. It also discusses various uses of black tea, including use in recipes. Herbalists with an interest in the properties of tea will find that this course may help round out their knowledge of the medicinal and dietary aspects of a particular plant. This course may be useful for those who may wish to explore tea for its specific qualities.
Horticulturalist
Horticulturalists study plants, including the cultivation and propagation of crops. This course on black tea provides context for the growth and production of a major agricultural product. The course explores the relationship between terroir and the quality of the tea, which may help horticulturalists understand the growing conditions necessary for quality tea. It also covers production methods, including oxidation, which are essential aspects of tea production. This course may be useful for a horticulturalist who wants to gain expertise in tea.
Food Scientist
Food scientists study the chemical and biological composition of food, and this course will give them a better understanding of black tea as a food product. The course focuses on the science of black tea, including its processing, particularly the oxidation process. This course also touches on the terroir of black tea, which can influence its chemical composition, and includes tasting and evaluation methods, as well as recipes involving black tea. This course may be useful for food scientists studying the chemical and physical properties of tea

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Minicourse of Black Tea 红茶的微课篇.
This encyclopedia offers a comprehensive overview of tea varieties, processing methods, and cultural significance. It provides detailed information on black tea, including its history, production, and regional variations. valuable resource for expanding your knowledge beyond the course material and is commonly used by tea enthusiasts and professionals alike. It adds breadth to the existing course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of tea types, including black tea, and their origins. It delves into the nuances of tea production and tasting, offering a broader context for the course material. While not specifically focused on Chinese black tea, it offers valuable background knowledge and useful reference for tea enthusiasts. It is commonly used as a reference by tea professionals.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser