Schwarzer Tee

Black tea is a popular hot beverage in Germany and throughout the European Union, made from fermented tea leaves. According to EU nutritional labeling standards, a typical 150-ml serving of black tea contains approximately 1-1.5 calories and is virtually free of fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. The beverage is rich in valuable nutrients including potassium (37 mg per 100g tea leaves), magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, and B vitamins B1 and B2. Particularly noteworthy are the tannins and secondary plant compounds such as theaflavins contained in black tea, which are produced during fermentation and may have antibacterial properties.

The caffeine content of black tea is an important consideration: a 150-ml serving contains approximately 30-60 mg of caffeine, roughly half the caffeine content of a cup of coffee. This makes black tea a milder stimulant that still has invigorating effects on metabolism, circulation, and brain function. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) classifies a daily caffeine consumption of 400 mg for adults as safe. For pregnant and nursing women, a maximum of 200 mg per day is recommended.

Several points should be considered when consuming black tea: The tannins can reduce the bioavailability of dietary iron by approximately 50 percent, so people with iron deficiency should consume tea between meals rather than with meals. Excessive consumption can lead to deficiencies in vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, and iron. Optimal preparation involves water between 90-95°C with approximately one teaspoon of tea per cup (200 ml).