Black tea is fermented and oxidized, giving the leaves a reddish brown color. The form of the leaves may be whole, unbroken leaves or tiny, broken pieces. The brewed liquor is amber to dark red with flavors ranging from malty to fruity. Loose leaf tea should be steeped in 200 degree water, or "Billowing Waves", as it was called by an ancient Chinese poet, for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on whether or not milk is used).