The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a black leaf tea product, the process comprising: providing black leaf tea material having a moisture content of less than 20 wt.%; and then subjecting this black leaf tea starting material to a heat treatment step by contacting it with a heated surface at a temperature of 60°C to 100°C in the presence of steam for a duration of at least 2 minutes. The present invention also relates to a black leaf tea product obtainable by this process