The present invention provides a process for producing a black leaf tea product, the process comprising the steps of comminuting fresh tea leaf thereby producing dhool； and then fermenting the dhool whilst exposing it to radiation having a wavelength of from 0.3 to 100 mum and an intensity of from 0.4 to 50 kW/m2 for 10 minutes to 3 hours at a temperature of 15-45 °C. The resulting black leaf tea product produces infusions high amounts of catechins and theaflavins.
