Assam tea is a type of black tea that originated in the Assam region of northeastern India. The tea plants of the Assam region thrive in the tropical climate and fertile soil, which contributes to the cultivation of high-quality tea leaves. Assam is known for producing some of the most powerful and full-bodied black teas in the world.
Assam tea is often characterized by its strong, strong taste and dark color. It has a characteristic malty taste that makes it ideal for brewing a powerful cup of morning tea.
Commonly available in bulk or in tea bags, Assam tea is a popular option for tea lovers who prefer strong black tea
Assam tea, isn’t it just a black tea?
No, it is not that simple. It is true that Assam tea is primarily known to be a black tea.
Although Assam tea is primarily black tea, other types of tea can also be found from the region, such as green tea and white tea, although they are less widespread and less known than the classic black Assam tea. However, black tea is the most dominant and famous type of tea from Assam.
However, black tea is also produced in other regions all over the world, and each region has its own unique touch to the taste and characteristics of black tea
Here are some other well-known regions that produce black tea:
- Darjeeling (India): Darjeeling, also in India, is known for its delicate and floral black tea. This region also produces a type of tea called “Darjeeling black tea,” which is highly sought after among tea enthusiasts.
- Ceylon (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is a major producer of black tea. Ceylon black tea is known for its bright color and fresh taste.
- Keemun (China): Keemun black tea comes from China and is known for its distinctive taste and aroma. It is considered one of the best black teas from China.
- Kenya: Kenya is a significant producer of black tea, especially of the powerful black tea used in many blended teas. Kenyan black tea is known for its strength and full flavor.
- Sri Lanka: Besides Ceylon black tea, Sri Lanka also produces other varieties of black tea with different flavor profiles depending on the region in which it is grown.
- Taiwan: Although Taiwan is known for its oolong teas, some varieties of black tea are also produced, such as Ruby Red Tea, which has gained popularity for its sweet taste and full-bodied character
These are just a few examples, and there are many more regions of the world that grow and produce black tea with different flavor notes and characteristics that appeal to different tea enthusiasts.
How is Assam tea made?
The production of the precious Assam tea is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail so that the desired strength and flavor are achieved.
The crucial stage in this process is oxidation.
The method of oxidizing is used to create loose-leaf tea and involves several crucial steps. First of all, tea leaves undergo a drying process, during which the humidity is reduced by about 60-70%. This is achieved by spreading the leaves out on a net, where they are gradually dried with the help of air. This step is a costly process that typically takes between 12 and 17 hours.
After the drying process, the leaves are rolled, which prepares them for oxidation. While this process was previously done manually, most manufacturers now use machines to speed up the process.
The oxidation is the decisive factor that helps determine whether the end product will be a black, green or red tea.
The leaves are spread out on tables and kept at a temperature of around 26°C for 0.5 to 2 hours. It is during this time that the enzymes in the leaves react with the air and change the color of the leaves. The color is crucial for the strength and taste of the tea. The longer the leaves oxidize, the stronger the tea becomes in taste.
After the oxidation process, the tea leaves undergo an additional drying process, during which the water content is reduced by another 3%.
In the end, all that remains is to pack the fine Assam tea and send it out to all the thirsty tea enthusiasts all over the world who are waiting to experience all the wonderful flavors and notes with a hint of nuts and a pleasant aftertaste of fruit.
Discover the many wonderful flavors of Assam tea
Assam tea is a treasure for tea lovers all over the world, known for its unique taste and distinctive depth. Originally from the Assam region of northeastern India, this type of black tea offers a rich palette of flavours that can give your taste buds an experience a little out of the ordinary.
The most distinguishing flavor note of Assam tea is its malt-rich character, which is often accompanied by a touch of nuts with undertones of fruit. The rich and powerful tea with the complex taste is often the cornerstone of tea blends dedicated to the English breakfast table.
But Assam tea is much more than just a morning tea. They can explore its versatility by experimenting with brewing methods, water temperature, and brewing times. This will help you discover different flavour dimensions in the tea, from a mild and refreshing cup to a vigorous and rich brew.
For the curious tea enthusiast, there is also a world of different varieties of Assam tea to explore, depending on where and how the tea is grown. Each individual plantation brings its unique shades to the tea, making it a pleasure to try different teas and learn more about what Assam tea has to offer.
So let your taste buds be enchanted by the many flavors of Assam tea. Whether you are an experienced tea lover or just beginning your journey into the wonderful world of tea, you will surely find something to appreciate in this wonderful and versatile tea.
How to brew the perfect cup of Assam tea
If you want to enjoy the full taste experience of Assam tea, it is crucial to master the art of brewing the perfect cup. Assam tea is known for its strength and depth, and when brewed correctly, it can deliver a full-bodied and powerful taste experience.
Here are some steps on how to brew the perfect cup of Assam tea:
- They will need two to three grams of tea leaves per 170 ml of water. You can always increase the amount of tea leaves, depending on your taste preferences.
- Be sure to use fresh water that has not previously been boiled. In this way, you avoid flattening the taste.
- The temperature should be between 80 °C and 90 °C. At too low a temperature, you will not extract all the good taste from the tea leaves, and if the temperature is too high, the tea may develop a bitter taste.
- The steeping time depends on taste preferences, as well as the type of tea. The general rule is to let the leaves soak for between 3-5 minutes.
- If you like a slightly strong tea, you should use more leaves instead of giving it more time in the water.
With these simple steps, you can brew the perfect cup of Assam tea and explore its rich flavor and depth. Remember that you can always experiment to find your preferred way to brew this amazing tea.
If you like a little sweet in your tea, you can choose to add milk, sugar and lemon.
Perch’s Tea House – Open the door to a world of wonderful Assam tea
In Perch’s tea house we invite you to explore the enchanting world of Assam tea. Our selection of the highest quality Assam teas has been carefully selected from the most renowned plantations and we are proud to share this taste experience with you. Take a step into our tea universe and discover the beautiful Assam tea.
Open the window to a world of the highest quality tea at Perch’s tea house.
With our wide selection of Assam teas from India, we are committed to ensuring that each cup delivers an exceptional taste experience. You can explore all our beautiful teas here: