Assam tea — one of the world’s five finest teas
Assam is one of the best-known black teas. Its pronounced taste and aroma lead many people to regard it as a typical breakfast tea. It is also often added to less distinctive blends to give them exceptional flavour. Would you like to learn more about Assam tea? Stay with us.
Where does Assam tea come from?
Assam is a black tea, Camellia assamica, from the Indian region of the same name. It grows in lowlands and valleys along the Brahmaputra River, which supplies the area with water. At the foot of the Himalayas in northern India, Assam is the world's largest tea-growing region, famous for producing some of the finest teas. It is estimated to supply more than half of India's tea. It is also one of only two regions, alongside China's Yunnan, where tea grows naturally. Its favourable location, proximity to Himalayan peaks, fertile soils and warm, humid climate give the teas exceptional quality.
Although black tea dominates in Assam, some plantations, commonly called tea gardens, also produce white and green teas.
Read more in White tea — do you know enough about it? and Four reasons to start drinking green tea regularly.
Loose-leaf Assam — what makes it distinctive?
The Albert Tea Assam India available in our online shop bears the TGFOP designation, Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, indicating top-quality leaves. More precisely, it contains a large proportion of leaf buds developed in the light, known as golden tips. These tips are clearly visible in Assam, their yellow colour contrasting with the black leaves.
The infusion is dark amber. Its flavour is full, strong, well balanced and slightly astringent, with a heavy, intense aroma.
How to brew Assam tea
- Measure one or two teaspoons of tea per cup or mug.
- Pour filtered water at 95°C over the loose leaves.
- Cover and steep for around two to three minutes. A longer brew can develop an unpleasant bitter taste.
- Separate the leaves from the infusion.
- Important: Assam is best brewed only once. The first infusion releases the leaves' best qualities: full flavour and a pronounced aroma.
Prepared this way, Indian Assam tea is wonderfully refreshing. It works well in the morning or during the day as an alternative to a classic black coffee.
Does Assam tea have health-related qualities?
Assam is among the black teas most frequently bought today. Alongside distinctive flavour and aroma, black teas offer a range of health-related properties.
These include the effects of theine, which stimulates the body and helps improve concentration. Assam has considerably more theine than other black teas. It is also associated with support for circulation, digestion and oral health. Its potential benefits for skin are worth noting too, with regular consumption associated with slowing ageing processes.
There are limits, however. The recommended daily intake of black tea, including Assam, is no more than three or four cups. Avoid it just before bed, because its stimulating theine can make it harder to fall asleep and disrupt deep sleep, the most important sleep phase.
Where should you buy Assam, and which kind?
Thinking of buying Indian Assam? You can choose loose-leaf or tea bags. Loose-leaf Assam is the better choice, ideally from a shop specialising in teas from around the world. Tea bags are convenient and practical, but are often made from lower-quality material. Do not take the risk: choose loose-leaf Assam!
Read also: Honeybush — a drink with more than one name