Description
Key Highlights of Assam Tea 🍵
📍 Origins
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Grown in the Assam region of Northeast India, this tea is brewed from the Camellia sinensis var. assamica plant. It’s cultivated near sea level with abundant rainfall and warm climate, making it ideal for full-bodied teas.
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Tea harvests occur in multiple flushes (harvesting seasons). The second (summer) flush produces prized “golden tip” teas with rich flavor and aromA.
🍃 Flavor & Aroma
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Expect a strong malty flavor, often described as earthy with hints of raisin, cereal, or honey sweetness.
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Assam tea brews to a deep reddish-brown color, offering a bright, brisk finish and astringency that complements milk and sugar well.
☕ Styles & Strength
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Available in two main processing techniques:
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CTC (Cut‑Tear‑Curl): Produces strong, brisk teas suitable for chai and teabags.
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Orthodox (loose-leaf): Often higher grade, offering nuanced aromas and richer mouthfeel.
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Whether enjoyed plain or with milk/sugar, Assam is a classic “breakfast tea,” commonly used in blends like English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast, and Earl Grey.
🌿 Health & Benefits
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Packed with antioxidant-rich polyphenols and tannins, Assam tea may support heart health, immunity, and mental alertness. Note: it contains moderate-to-high caffeine.
🍽️ Brewing Recommendations
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Use freshly boiled water (≈212 °F / 100 °C).
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Steep for about 3–5 minutes, depending on strength preference. Longer steep yields richer flavor but may be more astringent.
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CTC varieties brew faster and stronger; orthodox leaves need more time for full infusion.
🌟 Popular Assam Tea Brands & Picks
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Ghograjan Tea Estate (Farm2Cup): A single-estate, family-run brand valued for its clean, malty, bold flavor with minimal bitterness.
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Vahdam Premium Organic Assam CTC: Known for rich aroma and ethical so
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Tea India CTC Assam: A widely available budget option offering strong, traditional flavor.
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Harney & Sons Organic Assam: A smooth, medium-bodied tea with honeyed sweetness and organic certification.
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Young Mountain Tea – Organic Assam Black from Chardwar Estate: Described as fruity, raisin-like, and rich in malt notes, ideal for connoisseurs
Tea lovers on Reddit have also highlighted quality single-estate teas like the Halmari Gold GTGFOP1 and Suola Estate TGFOP1, especially from first-flush harvests, for their refined flavor.
📝 Summary 📝
Attribute | Description |
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Origin | Assam, India (low altitude, humid climate) |
Plant Variety | Camellia sinensis var. assamica |
Flavor | Malty, bold, slightly astringent |
Color | Deep reddish-brown |
Types Available | CTC (strong, fast brew), Orthodox (nuanced flavor) |
Common Uses | Breakfast teas, chai blends, masala tea |
Health Benefits | Antioxidants, immune support, mental alertness |
If you’d like recommendations based on preference (e.g. best for chai vs. solo sipping) or help purchasing from trusted retailers, let me know!
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