Assam’s black tea is famous, worldwide, for its intense dark hue & toasty, slightly astringent flavour. Commercial cultivation of this type of chai began two centuries ago.
Two hundred years ago, Assamese nobleman Maniram Dewar alerted Scottish adventurer-mercenary Robert Bruce that wild tea bushes flourished in the Brahmaputra river valley.
The Singhpo people of the area brewed the leaves of these jungle bushes. Bruce & his brother Charles ascertained the bushes were closely related to Chinese tea and tea plantations were established.
Which are some of the most mashoor (famous) Assam teas? Read on...
From a fifth generation-run, early 1930s-established, 350-acre gardens, near Ghogra river in upper Assam, comes a premium brand, high-quality orthodox tea. 5 lb of this Assam Breakfast sells for $101 online.
Tea from the 124-year-old organic Banaspaty gardens in Karbi Anglong, near Kaziranga, has a lovely strong, full-bodied richness to it, with hints of honey and flowers. The estate produces 50,000 kg per year.
Their tea, with only organic components and popular in the US, is made from leaves of the acclaimed organic tea estate Chota Tingrai in Tinsukia. Tea from a single estate is considered a much better tea.
The vigorous dark brew captures the essence of its birthplace in Assam, a land renowned for bold teas. When steeped, it yields a rich golden drink layered with deep, fruity undertones.
This tea mixes the tastes of dalchini, elaichi, adrak, kaali mirch with strong Assamese leaves to create a distinctive and aromatic brew in every sip.
Offering a variety of distinctive notes -- spicy, traditional, mint -- Halmari is counted among the globe’s top 9 plantations, delivering premium leaf tea.
The popular boutique brand also sources classic tea from Assam known for its bold taste.
A top-grade, hand-picked Indian label that offers second flush Assam tea leaves with a 'rich and malty' fragrance.
The tea company has its own plantations at Tinkharia, Sonajuli and Dhullie celebrating the 'tea farm to tea cup approach' and marketing robust teas.
Recognised for selecting top-quality 'woody, earthy' Assam tea leaves and transforming them into distinctive infusions using only pure, plant-based elements. Each cup features unbroken leaves.