Assam Black Tea - One of the Most Popular Drinks Worldwide!
Go on and read about Assam Black Tea, one of the most popular drinks in the world!
One of the most interesting aspects of tea is its great diversity. From black tea and green tea to white and yellow tea, they are likely enough tea types to drink in a lifetime and never try the same twice!
This is because within each type of tea, there are many subtypes, as we have covered in our types of black tea post.
And even within these subtypes, there are even more subtypes!
So let's explore one of the most popular types of black tea - Assam tea!
The Origins of Assam Black Tea
One of the earliest regions to cultivate tea is the Assam region in India. It makes up more than 85% of teas produced in West Bengal (1).
Assam is the largest tea growing region in the world (2). With its rainy, tropical climate it produces a bold tea; its terrain and weather giving it a malty flavor.
Also known as breakfast tea, English tea, or Irish breakfast tea, it is from the Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica plant.
Processing of Assam Tea
Assam has two types of processing, Orthodox and CTC (crush, tear, curl). Orthodox is more time-consuming and is generally of a higher quality.
The tea leaves can have golden tips which is a sign of a high quality Assam tea.
Subtypes of Assam Black Tea
Different types of Assam black tea result on how they are processed. As noted, these processing methods are either CTC or Orthodox.
Based on the British Tea Grading System, the following orthodox tea grades are observed for full leaf teas. These are Pekoe, Orange Pekoe, Flowery Orange Pekoe, Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe and Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe.
The grades depend on how close the leaf is to the bud. Flowery orange pekoe is the leaf next to the bud, orange pekoe is the second leaf next to the bud and so on. The leaves closer to the bud are the highest grade.
Assam Tea Preparation
Preparing Assam Tea is simple. Like most black teas, they take higher water temperatures and steeping times:
- Boil water and leave it to cool for a little so you don’t damage the oils in the tea leaves.
- Steep for up to 5 minutes.
- You can add milk and sugar if you prefer.
Recommended Assam Tea
We recommend the Namsang Classic Summer Black from TeaBox. From the Namsang Tea Estate in Assam, this tea has a malty taste with hints of cocoa.
Assam Black Tea
Frequently Asked Questions - Assam Black Tea
How much caffeine is there in Assam tea?
There is around 60-110 mg of caffeine per cup. It is advisable not to drink more than 400mg in a day.
What are the benefits of Assam black tea?
Just like other black teas, assam black tea, has many health benefits. Full of antioxidants it helps prevent chronic diseases.
The polyphenols in black tea may protect against UV and protect the immune system (3).
It may also help reduce cardiovascular disorders (4), stroke, and may be anti-carcinogenic (5). As the antioxidants can reduce cell damage by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules which can damage cells and cause chronic disease.
Are there any side effects to Assam tea?
Assam tea has high levels of tannins which make the tea bitter and could reduce your absorption of iron (6). If you have anemia you may want to avoid this type of black tea.
Bottom Line
Not only is Assam black tea delicious but it has lots of health benefits. It is one of the most popular types of black tea out there. You most likely have had some at some point.
Let us know in the comments if you have a go-to Assam tea!
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Do not consume any type of tea if you are allergic to it. The information in this article is not intended to treat serious medical conditions. Please seek professional medical advice before using home remedies.
(1) https://www.academia.edu/29604601/Major_tea_processing_practices_in_India
(2) https://www.verywellfit.com/assam-tea-benefits-and-side-effects-4163613
(3) https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/tea-fact-sheet
(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6512146/
(5) https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/tea-fact-sheet
(6) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/assam-tea#downsides
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