Assam Tea

What is Assam Tea?

This distinguished variant of black tea comes from the lush and fertile valleys of Assam in northeast India. This tea is revered for its strong, full-bodied malty taste and deep amber colour. It offers a feast for the senses.

The leaves are harvested biannually. They undergo precise processing to yield two main forms. These are the highly sought-after Assam Black Tea and convenient Assam Tea Bags. The leaf tea variety is celebrated worldwide for its profound fragrance and authentic flavour. It provides a truly luxurious and memorable tea-drinking experience.

It is prised for its exceptional taste and aromatic qualities. Additionally, people value it for its health-enhancing properties. Rich in antioxidants, Assam Tea Benefits helps combat oxidative stress and supports overall health.

Meanwhile, its moderate caffeine content makes it an ideal beverage for those seeking a gentle uplift. It lacks the adverse effects of coffee or sugary energy drinks.

How Many Tea Gardens in Assam

Often referred to as the ‘Tea Country of the World’, boasts more than 800 tea estates. These estates vary in size and production capacity. The large lowland gardens contribute to the region’s Assam black tea output. The smaller highland gardens produce more exclusive and boutique varieties of tea. In stark contrast, they are different from the larger gardens.

One of the oldest and most renowned estates is the Manohari Tea Estate in the Dibrugarh district. It’s recognised for its lofty perch over 1,500 feet above sea level. This high elevation contributes to the premium quality of its tea. The tea made headlines for achieving a remarkable auction price of 75,000 INR per kilogram at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre.

A sizable amount is sold through the auction held in Kolkata. It is one of the largest and oldest tea auction centres globally. The Kolkata auction provides an extensive array of teas. It includes highly sought-after Assam Tea Leaves. The competitive atmosphere of the auction ensures fair pricing. It upholds strict quality standards. It caters to the discerning tastes of tea connoisseurs worldwide.

Employees and Working Conditions

The tea industry in Assam is a cornerstone of the region’s economy. It employs over a million people. In recent years, it has made commendable reforms in labour practices. It has focused particularly on the welfare and rights of its workforce. These changes came as a response to critiques and the need for ethical scrutiny within the industry.

Significant progress has been made in healthcare provisions. Many tea estates now host healthcare facilities. They offer complimentary medical services for employees and their families. There is also a notable emphasis on health education. It advocates for preventive care and enhances the welfare of the workforce.

Education reform is a gemstone among these improvements. Many estates are establishing on-site schools. They grant free education to the children of the tea garden workers. The schools are generally equipped with professional teachers and proper facilities. The ambition of these initiatives is to create a ripple effect of empowerment. It also provides a path out of poverty. Throughout history, people have linked poverty with manual, labour-intensive professions.

Moreover, the state government, NGOs, and international agencies have made a concerted effort. They have emerged with skill development and vocational training programs. These crucial programs equip workers with a broader arsenal of skills. They unlock doors to improved employment opportunities.

The steps taken mark a significant stride toward fairness and equity in the workplaces of Assam’s tea gardens. Still, achieving fully just working conditions is a comprehensive, ongoing quest. It requires consistent effort and cooperation among all parties involved. This ensures a more prosperous future for the tea workers.

Types of Assam Black Tea

Beyond the beloved Assam Black Tea, the region has started to broaden its offerings. It’s diversifying into the production of Assam Green Teas and more. The Assamese tea gardens were initially renowned for their black teas. They have started to explore green tea. Its popularity and supposed health benefits have grown.

The traditional processing methods for black tea involve fully oxidising the leaves. This provides the characteristic malty taste and rich hue. In contrast, Assam Green Tea is minimally oxidised. This offers a fresher, more delicate flavour profile. It also retains a higher content of antioxidants.

Assam Black Tea is available in several leaf sizes and grades. These affect the flavour and quality. The whole leaf grades include the Orange Pekoe (OP). It is a long, wiry leaf typically reserved for special occasions.

The Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP) includes tips or buds combined with the top two leaves. This adds complexity and a floral note to the brew. The Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (GFOP) is considered a premium grade. It has more golden tips and a balanced flavour.

The BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe) consists of smaller, broken leaves. Assam Broken Orange Pekoe Tea offers a stronger, bolder infusion suited for everyday drinking. The Broken Pekoe (BP) is even smaller and imparts a faster brew, ideal for those desiring a quick and potent tea.

Finally, Fanning and Dust grades contain the smallest particles. They are often used in tea bags because they brew quickly, resulting in a robust flavor and deep colour.

Each grade, whether black or green, brings a unique spectrum of taste and strength. Connoisseurs enjoy the variety. They find personal favourites for different occasions or times of the day.

Assam has long been known for its black teas. The introduction of green tea production shows that the industry is changing to fit global tea trends.

When is the Assam Tea Harvest?

The tea harvesting season in Assam, Northern India, is carefully attuned to the subtleties of the climate. It also matches the tea plant’s response to its environment. When the tea leaves are picked, it affects the flavor of the resulting brew. It is typically classified into three harvest seasons:

Each Flush

• Assam First Flush Tea: Harvesters collect Assam First Flush Tea in the spring. They gather it from late March to early April. It heralds the start of the picking season. These early shoots produce a renowned tea with fresh, floral, and sweet flavors. It is often less astringent. It embodies the gentle awakening of nature after the winter dormancy.
• Second Flush Assam Tea: Especially sought-after. It’s plucked from late May to June. This is because the leaves have ‘tippy’ golden flecks. This flush yields a rich, full-bodied liquor. It has a characteristically malty and robust flavor. It encapsulates the heartiness that it is celebrated for.
• Autumnal Flush Assam Tea: Gathered from October to November in a cooler climate. It offers a liquor that is more mellow and sweet, with complex notes of spice and fruit. These flavors flourish as growth slows.

The diversity in harvests proffers a rich tapestry of tastes and strengths within Assam Leaves. It provides tea enthusiasts with choices that span a broad palate. Whether one prefers the brisk and invigorating qualities of a CTC (Crush, Tear, and Curl) brew. Or the layered and refined characteristics of orthodox leaves. There is a tea suited for every moment and every discerning tea drinker’s preference.

The region has distinct seasons. Unique nurturing and techniques yield Assam’s exceptional teas. Each sip of this land’s prised beverage encapsulates its rich history. It also represents its enduring dedication to quality tea production.

Production Over the Past 10 Years

Over the past decade, data on the annual production of Assam tea shows fluctuating yields. Several factors contribute to this narrative. These factors include climatic changes, economic pressures, and labour issues. As of my last update in 2023, here is a year-on-year overview of tea production in Assam. Quantities are approximations, as exact figures may vary.

By Year

• 2013: Approximately 590 million kilograms – experienced a moderate increase due to favourable weather conditions.
• 2014: Around 610 million kilograms – slight gain in production with improved techniques.
• 2015: Estimated 600 million kilograms – a drop attributed to labour strikes and rainfall aberrations.
• 2016: Nearly 590 million kilograms – another decrease potentially linked to political disruptions.
• 2017: Approximately 588 million kilograms – consistent with the previous year, despite economic challenges.
• 2018: About 610 million kilograms – a recovery in yield following initiatives for sustainable practices.
• 2019: Estimated 630 million kilograms – surged production due to favourable monsoon and market demand.
• 2020: Roughly 490 million kilograms – a significant decline as the pandemic disrupted supply chains and harvesting.
• 2021: Around 580 million kilograms – rebounded as markets and logistics resumed some normalcy.
• 2022: Approximately 600 million kilograms – stabilised production with adaptation to new global market trends.

It is important to note that these numbers can be revised based on updates from industry regulators. The Assam tea industry has been resilient. It has adapted to both environmental and economic challenges. It has secured its place as a vital player on the world tea stage.

Demand for quality tea is rising globally. The industry is poised for growth and transformation. E-commerce has brought a wide variety of teas to consumers from around the world, including Assam’s signature brews.

The industry evolves and adapts to changing times and consumer preferences. Assam Black Tea will continue to shine as a symbol of excellence in tea cultivation. The next time you brew a cup of Assam Tea, take a moment to appreciate the legacy in every sip. Savour the rich, distinctive flavors that have made it a beloved beverage for generations.