India as a country is quite inseparable from its cup of tea. Its vast terrains act as an incredible tea haven. After all, we are the second-largest producer of tea leaves in the world, vying for the first rank only with China. But do you know what types of tea are grown in India? Or how many types of green tea in India come from which all states?
Truth be told, the different climatic conditions of the nation combined with various soil types produce several kinds of tea, each one dramatically distinctive from the other. Below, we have created a list of the most admired tea varieties of India that every tea connoisseur ought to try at some point in their life.
Assam Tea
The north-eastern state of India, ‘Assam’, is known as the largest tea-growing terrain in the world, producing large quantities of the Camillia Sinensis Assamica. This popular tea is not just a favourite within its own country but is also served as a breakfast tea in other parts of the world. Even the Irish breakfast teas have a small portion of Assam tea leaves in them.
These types of tea leaves are recognized by their strong malty flavour, briskness, brightness and full-body. The brew produces a deep amber colour and is usually enjoyed with milk or sugar. Regular consumption increases drinker’s mental alertness. It can also help prevent lung and ovarian cancer.
Darjeeling Tea
Out of all types of tea found in India, only the Darjeeling tea is worthy of the title of “champagne of teas”. It belongs to the northernmost district of West Bengal and is consumed as a black tea. However, you will also find it in the form of oolong, green and white teas. These tea plantations produce three different harvests, called “flush”. The first flush brews are aromatic and light; the second flush has a tender bite in taste while the third flush (or autumn) is of lesser quality. Understandably, the first-flush teas have a higher price than the third flush. Always read the printed flush type on the packages of your Darjeeling teas.
These teas are generally thin-bodied. Each sip gives off a distinct fruity or floral taste. The brew produces an amber or golden colour. The very cruel thought of adding sugar, milk or any additive to this brew would never cross the mind of a true tea connoisseur.
Heath-wise, Darjeeling tea prevents obesity and gastric ulcers.
Nilgiri Tea
There is a possibility that you might have heard about the famous “blue mountain tea” already. More commonly known as the Nilgiri tea, it is India’s most popular export in caffeinated products.
The tea has a subtle and elegant flavour. Brew gives off a golden yellow colour and distinctive aroma. A single sip will provide you with a creamy mouthful of floral tones. The gentle overtones of Nilgiri tea also blend well with other robust teas. Where black teas usually have a tendency to cloud when chilled, Nilgiri brews stay clear. That’s why they are a popular choice for iced teas.
Regular consumption helps the tea drinker improve oral health, fight diabetes and reduce weight.
Butter Tea
In its native region i.e. Sikkim and Ladakh, it is lovingly referred to as the ‘Gur Gur Chai’. This is quite a popular beverage in Himalayan regions. The nomads there drink almost 30-40 cups of this concoction each day.
It is traditionally made of tea leaves, salt and yak butter (also available in cow butter). This delicious high caloric drink helps the residents of these regions survive on high altitudes. Drinking it regularly also helps them prevent a case of chapped lips.
Kashmiri Kahwa
If you ever had the opportunity to visit the beautiful Jammu and Kashmir, you might have already chanced upon this spiced green tea. Traditionally, it is prepared in a brass kettle (also known as samovar) and infused with spices like cardamom, cinnamon and saffron.
This tea aids digestion, burns fat, reduces the risk of heart disease and builds immunity.
Kangra Tea
You might not believe it now but in the yesteryears, Kangra tea was known as the finest one amongst all Indian teas. It originates from Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district and today, is a lesser-known commodity amongst its peers. Slowly efforts are being made to revive it to its full glory.
It is available as both black and green tea, has a distinct earthy taste and unique fragrance.
Chai
Who doesn’t know about the everyday black tea flavoured with spices like cloves, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom? India has a special soft corner for this flavourful and aromatic beverage.
A single cup of chai helps beat fatigue and prevents body inflammation.Try them all out, enjoy each sip. And if someone tries to test your knowledge on how many types of tea available in India, tell them about its rich diversity over a cup of steaming tea
