Most Admired Tea Varieties From India

India is inextricably tied to tea. Though Britishers introduced us to tea, we have made it our very own national beverage. With vast expanses of land under tea cultivation, it is no surprise that we are the second-largest producer of tea worldwide after China. But do you know what teas we grow in India and in which region/state?

It is the complexities of specific micro-climates of these regions that bring about the distinction in teas aka soil, rain, altitude, wind, humidity & temperature. Here is the list of some of the most admired tea varieties from India that any tea aficionado would love to know about:

Assam Tea

The state of Assam, in North-East of India, is known to grow almost half of India’s total tea. The variety of tea grown in Assam is called Camellia Sinensis Assamica. It is well known as the breakfast tea, especially the Irish breakfast tea is a blend of this specific variety. Assam tea is known for its smoky robust malty strain and has a full-bodied character. The tea’s hue is dark amber and mostly requires to be had with milk and sugar. The health benefits include mental alertness & heart health.

Darjeeling Tea

The state of West Bengal is the second-largest producer of tea in the Eastern part of the country. Though the state is huge it is the northernmost area in the state, called Darjeeling which is well-known for its tea variety which is GI Tagged. It is a favourite of many tea drinkers across the world and can be had without any milk & sugar, though is known to be high on caffeine as compared to many other teas. Darjeeling tea can be steeped twice and is known for its digestive & dental properties along with the ability to slow down bacterial growth.

Nilgiri Tea

This ‘blue mountain tea’ is known for its smooth & refined taste with floral notes and delicate undertone that grows in the Western Ghats of South India in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is mostly produced as rolled and CTC for blending with other teas. The golden yellow hue and its distinct scent make it a preferred choice for ice teas. The health benefits of oral health, diabetes and weight loss make it a popular choice amongst many tea drinkers.

Butter Tea

This high-calorie drink is mostly had in the mountainous regions of Sikkim & Ladakh by the nomads who are known to have almost 30–40 cups a day of this beverage. This unique tea is made of tea leaves, salt, Yak milk and butter made from Yak milk. It is called ‘Gur-Gur Chai’ by the locals and is a must-have in the high-altitude regions. It provides them with much-needed energy in winter and keeps their skin/ lips moisturised. However, regular tea drinkers must know that it is an acquired taste.

Kashmiri Kahwa

This famous traditional spice tea is a regular feature in the northern-most region of Jammu & Kashmir. The authentic Kahwa is made of Kangra Green tea as a base but delicately infused with cinnamon, cardamom, almonds & saffron. It is served in Samovar (a traditional brass kettle) and is known to reduce fat, and the risk of heart disease while boosting immunity. This soul-warming fragrant tea is to be had without milk.

Kangra Tea

Kangra Tea (GI Tagged in India & Europe), from the exotic valley of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, was rightfully nicknamed the ‘Tea of Teas’ with a class of its own. Britishers planted it in the valley back in the 1850s but due to its refreshingly smooth taste, golden hue and distinct woody notes, they kept it mostly for themselves. A testament to its exceptional quality was the global awards it won in international European competitions. Even today, as it is one of the smallest and highest (in altitude) tea-growing regions in the world, it is termed a Limited-Edition tea with total production being just around a million kgs. Furthermore, it is scientifically proven to be amongst the healthiest teas in the world with several studies demonstrating benefits for people suffering from Diabetes, Liver & Heart issues apart from preventing certain types of cancers. It is by category a low caffeine tea and does not warrant any addition of milk & sugar. Additionally, like premium teas, it can be reinfused multiple times.

Chai

And then of course there is ‘Chai’. A tea with various regional variations and names but mostly preferred as regular black tea with cloves, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and some regional/ seasonal ingredients. This flavourful and aromatic tea has a soft corner in every Indian’s heart and is much beyond just a cup of tea, offering to alleviate everyday fatigue and soulful pleasure in each sip.

One must try the numerous teas, India has to offer. Each tea will revive the spirit, rekindle the senses and rejuvenate the mind.