THE CHAI FILES: STORY OF ASSAM TEA
Walk up to any Indian and ask them whether they like tea or not, almost 95% of them would answer affirmatively. Chai is not just a beverage, it is a way of life. On every street, a roadside tea vendor is surrounded by a group of individuals, be they college-goers or office workers. There is something supernatural about a cup of robust, aromatic amber-coloured Assam tea that brings everyone together.
There are a variety of teas available such as green tea and masala tea, among others. Unlike the UK where “high tea” in the evenings is a complete ritual with specially prepared side dishes, tea time for us is our chance to break free from all the stresses of life, catch a breath and share some light moments with our friends. However, many of us aren’t aware of the chai’s origin stories. Was it Assam? Was it England? Or was it China? Go through this blog for a history lesson on the genesis of the famed Assam black tea.
THE EXPEDITION
Millions upon millions of kilograms of Assam tea are produced and consumed every year, making it one of the most popular drinks in India. Let’s time travel a couple of centuries to learn about the history of Assam tea.
Tea consumption seems to have originated in China and there was a period somewhere between when a Scottish adventurer, Robert Bruce, chanced upon a small Assamese tribe who brewed the leaves of a plant to produce a medicinal liquid, which was tea, while on his explorations. Robert’s brother, Charles, proceeded with the exploration after his brother’s demise and eventually set up the Assam Tea Company.
THE TEA CAPITAL
Coming back to our tea capital, Assam, it is believed that the small tribe that Robert came upon, brewed this delicacy for themselves! Can you imagine a world without a steaming cup of kadak goodness? We’re drawing a blank as well.
India is undeniably one of the world’s largest producers, exporters and consumers of Assam tea. One of the strongest flavours in the world, there is even a suitable saying for it that goes: “You aren’t awake until you have sipped Assam tea”. This kadak and smooth-flavoured concoction has won hearts all over the world! Assam is known not just for its gorgeous tea plantations, but for its long rainy season that extends the growing season. This brew is good for you because it helps you relax, may lower your risk of stroke and even manage blood pressure.
A steaming brew of Assam tea, which includes caffeine, is excellent for kicking away the feeling of laziness and tiredness in the morning. Unlike coffee, Assam tea does not make us jittery but it does help us stay focused on our work for much longer.
GREEN TEA
The leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are harvested, heated quickly and dried to prevent excess oxidation. This helps preserve the fresh flavour and prevents the leaves from turning brown. From the finest Assam tea plantations, Samaara’s green teas, picked from the finest Assam tea estates, are available in different flavours that give them a unique taste. A typical green tea, when brewed, will have a green, yellow or light brownish colour and the flavour profile is grass-like, owing to its natural, fresh origins.
BLACK TEA
As compared to green tea, the leaves undergo a prolonged oxidation procedure to give them a darker colour as well as a stronger flavour profile. Samaara’s Premium Black Tea, made from the tea leaves of the famed Assam tea estates, is carefully picked and processed to give you the perfect cup of amber-coloured, strong-flavoured goodness.
CONCLUSION
Returning to the present, Assam tea is undoubtedly “love at first sip”. The strong aroma and kadak flavour of this phenomenal magic potion give a much-needed jump-start to our mornings so we hit the ground running.
Samaara, one of the best Assam tea brands, offers this delectable beverage in different packaging to suit your needs. Check out our website for some traditional and trendy varieties in tea bags, pyramid tea bags and instant tea mixes, available in delicious flavours.
Visit our blog section to learn more about your favourite beverage, seasonal recipes around it, stress-relieving recipes and a tea tasting guide!