Early History
Assam tea is a type of black tea that originates from the state of Assam in northeastern India. When explorers first arrived in this region, the British established the Assam Tea Company, marking the beginning of tea cultivation in the area. Today, the majority of Assam tea growers are part of the Assam Branch of the Indian Tea Association, an esteemed organization known for its long-standing history in the Indian tea industry. As Assam tea is highly adaptable to various climates, it has also been planted in numerous other regions around the world.
Horticultural Information
The Tea Camellia, scientifically known as Camellia sinensis and Camellia assamica, is a resilient shrub or tree cultivated for producing various types of caffeinated teas. This versatile plant yields green tea from its small leaves, while the older and larger leaves are processed to create black and oolong teas. Additionally, the buds of the Tea Camellia are used to produce white tea.
The Chinese variety of Tea Camellia, Camellia sinensis, is characterized by its smaller leaves. On the other hand, the Assamica variety, which originates from India, features larger leaves. The distinct flavors of these teas are influenced by factors such as climate, harvesting techniques, and processing methods.