Assam Tea - What Is It and Where Does It Come From?Assam tea is produced in the rugged and spectacular region of India with the same name, and is the world's largest tea-growing region, lying on either side of the Brahmaputra River, bordering Bangladesh and Burma (Myanmar). It is manufactured specifically from the plant Camellia sinensis var. assamica. This part of India experiences very high rainfall; during the monsoon period as much as 10 to 12 inches of rainfall per day. The daytime temperature rises to about 103F, creating greenhouse-like conditions of extreme humidity and heat. This tropical climate contributes to this tea's unique malty taste, a feature for which this tea is well known.
This tea, most of which is grown at or near sea level, is known for its body, briskness, malty flavor and strong, bright color. Assam varity teas, or blends containing this tea, are often sold as "breakfast" teas. English, Irish and Scottish Breakfast Tea are common generic names. Though Assam generally denotes the distinctive black teas from Assam, the region produces smaller quantities of green and white teas as well with their own distinctive characteristics. It is the second commercial tea production region after southern China. They are the only two regions in the world with native tea plants. Assam black, white & green teas revolutionized tea drinking habits in the 19th century since the tea, produced from a different variety of the tea plant, yielded a different kind of tea.
How to Brew Assam TeaTo brew a perfect pot of tea, start with cold fresh water. Never re-boil water that has been sitting in the kettle.Bring the water to a boil. While the water is heating, fill a teapot with hot tap water and let sit for a few minutes to warm the pot. As soon as water begins to boil, remove the kettle from the burner. Discard the warm water from the teapot and add tea leaves to the empty teapot. Figure on 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per cup of hot water, (like most Brits I add 'one extra spoonful for the pot'). If it's too strong, you can always add a little more water. Pour boiled water over tea leaves into teapot. Let steep 3 to 5 minutes, and pour through a strainer, for loose tea leaves, into individual cups. Add milk, sweetener or honey to taste.
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