Author: Alena Dorozhkina , unique tea specialist,
professional tea-tester
Many factors must come together to produce popular tea varieties.
In order to get leaves from which in the future it will be possible to prepare a healthy and tasty drink with a characteristic aroma, you need appropriate natural and climatic conditions, strict adherence to processing technology, as well as careful attention to the smallest details.
One of India's legendary sites is the sacred Brahmaputra River, which runs along the eastern Himalayan range.
Here, in the fertile valley, majestic trees are grown, from which classic large-leaf Assamese tea is made.
What is Assam, what taste and properties does it have, and how has it gained popularity around the world? Now let's talk about everything.
History
According to legend, the honor of opening the drink belongs to the Scotsman Robert Bruce.
In 1823, a British traveler first traveled to Indian lands to explore local culture and traditions.
Observing the natives, he noticed that they use seeds of wild trees as a basis for making tea with unique taste and aroma characteristics.
Given the respectful attitude prevailing in Britain to the drink, the researcher could not help but take the initiative, and not only got several seeds in his collection.
Later, in the 30s, Robert's brother visited Assam, who brought home the leaves of the tea tree.
Research by scientists has identified it as one of the varieties of Camelia Sinensis growing in China.
However, the Chinese variety was not adapted to the climatic conditions of India and the knowledge and skills of Europeans were required to cultivate Indian tea. Cultural plantations are cared for by highly qualified specialists who ensure the supply of finished products around the world.
Growing features
Assamika & mdash; Long growth cycle.
Unlike Chinese varieties, it is not limited to the size of a small bush, and in the wild it often reaches the height of a seven-story building.
However, considering that processing is a manual mechanical process, it is periodically trimmed at landings, maintaining a level of no more than two meters & mdash; for easy collection.
Principal moment & mdash; avoiding the use of chemicals to fertilize the soil.
All types of Assam tea grow in natural conditions: in the territory of mountainous areas mixed with flat lowlands & ndash; from higher mountain areas. located on the border with the Himalayas, receive raw materials for elite large-leaf varieties & ndash; e.g. & nbsp; Assam Himalayas , and in the lowlands & ndash; smaller samples suitable for large-scale production.
The high popularity of Assamese tea around the world is due to its characteristic tart strong taste with shades from floral-fruit to confectionery malt.
Depending on the plantation on which the crop is harvested and the type of leaves harvested, Assamese teas are divided by grade and by plantation. However, Assamese blends are worthy of respect.
Camellia Assamese & mdash; care and collection of raw materials
The favorable Indian climate allows harvesting several times a year. The most valuable leaves are those collected from July to September, as they are rich and rich.
Young leaves and buds of trees are used to make popular varieties.
It is worth noting that shipments from the highlands are more expensive and are predominantly exported to other countries, while cheap raw materials are consumed within India.
The main tea gathering area is the Brahmaputra river valley, located between the eastern Himalayan range and the Shillong mountains. The latter are also known as Assamese.
Unusual & mdash; at sea level & mdash; guarantees high rainfall throughout the year.
The monsoon period is characterized by daily precipitation of up to 300 mm, which, against the background of a sufficiently high air temperature, warming up to + 40 o C, ensures the formation of a real greenhouse effect.
Useful properties
One of the secrets of the popularity of tea is its beneficial effect on the human body. This is not surprising if we take into account the rich composition of trace elements included in the structure of the leaves, buds and stems of the plant:
- Caffeine & mdash; gives an overall tone, slightly contributing to high blood pressure. With diagnosed hypotension or hypotension, it is enough to drink one cup of Assam to stop the aggravated negative symptoms.
- Phenols and antioxidants & mdash; free radicals are removed, which is necessary for the prevention of oncology and pathological signs of natural aging. Cleaning the body prevents the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, reduces the percentage of immune dysfunction, reduces the likelihood of cognitive impairment and stimulates male strength.
- Flavonoids & mdash; are responsible for reducing cholesterol, preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, and strengthening the vascular walls, which ultimately minimizes the risk of heart attack.
In addition, the composition contains essential oils, organic and mineral components, thanks to which the natural balance of metabolism is normalized.
You can drink infusion of weak brews even during pregnancy, since the supply of actively consumed trace elements helps to increase calcium and strengthen the bone structure.
Of course, you can't say that any tea & mdash; even Indian Assam & mdash; it is such a universal remedy for all diseases.
However, inclusion in the diet on an ongoing basis will definitely have a positive impact & mdash; provided that there are no limiting factors or medical contraindications.
Who is not recommended to drink Assam tea
First, any drinks containing caffeine or thein should be given to children with extreme caution.
An increase in concentration, especially in the evening, can provoke overexcitation of the nervous system, which leads to a violation of the sleep cycle, and interferes with the full recovery of the child's body.
Secondly, refrain from strong black tea & mdash; regardless of its type & mdash; follows people diagnosed with hypertension or cardiovascular problems.
Aged microelement infusion can cause headaches, high blood pressure, and even hypertensive crisis.
In addition, do not abuse the drink in the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract & mdash; in these cases, a softer green variety is recommended.
Taste characteristics
Even experts are unlikely to immediately name the number of Assamese varieties produced and exported around the world. There are many provinces in the state with their own unique characteristics that affect the taste of the resulting tea.
For example, Assam Dickom is spread in the north of the state along the river, due to which tea has characteristic density and strength with floral-honey notes. A Harmutti & ndash; with its brutal strength, it has biscuit tones.
However, the basic qualities and properties remain the same in most cases. Description of the taste of black tea Assam is characterized as a fruit and flower bouquet, with an inherent honey tint and malt flavor, completing the harmonious composition.
The infusion is characterized by light tartness and soft viscosity.
Color scheme
The range of paints varies widely.
Ready leaves can offer a wide variety of palette & mdash; chestnut to rich brown.
Despite their loyalty to combining with different additives, be it milk, honey or lemon, experts recommend keeping the practice pure, since this is how the full disclosure of the rich aftertaste is ensured.
To enhance organoleptic impressions, it is also advised to alternate smooth exhalations with the nose and mouth after each sip.
This technique clearly emphasizes the malt accompaniment associated with menthol freshness, which will bring special pleasure to tea gourmets.
Assamese tea varieties
Assam is quite a large region, having an elongated shape and different reliefs throughout the territory.
Since tea is significantly influenced by growing conditions, climate, soil and humidity, inside the region is divided into plantations, each of which represents its own unique variety of tea. Let's take a look at some of the most popular.
Assam Himalayas (ASSAM FOP, Second Gathering)
High-altitude black tea.
In England, it is considered a classic of black tea and is known for its bright malt notes in taste and a certain viscosity in the aftertaste.
The smell of tea is fresh and light with floral notes, but takes on a distinct honey tint when brewed.
Harmutti
The curious variety grows and gathers on a plantation of the same name located in the state of Assam.
Depending on the type of leaf used in the production of tea, it may have different grades from Pekoe to TGFBOP.
Grade containing types, tastes like sweet biscuit notes. Large-leaf tea without types has a characteristic feature of a specific taste with light citrus notes.
Assam Wild
This plantation is located in the north of the Assam region along the river, which gives constant high humidity to the air and has a beneficial effect on the crop.
From tea flushes create a type tea of the highest quality TGFOP grade. When brewing, the drink is strong, thick, with spicy notes and honey-floral shades.
Assam Koilamari
This plantation is located on two banks of the Brahmaputra River, where unique conditions prevail: the climate of the north side allows you to get excellent quality tea leaf, and the south & ndash; achieve better performance.
The TGFOP grade tea produced is quite aesthetically interesting and has a pleasant velvet taste with malt tones and a relaxing effect.
Perfect for both a daily tea party and a tea ceremony.
Mangalam Premium
An exquisite premium variety composed of bright brown leaves (no more than two per shoot) as well as orange buds. For the resulting bouquet, the effect of viscosity and light acidity are considered characteristic, when opened, the shades of spices, biscuit and malt are guessed.
Where to order
If you want to try real Indian Assamese tea & mdash; it is definitely worth paying attention to the options presented in the catalog of the Russian Tea Company.
The assortment contains almost two dozen varieties, each of which has its own unique taste and aroma properties.
Among the most popular and sought-after varieties, such as:
- Ассам Гималаи — the second collection of high-altitude black tea, recognized by the British as a classic of the genre. It has a high caffeine content, malt flavor and a floral-honey aroma.
- Меленг (Сады Индии) — raw materials supplied from an elite plantation spread along the Brahmaputra River. Large leaves, collected during the two weeks of June, create a unique bouquet that resembles a combination of flowers and sweet muffin.
- Хармутти — spring collection, which is in particular demand among connoisseurs of premium large-leaf brew, which guarantees a memorable aroma and shade of the finished infusion.
Specialists of the Russian Tea Company will help you make a choice in favor of a particular variety based on your personal preferences.
Please contact us at the telephone number listed on the website or through any other communication channel provided in & nbsp; & laquo; Contacts & raquo; .
How to brew Assam black tea
A classic drink made in a thin-walled porcelain kettle guarantees excellent taste and aroma.
In addition to ceramics, glassware is also used.
But the choice of water should be approached as carefully as possible & mdash; not only filtration is recommended, but also softening, removing tainting stiffness.
Before starting the preparation, heat the containers by pouring boiling water over them. The calculation of the quantity of brewing is determined based on the number of planned portions & mdash; on average, it takes one teaspoon per cup.
The brewing process uses boiled, but not boiling water, the temperature of which should vary in the range of 95-100 degrees. The infusion is aged for at least 4-5 minutes.
Selection and storage guidelines
It is common for every foodie and connoisseur to choose a tea that suits their personal preferences.
Assam is considered the recommended option for morning tea because it has a tonic and invigorating effect.
It is worth paying attention to the leaves & mdash; they should have a characteristic dark color and tightly twisted shape, as well as have a pronounced aroma. It is logical that the best varieties come from the historical homeland & mdash; Indian plantations located in the region of the same name.
To store the brew, use tightly closed jars made of metal or ceramic, arranged in a dry and dark place, away from products and spices with a pronounced smell, since tea quickly absorbs aromas and moisture.
Let's summarize
Traditional Indian varieties are valued worldwide.
Now you know what tea is called Assam & mdash; which means it will be much easier to choose a truly high-quality and tasty drink.
Just look at the Assam Tea section & laquo; of the Russian Tea Company & raquo; and order an option that suits your preferences.