Black Teas: The World's Best Teas from India
India is one of the world's most prominent tenations and a global giant in the tea industry. The country ranks firmly second in the world in terms of total tea production, second only to China. But when it comes to black tea, India is by far the largest producer, which has also made Indian tea incredibly popular all over the world.
India's rich tea culture is shaped by a variety of climates and terrains – from the mist-shrouded Himalayan mountains in the north to the lush rainforests of the south. This variation results in a diversity of flavors and characters. The three most famous regions that have contributed to India's global reputation are:
Darjeeling: The Champagne of Teas
Darjeeling tea, grown in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of West Bengal, is known as the "champagne of teas". It is an elegant black tea with a light, golden colour and a delicate, floral flavour that is often described as muscatel-like (reminiscent of Muscat grapes). Darjeeling tea is harvested in batches, called flush, where each flush (first, second and fall) provides a unique taste experience.
Assam: Malty and Powerful
From the northeastern region of Assam, the world's largest contiguous tea-growing region, comes a powerful and full-bodied black tea. Assam tea is characterized by its dark color, malty flavor and high strength. This makes it an ideal base for a robust morning tea and is a cornerstone of many popular tea blends.
Nilgiri: Balanced Elegance
Grown in the Nilgiri Mountains (the "Blue Mountains") in southern India, this tea is known for being mild, well-balanced and slightly fruity. Nilgiri tea is perfect as an elegant day tea and its non-astringent nature means it rarely becomes cloudy, even when chilled.
Masala Chai: India's Iconic Drink
Beyond the pure regional teas, it's impossible to talk about Indian tea without mentioning Masala Chai. Simply meaning "spiced tea," this aromatic beverage is a black tea (often Assam) brewed with milk, sugar, and a warming blend of spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. It's the most iconic drink in India and a symbol of the country's hospitality.
Whether you're looking for delicate Darjeeling, powerful Assam, or the ingredients to create an authentic Masala Chai, Indian tea invites you on a fragrant and flavorful journey of discovery.