Assam TeaAssam tea originates from and is named after a state in northeast India. Home to the one-horned rhino and the tiger, its terrain includes both jungle and mountain. More tea is grown in this region than anywhere else in the world, and over 1,500,000 pounds of tea are produced in there each year. The majority of tea produced is of commercial grade. However, there is also some very high end, expensive tea grown here as well.Two Flushes (picked twice a year)The first flush of tea has a very rich, fresh smell.The second flush generates the well-known “tippy teas”. Tippy tea is black tea with gold tips. The amount of tip varies based on the location of the tea estate from which the tea is harvested. The gold tip provides a sweet, smooth tea. Only One of the Black TeasProduction of black tea is categorized two different ways:• Orthodox: The international market places a higher value tea made using the Orthodox method. The majority of Assam tea is produced using the Orthodox method. Orthodox teas should be steeped (never boiled) for at least 5 minutes.
• CTC (Crush, Tear, and Curl): Teas made with this method are primarily consumed in India. The reason for this is that the India method of making tea includes boiling tea leaves in water, milk, sugar, and spices, which produces a Chai or Masala. The CTC teas have a deep red color when boiled. This makes for a nice color with the milk but has no bitterness.
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