What is Assam tea and what are its benefits

Bright, tart and malty flavour with a dark brownish color, Assam tea is popularly known as a breakfast tea. It is named after the Assam region of northeast India, the world's largest tea growing region in the world. The caffeine content in Assam tea is approximately 80 mg in every 8-ounce cup. The tropical climate of the region is responsible for earthy and malty flavour, with a smooth buttery and creamy overtone. It is a storehouse of nutrients that can boost your overall health in various ways. Read on for more about their health benefits.

In 1823, Robert Bruce, a Scottish adventurer, who apparently discovered Assam tea plant growing wild in the hills of Upper Assam region. It was a different variety as it made a dark and rich tea and has a wider leaves than the sinsensis variety. However, he died and sometime later and his brother sent the seeds to Calcutta for examination and it was then that the plant was officially classified as a tea variety but different from the Chinese version(Camellia sinensisvar. sinensis).

The terroir of Assam should be having low altitude, rich loamy soil, ample rainfall, and a tropical climate. The harvesting of Assam tea is done twice each year – the first flush which begins late March and goes on until late May and the second flush which is usually in June. There are between two and seven procedures involved in the processing of fresh tea leaves, the addition or exclusion of any of the steps will result in a different type of tea. The steps are carried in a climate controlled environment so that there are fewer chances of spoilage. Withering is the first and most important step for tea processing. Withering refers to the wilting of fresh tea leaves. The purpose behind it is to reduce the moisture content in the leaves. The second step is rolling off the withered leaves to open the cell walls of the leaf and allowing the juices inside to get exposed to the oxygen in the air. The third step involves oxidation to get the reddish brown color of the leaves, characteristic flavor and aroma while losing its astringent and bitter taste. The next step involves drying at various stages of production. Drying enhances the tea flavors and ensures it has a longer shelf-life.

Assam tea tastes best with milk and sugar when compared to other teas. It usually has a strong, nutty and earthy nuance where the milk tempers the strong flavour.

Assam produces nearly 56% of India’s total tea production, producing more than 400 million kgs of tea annually. It is famous all across the globe for its natural beauty, tea plantations and the quality of Assam tea.

Loaded with high minerals and antioxidants, Assam tea may also help in making the immune system stronger, thereby making it easier for the body to fight off colds and coughs.

It is proven that consuming Assam tea on a regular basis helps to reduce unwanted fats from our body. Black tea blocks fat deposition into the cells and are very useful for losing excess weight. It also helps in increasing the rate of your metabolism by giving you an energetic boost.

While there is no cure for cancer, Assam tea contains phenolic compounds that contain antioxidant properties that can help inhibit the spread of cancer. A cup of Assam tea would keep you hydrated and fight against cancer.

Those who are suffering from indigestion, having a cup of Assam tea after meals help in digesting the food quickly. If ginger is added to this tea, it helps in relieving stomach cramps among women.

Consuming Assam tea, chewing raw leaves or gargling with tea helps in increasing oral health, and prevent and heal cavities.

Many researchers have proved that consuming Assam tea in the right dosage each day can reduce the risk of heart attack by 50%. The active ingredients in this tea play an important role in reducing the risk of high blood pressure, prevent blood clots and keeps blood vessels relaxed. Thus, tea is associated with lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease like heart attacks.

- Take a pot and pour some water into it.

- Add one teaspoon of loose Assam tea into the water.

- Boil the water for a couple of minutes. Let it steep for 2 minutes.

- After a few minutes, strain out the tea leaves. Serve hot.