Siddharth Hardikar

Tea in India

An overview on all the different types of Indian teas.

For all the tea lovers

For all the tea lovers

What’s inside?

Tea..................................................................................................................1 Tea in ancient India...........................................................................................2 The fascinating history and beliefs 3 Early British surveys 4

Different varieteas............................................................................................................................................ 5 Darjeeling tea...................................................................................................7 Location 9 Tea estates 12

Assam Tea........................................................................................................14 Tea Attributes 15 Location 16 Labour 18

Nilgiri tea.........................................................................................................20 Kangra Tea.......................................................................................................23 Munnar Tea......................................................................................................26 Guide 27

Dooars Tea.......................................................................................................29 Sikkim Tea........................................................................................................30 Cherry Resort 33 Inside Temi Tea Garden 33 Namchi, Sikkim 33

Tea: A feeling...................................................................................................34

Tea Of all the beverages out there, one stands

tea that India produces is consumed within

out among the rest. Tea. Coffee and

India itself. This shows us that the Indian

chocolate can be a treat during the day, but

tea culture is very rich and the people of

you don’t usually make your coffee with an

this country have this beverage very close

espresso machine or your chocolate over

to their hearts. The fact that chai is now not

a stove. Tea on the other hand is best, and

just a beverage, but woven into the fabric

most often enjoyed, by brewing it yourself.

of this nation is hard to dispute. Today,

In India, tea is considered to be an integral

no matter where you are in India, you’re

part of the rhythm of life. People begin their day with a hot cup of this beverage and it has become a ritual.

Anyone who has used that comforting phrase ‘a nice cup of tea’ invariably means Indian

References........................................................................................................38 Images 38 Content (text) 38

tea. India is the second largest producer of tea in the world after China, including the famous Assam tea and Darjeeling tea.

India is also the second-largest exporter of tea, after China. Meanwhile, 70% of the

probably not very far from a chai stall, little roadside shacks that go by different names in different parts of the country. Tea sold at these humble outlets is often the cheapest, the most delicious and the ideal refreshment in every kind of weather. And it is impossible to

deny

that “chai…chai-garam”

has

woken up several billion more Indians on Indian Railways than “coffee-nescoffee” ever could.

1

What’s inside?

Tea..................................................................................................................1 Tea in ancient India...........................................................................................2 The fascinating history and beliefs 3 Early British surveys 4

Different varieteas............................................................................................................................................ 5 Darjeeling tea...................................................................................................7 Location 9 Tea estates 12

Assam Tea........................................................................................................14 Tea Attributes 15 Location 16 Labour 18

Nilgiri tea.........................................................................................................20 Kangra Tea.......................................................................................................23 Munnar Tea......................................................................................................26 Guide 27

Dooars Tea.......................................................................................................29 Sikkim Tea........................................................................................................30 Cherry Resort 33 Inside Temi Tea Garden 33 Namchi, Sikkim 33

Tea: A feeling...................................................................................................34

Tea Of all the beverages out there, one stands

tea that India produces is consumed within

out among the rest. Tea. Coffee and

India itself. This shows us that the Indian

chocolate can be a treat during the day, but

tea culture is very rich and the people of

you don’t usually make your coffee with an

this country have this beverage very close

espresso machine or your chocolate over

to their hearts. The fact that chai is now not

a stove. Tea on the other hand is best, and

just a beverage, but woven into the fabric

most often enjoyed, by brewing it yourself.

of this nation is hard to dispute. Today,

In India, tea is considered to be an integral

no matter where you are in India, you’re

part of the rhythm of life. People begin their day with a hot cup of this beverage and it has become a ritual.

Anyone who has used that comforting phrase ‘a nice cup of tea’ invariably means Indian

References........................................................................................................38 Images 38 Content (text) 38

tea. India is the second largest producer of tea in the world after China, including the famous Assam tea and Darjeeling tea.

India is also the second-largest exporter of tea, after China. Meanwhile, 70% of the

probably not very far from a chai stall, little roadside shacks that go by different names in different parts of the country. Tea sold at these humble outlets is often the cheapest, the most delicious and the ideal refreshment in every kind of weather. And it is impossible to

deny

that “chai…chai-garam”

has

woken up several billion more Indians on Indian Railways than “coffee-nescoffee” ever could.

1

Tea in ancient India

The fascinating history and beliefs

Tea cultivation in India has somewhat

regions where the Camellia sinensis plant

Like the history of any famous beverage,

One story goes that chai was developed by

ambiguous origins. Though the extent of

grew native, have been consuming tea since

the origins of chai are steeped in legend

accident when a Buddhist monk on his way

the popularity of tea in ancient India is

the 12th century. It is also possible that tea

and contradictory accounts. In ancient

to China, observed the local ritual of chewing

unknown, it is known that the tea plant was

may have been used under another name.

India, chai was not the term used for the tea

on a few wild leaves and tried it himself. On

a wild plant in India that was indeed brewed

Frederick R. Dannaway, in the essay “Tea As

we know today, but for a healing concoction

feeling rejuvenated, he decided to bring it

by local inhabitants of different regions.

Soma”, argues that tea was perhaps better

made by brewing herbs and spices, much

back to India with him. Interestingly, tea

But there is no substantial documentation

known as “Soma” in Indian mythology. The

like the traditional kada. In fact, the

is believed to have been first discovered by

of the history of tea drinking in the Indian

tea plant is native to East Asia and the Indian

earliest chai did not contain any tea leaves,

mistake 5000 years ago when the Emperor

subcontinent for the pre-colonial period.

subcontinent, but the origins and history of

and its recipes differed according to the

of China found tea leaves in his pot of boiling

One can only speculate that tea leaves were

tea are not precise. Many of the origin myths

seasons and available ingredients.

water. Known for his scientific curiosity, he

widely used in ancient India since the plant

for tea are found in Chinese mythology,

proceeded to taste the drink and loved it.

is native to some parts of India. The Singpho

and the first verifiable records for tea

However, there is a slight difference between

tribe and the Khamti tribe, inhabitants of the

consumption also point towards China.

a chai and kada – while chai uses herbs and

Before long, tea became a staple of Chinese

spices associated more with aroma, kada uses

culture.

herbs, leaves and flowers mainly for their

Another legend has it that it was a king in

medicinal properties. Also, chai is brewed

ancient India (most likely Harshavardhana,

for a lesser time than kada. There are also

under whose patronage Nalanda University

many other versions of the story of how the

reached its zenith) who developed chai to

first cup of tea came about in India.

remain alert during long court hour.

This engraving of 1850 after Thomas Brown shows the processing of tea from seed to final drying.

An Indian tea plantation in the colonial era

2

3

Tea in ancient India

The fascinating history and beliefs

Tea cultivation in India has somewhat

regions where the Camellia sinensis plant

Like the history of any famous beverage,

One story goes that chai was developed by

ambiguous origins. Though the extent of

grew native, have been consuming tea since

the origins of chai are steeped in legend

accident when a Buddhist monk on his way

the popularity of tea in ancient India is

the 12th century. It is also possible that tea

and contradictory accounts. In ancient

to China, observed the local ritual of chewing

unknown, it is known that the tea plant was

may have been used under another name.

India, chai was not the term used for the tea

on a few wild leaves and tried it himself. On

a wild plant in India that was indeed brewed

Frederick R. Dannaway, in the essay “Tea As

we know today, but for a healing concoction

feeling rejuvenated, he decided to bring it

by local inhabitants of different regions.

Soma”, argues that tea was perhaps better

made by brewing herbs and spices, much

back to India with him. Interestingly, tea

But there is no substantial documentation

known as “Soma” in Indian mythology. The

like the traditional kada. In fact, the

is believed to have been first discovered by

of the history of tea drinking in the Indian

tea plant is native to East Asia and the Indian

earliest chai did not contain any tea leaves,

mistake 5000 years ago when the Emperor

subcontinent for the pre-colonial period.

subcontinent, but the origins and history of

and its recipes differed according to the

of China found tea leaves in his pot of boiling

One can only speculate that tea leaves were

tea are not precise. Many of the origin myths

seasons and available ingredients.

water. Known for his scientific curiosity, he

widely used in ancient India since the plant

for tea are found in Chinese mythology,

proceeded to taste the drink and loved it.

is native to some parts of India. The Singpho

and the first verifiable records for tea

However, there is a slight difference between

tribe and the Khamti tribe, inhabitants of the

consumption also point towards China.

a chai and kada – while chai uses herbs and

Before long, tea became a staple of Chinese

spices associated more with aroma, kada uses

culture.

herbs, leaves and flowers mainly for their

Another legend has it that it was a king in

medicinal properties. Also, chai is brewed

ancient India (most likely Harshavardhana,

for a lesser time than kada. There are also

under whose patronage Nalanda University

many other versions of the story of how the

reached its zenith) who developed chai to

first cup of tea came about in India.

remain alert during long court hour.

This engraving of 1850 after Thomas Brown shows the processing of tea from seed to final drying.

An Indian tea plantation in the colonial era

2

3

There is a third legend that says Sanjeevani

in India. Each region and community in India

buti (and its concoction), which brought

took its own time to adopt and adapt tea

a comatose Lakshman alive in the epic

to its own tastes. Today, there are a billion

Ramayana, is the first chai. Interestingly,

possible ways in which this combination

the shrub that finds mention in each of the

can be effected in India, the most popular

tales is akin to Camellia sinensis, a tea shrub

ones being Mumbai’s cutting chai, the

that was discovered by the British in Assam

rich Irani chai of Hyderabad, the fragrant

in 1823.

Darjeeling chai, the mellow Assam chai,

As for the question when and where was milk

the strong masala chai of Gujarat and the

added to tea, tea historians believe that the

Different varieteas The tea varieties found in India are Darjeeling,

Out of these, Assam and Darjeeling tea are

Assam, Nilgiri, Kangra, Munnar, Dooars-

the most famous ones and are particularly

Masala Tea and Sikkim tea. Most of the teas

known all around the world. However,

have been named after the regions they are

majority of the tea connoiseurs consider any

produced in and they are also statutorily

king of Indian tea to be the best tea that they

protected

have tasted, both in flavour, and feeling.

as

Geographical

Indicators.

delicate pink Kashmiri chai.

first iteration of chai with milk was developed by travellers and traders mostly likely from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Bengal, people who had easy access to good quality milk.

With growing cross-country trade, sweet milky chai soon became the go-to drink, at least for the office bearers (and workers), to sustain a rather long day. Soon, masala chai (chai favoured by aromatic spices) was born and was usually served with a sweet or savoury toast, a hybrid of Indian and British tradition.

Over time, an exchange of customs and cultural ideas led to a growing thirst for tea among all classes, not simply the wealthy.

Thanks to the British Raj, the concept of tea time also came into existence. It is also worth noting that tea wasn’t an overnight success

4

Early British surveys In an 1877 pamphlet written by Samuel Baildon, and published by W. Newman and Co. of Calcutta, Baildon wrote, “... various

merchants

in

Calcutta

were

discussing the chance of imported China seeds thriving in Assam, when a native from the province present, seeing some tea said, ‘We have the plant growing wild in our jungles.’” It is then documented that the Assamese nobleman, Maniram Dutta Barua (also known as Maniram Dewan), showed British surveyors existing fields used for tea cultivation and wild tea plants growing in the Assamese jungle.

Exchange of customs lead to different creations like this one, the Kashmiri chai

5

There is a third legend that says Sanjeevani

in India. Each region and community in India

buti (and its concoction), which brought

took its own time to adopt and adapt tea

a comatose Lakshman alive in the epic

to its own tastes. Today, there are a billion

Ramayana, is the first chai. Interestingly,

possible ways in which this combination

the shrub that finds mention in each of the

can be effected in India, the most popular

tales is akin to Camellia sinensis, a tea shrub

ones being Mumbai’s cutting chai, the

that was discovered by the British in Assam

rich Irani chai of Hyderabad, the fragrant

in 1823.

Darjeeling chai, the mellow Assam chai,

As for the question when and where was milk

the strong masala chai of Gujarat and the

added to tea, tea historians believe that the

Different varieteas The tea varieties found in India are Darjeeling,

Out of these, Assam and Darjeeling tea are

Assam, Nilgiri, Kangra, Munnar, Dooars-

the most famous ones and are particularly

Masala Tea and Sikkim tea. Most of the teas

known all around the world. However,

have been named after the regions they are

majority of the tea connoiseurs consider any

produced in and they are also statutorily

king of Indian tea to be the best tea that they

protected

have tasted, both in flavour, and feeling.

as

Geographical

Indicators.

delicate pink Kashmiri chai.

first iteration of chai with milk was developed by travellers and traders mostly likely from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Bengal, people who had easy access to good quality milk.

With growing cross-country trade, sweet milky chai soon became the go-to drink, at least for the office bearers (and workers), to sustain a rather long day. Soon, masala chai (chai favoured by aromatic spices) was born and was usually served with a sweet or savoury toast, a hybrid of Indian and British tradition.

Over time, an exchange of customs and cultural ideas led to a growing thirst for tea among all classes, not simply the wealthy.

Thanks to the British Raj, the concept of tea time also came into existence. It is also worth noting that tea wasn’t an overnight success

4

Early British surveys In an 1877 pamphlet written by Samuel Baildon, and published by W. Newman and Co. of Calcutta, Baildon wrote, “... various

merchants

in

Calcutta

were

discussing the chance of imported China seeds thriving in Assam, when a native from the province present, seeing some tea said, ‘We have the plant growing wild in our jungles.’” It is then documented that the Assamese nobleman, Maniram Dutta Barua (also known as Maniram Dewan), showed British surveyors existing fields used for tea cultivation and wild tea plants growing in the Assamese jungle.

Exchange of customs lead to different creations like this one, the Kashmiri chai

5

दा ज लंग Darjeeling tea Darjeeling tea is a tea grown in the Darjeeling

of its premium taste quality. The quality,

district,

reputation and characteristics of Darjeeling

Kalimpong

District

in

West

Bengal, India, and widely exported and

tea

known. Darjeeling quickly

geographical origin.

earned

the

are

essentially

attributable

to

its

nickname “Champagne of teas,” because

6

7

दा ज लंग Darjeeling tea Darjeeling tea is a tea grown in the Darjeeling

of its premium taste quality. The quality,

district,

reputation and characteristics of Darjeeling

Kalimpong

District

in

West

Bengal, India, and widely exported and

tea

known. Darjeeling quickly

geographical origin.

earned

the

are

essentially

attributable

to

its

nickname “Champagne of teas,” because

6

7

As a result of a favourable geo-agro-climatic

protect the name “Darjeeling�, which has

situation,

characteristics,

been misused in various ways in various

plantation conditions, traditional human

countries. The name, reputation and logo of

Darjeeling is a small town in the Himalayan

practices and a skilled local workforce, it

this tea are now protected by various legal

foothills, lying at an altitude of 2 130 metres

possesses a specific flavour and a very high

tools (certification mark, collective mark,

above sea level and known as the Queen of

quality, distinguishing it from tea grown

geographical indication etc.), depending on

the Hills. It is located in Darjeeling District

elsewhere in the world. Darjeeling tea is

the institutional context of each country.

in the extreme north of West Bengal State in

grown in the region of the Darjeeling hills

Despite these efforts, misappropriation of

the east of India. The district extends from

in 87 gardens at various elevations up to

the name is still harming its market potential.

tropical plains at about 91 metres above sea

2 000 metres. The GI production area has

Collective action, with greater involvement

level to an altitude of 3658 metres on the

been clearly defined by the Tea Board of

of all supply chain stakeholders, is advisable

Sandakfu-Phalut ridge. It is a very scenic

India. Darjeeling tea benefits from a world-

in order to increase the positive economic

place with hills which provide good ground

wide reputation and has no problem over

and social impact of GI registration at the

for tea cultivation.

market access. The entire production is

local level. In 2004, Darjeeling tea became

sold every year, mainly for export. The

the first product in India to be registered

main objective of all the actors in the

under the Geographical Indications of Goods

supply chain, including the Tea Board of

(Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.

specific

soil

Location

India and the Government of India, is to 8

9

As a result of a favourable geo-agro-climatic

protect the name “Darjeeling�, which has

situation,

characteristics,

been misused in various ways in various

plantation conditions, traditional human

countries. The name, reputation and logo of

Darjeeling is a small town in the Himalayan

practices and a skilled local workforce, it

this tea are now protected by various legal

foothills, lying at an altitude of 2 130 metres

possesses a specific flavour and a very high

tools (certification mark, collective mark,

above sea level and known as the Queen of

quality, distinguishing it from tea grown

geographical indication etc.), depending on

the Hills. It is located in Darjeeling District

elsewhere in the world. Darjeeling tea is

the institutional context of each country.

in the extreme north of West Bengal State in

grown in the region of the Darjeeling hills

Despite these efforts, misappropriation of

the east of India. The district extends from

in 87 gardens at various elevations up to

the name is still harming its market potential.

tropical plains at about 91 metres above sea

2 000 metres. The GI production area has

Collective action, with greater involvement

level to an altitude of 3658 metres on the

been clearly defined by the Tea Board of

of all supply chain stakeholders, is advisable

Sandakfu-Phalut ridge. It is a very scenic

India. Darjeeling tea benefits from a world-

in order to increase the positive economic

place with hills which provide good ground

wide reputation and has no problem over

and social impact of GI registration at the

for tea cultivation.

market access. The entire production is

local level. In 2004, Darjeeling tea became

sold every year, mainly for export. The

the first product in India to be registered

main objective of all the actors in the

under the Geographical Indications of Goods

supply chain, including the Tea Board of

(Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.

specific

soil

Location

India and the Government of India, is to 8

9

Darjeeling Tea Plantations

10

Darjeeling Tea Plantations

10

Fun Fact Tea is good for you. Among other

things,

it

contains

“polyphenols”—antioxidants that repair cells and in doing so, may help our bodies fight

Tea estates

help us fend off cardiovascular diseases,

There are 87 tea estates (also called “tea

The Touzi Section of the West Bengal

gardens”) in the Darjeeling hills that have

government deals with the control and

been accorded the right to label its produce

supervision of all tea gardens in the district

as “Darjeeling Tea” by the Tea Board of India.

of Darjeeling as per the provisions of West

These estates cover over 17,500 hectares of

Bengal Estates Acquisition Act, 1953. All the

land, producing over 9 million kg of tea per

tea gardens are leased out for a term of 30

year and engaging about 50 percent of the

years as per Form I, Schedule F of the WBEA

people of Darjeeling district. Each estate

Act. The Touzi Section realizes revenues

produces teas with different characteristics

in the form of land rent, penalty, and fines

of taste and aroma. Most of the tea estates

payable by a tea garden to the Collector.

cancers, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus and other maladies. And contrary to popular belief, it’s not just green tea that’s good for you. Black, white, and red tea also have health-giving flavonoids and polyphenols.

are the members of Indian Tea Association (ITA) and the Darjeeling Tea Association.

12

13

Fun Fact Tea is good for you. Among other

things,

it

contains

“polyphenols”—antioxidants that repair cells and in doing so, may help our bodies fight

Tea estates

help us fend off cardiovascular diseases,

There are 87 tea estates (also called “tea

The Touzi Section of the West Bengal

gardens”) in the Darjeeling hills that have

government deals with the control and

been accorded the right to label its produce

supervision of all tea gardens in the district

as “Darjeeling Tea” by the Tea Board of India.

of Darjeeling as per the provisions of West

These estates cover over 17,500 hectares of

Bengal Estates Acquisition Act, 1953. All the

land, producing over 9 million kg of tea per

tea gardens are leased out for a term of 30

year and engaging about 50 percent of the

years as per Form I, Schedule F of the WBEA

people of Darjeeling district. Each estate

Act. The Touzi Section realizes revenues

produces teas with different characteristics

in the form of land rent, penalty, and fines

of taste and aroma. Most of the tea estates

payable by a tea garden to the Collector.

cancers, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus and other maladies. And contrary to popular belief, it’s not just green tea that’s good for you. Black, white, and red tea also have health-giving flavonoids and polyphenols.

are the members of Indian Tea Association (ITA) and the Darjeeling Tea Association.

12

13

असम Assam Tea

Tea Attributes

Assam means ‘one without equal’ and

marked as black tea. However, Assam tea

Assam Tea has a rich, deep-amber colour

that is really true about its teas. There is

is an important ingredient in many black

and is famous for its rich, full-bodied cup.

probably not a single tea lover in this world

tea blends sold these days. Sometimes

It is known for its brisk, strong and malty

that hasn’t tried pure Assam tea. They say

it’s

sometimes

character, making it a perfect tea to wake

‘you haven’t woken up fully if you haven’t

only as black tea. It is a black tea named

up to. The distinctive second flush orthodox

sipped Assam tea’. Maybe you were not

after the region of its production, Assam,

Assam teas are valued for their rich taste,

aware that the tea you are drinking comes

India.

bright liquors and are considered to be one

from Assam because you could not recognize

specifically

the taste, or the ingredients were simply

sinensis var. assamica (Masters).

labeled

as

Assam

Indian

tea

from

the

is

tea,

manufactured plant

Camellia

of the choicest teas in the world.

Assam tea sample

14

15

असम Assam Tea

Tea Attributes

Assam means ‘one without equal’ and

marked as black tea. However, Assam tea

Assam Tea has a rich, deep-amber colour

that is really true about its teas. There is

is an important ingredient in many black

and is famous for its rich, full-bodied cup.

probably not a single tea lover in this world

tea blends sold these days. Sometimes

It is known for its brisk, strong and malty

that hasn’t tried pure Assam tea. They say

it’s

sometimes

character, making it a perfect tea to wake

‘you haven’t woken up fully if you haven’t

only as black tea. It is a black tea named

up to. The distinctive second flush orthodox

sipped Assam tea’. Maybe you were not

after the region of its production, Assam,

Assam teas are valued for their rich taste,

aware that the tea you are drinking comes

India.

bright liquors and are considered to be one

from Assam because you could not recognize

specifically

the taste, or the ingredients were simply

sinensis var. assamica (Masters).

labeled

as

Assam

Indian

tea

from

the

is

tea,

manufactured plant

Camellia

of the choicest teas in the world.

Assam tea sample

14

15

Tea farms in assam

Tea pickers in assam

Location The state of Assam is the world’s largest tea-

The tea plant is grown in the lowlands of

Assam tea is generally harvested twice, in

growing region by production, lying on either

Assam, unlike Darjeelings and Nilgiris, which

a “first flush” and a “second flush”. The

side of the Brahmaputra River, and along

are grown in the highlands. It is cultivated

first flush is picked during late March. The

with Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and

in the valley of the Brahmaputra River, an

second flush, harvested later, is the more

very close to China. This part of India high

area of clay soil rich in the nutrients of the

prized “tippy tea”, named thus for the gold

precipitation; during the monsoon period, as

floodplain. The climate varies between a cool,

tips that appear on the leaves. This second

much as 250 to 300 mm (10 to 12 in) of rain

arid winter and a hot, humid rainy season—

flush, tippy tea, is sweeter and more full-

per day. The daytime temperature rises to

conditions ideal for growing tea. Because

bodied and is generally considered superior

about 36 °C (96.8 °F), creating greenhouse-

of its long growing season and generous

to the first flush tea. The leaves of the Assam

like conditions of extreme humidity and

rainfall, Assam is one of the most prolific

tea bush are dark green and glossy and fairly

heat. This tropical climate contributes to

tea-producing regions in the world. Each

wide compared to those of the Chinese tea

Assam’s unique malty taste, a feature for

year, the tea estates of Assam collectively

plant. The bush produces delicate white

which this tea is well known.

yield approximately 680.5 million kg of tea.

blossoms which are instantly noticeable.

Tea farms in assam

16

17

Tea farms in assam

Tea pickers in assam

Location The state of Assam is the world’s largest tea-

The tea plant is grown in the lowlands of

Assam tea is generally harvested twice, in

growing region by production, lying on either

Assam, unlike Darjeelings and Nilgiris, which

a “first flush” and a “second flush”. The

side of the Brahmaputra River, and along

are grown in the highlands. It is cultivated

first flush is picked during late March. The

with Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and

in the valley of the Brahmaputra River, an

second flush, harvested later, is the more

very close to China. This part of India high

area of clay soil rich in the nutrients of the

prized “tippy tea”, named thus for the gold

precipitation; during the monsoon period, as

floodplain. The climate varies between a cool,

tips that appear on the leaves. This second

much as 250 to 300 mm (10 to 12 in) of rain

arid winter and a hot, humid rainy season—

flush, tippy tea, is sweeter and more full-

per day. The daytime temperature rises to

conditions ideal for growing tea. Because

bodied and is generally considered superior

about 36 °C (96.8 °F), creating greenhouse-

of its long growing season and generous

to the first flush tea. The leaves of the Assam

like conditions of extreme humidity and

rainfall, Assam is one of the most prolific

tea bush are dark green and glossy and fairly

heat. This tropical climate contributes to

tea-producing regions in the world. Each

wide compared to those of the Chinese tea

Assam’s unique malty taste, a feature for

year, the tea estates of Assam collectively

plant. The bush produces delicate white

which this tea is well known.

yield approximately 680.5 million kg of tea.

blossoms which are instantly noticeable.

Tea farms in assam

16

17

A tea worker picking tea

Fun Fact

Labour

It

Tea picking is a skill. It should be done

takes

around

2,000 tiny leaves to

delicately and with precision. The tea

make just one pound

pickers working this task are mostly women

of finished tea. Tea

and they carry it out very efficiently. This a

plants grow wild in

field job and requires a lot of hard work and

parts of Asia, but it

concentration as well.

can also be farmed. The very best tea comes from high elevations and is hand-picked.

Assamese women working in the field

An assamese woman working in the field

18

19

A tea worker picking tea

Fun Fact

Labour

It

Tea picking is a skill. It should be done

takes

around

2,000 tiny leaves to

delicately and with precision. The tea

make just one pound

pickers working this task are mostly women

of finished tea. Tea

and they carry it out very efficiently. This a

plants grow wild in

field job and requires a lot of hard work and

parts of Asia, but it

concentration as well.

can also be farmed. The very best tea comes from high elevations and is hand-picked.

Assamese women working in the field

An assamese woman working in the field

18

19

नल गरी Nilgiri tea Nilgiri teas are grown in the Blue Mountains,

the world, up to 8000’ elevation. And Nilgiri

Nilgiri teas are one of the great undiscovered

1850’s. Therefore, many of the established

which are part of the Western Ghat mountain

is one of the most beautiful tea regions in the

gems of the tea world, and often one of the

tea estates have that old British colonial look

range which stretches across South India.

world.

greatest bargains. They are known for being

and feel to them.

very aromatic and medium-bodied with a

The vast majority of tea from Nilgiri is

They are some of the highest grown teas in

smooth, mellow taste and subtle, natural sweetness (almost fruitiness) to the cup.

Nilgiri also makes some of the best iced teas in the world; they never turn bitter, they don’t cloud, and that natural sweet note comes out (especially when you make coldbrew iced tea).

20

machine processed (CTC production) and ends up in tea bags or being used in cheap blends. This is a major reason that Nilgiri teas as a category tend to be inexpensive.

Approximately 20% of Nilgiri teas are mostly hand-processed (orthodox production) with wonderful aromas and flavors. When you

Tea was first brought to Nilgiri in 1835 and

can find those exceptional Nilgiri teas, they

has been commercially grown there since the

are usually still very reasonably priced.

21

नल गरी Nilgiri tea Nilgiri teas are grown in the Blue Mountains,

the world, up to 8000’ elevation. And Nilgiri

Nilgiri teas are one of the great undiscovered

1850’s. Therefore, many of the established

which are part of the Western Ghat mountain

is one of the most beautiful tea regions in the

gems of the tea world, and often one of the

tea estates have that old British colonial look

range which stretches across South India.

world.

greatest bargains. They are known for being

and feel to them.

very aromatic and medium-bodied with a

The vast majority of tea from Nilgiri is

They are some of the highest grown teas in

smooth, mellow taste and subtle, natural sweetness (almost fruitiness) to the cup.

Nilgiri also makes some of the best iced teas in the world; they never turn bitter, they don’t cloud, and that natural sweet note comes out (especially when you make coldbrew iced tea).

20

machine processed (CTC production) and ends up in tea bags or being used in cheap blends. This is a major reason that Nilgiri teas as a category tend to be inexpensive.

Approximately 20% of Nilgiri teas are mostly hand-processed (orthodox production) with wonderful aromas and flavors. When you

Tea was first brought to Nilgiri in 1835 and

can find those exceptional Nilgiri teas, they

has been commercially grown there since the

are usually still very reasonably priced.

21

कांगडा Kangra Tea

Fun Fact You are less likely to get a “caffeine crash” when you drink tea (as

Kangra tea is a tea from the Kangra

around 90 percent of the production.

district

India.

As of May 2015, there are 5,900 tea

Both black tea and green tea have been

gardens in the area covering about 2,312

produced in the Kangra Valley since the

hectares of land between Dharamsala,

mid-19th century. Kangra tea was given

Shahpur, Palampur, Baijnath and Joginder-

the Geographical Indication status in 2005.

nagar; with an annual output of 8.99 lakh kg.

in

Himachal

Pradesh,

Although Kangra cultivates both black tea and green tea, black tea constitutes

opposed to soda or coffee). Why? The high levels of antioxidants in tea slow the absorption of caffeine, which results in a gentler increase caffeine in your system and a longer period of alertness with no crash at the end.

Kangra district landscape

22

23

कांगडा Kangra Tea

Fun Fact You are less likely to get a “caffeine crash” when you drink tea (as

Kangra tea is a tea from the Kangra

around 90 percent of the production.

district

India.

As of May 2015, there are 5,900 tea

Both black tea and green tea have been

gardens in the area covering about 2,312

produced in the Kangra Valley since the

hectares of land between Dharamsala,

mid-19th century. Kangra tea was given

Shahpur, Palampur, Baijnath and Joginder-

the Geographical Indication status in 2005.

nagar; with an annual output of 8.99 lakh kg.

in

Himachal

Pradesh,

Although Kangra cultivates both black tea and green tea, black tea constitutes

opposed to soda or coffee). Why? The high levels of antioxidants in tea slow the absorption of caffeine, which results in a gentler increase caffeine in your system and a longer period of alertness with no crash at the end.

Kangra district landscape

22

23

A Kangra Tea garden

Fun Fact Do you store your tea near your

Kangra tea is known for its unique color and

Flavour

is

indeed

the

unique

selling

coffee or in your spice cabinet?

flavor. The unique characteristics of the tea is

proposition of Kangra tea. The Chinese

Don’t. Store your tea away from

attributed to the geographical properties of

hybrid variety grown here produces a very

“strong, competing aromas” so that you

the region. It was granted the Geographical

pale liquor, which is the reason why Kangra

keep the tea’s own delicate flavors intact.

Indication tag in 2005 by Office of the

does not produce any CTC (crushed, turned,

Controller-General of Patents, Designs and

curled) tea—the staple tea of India.

Trademarks, Chennai, as per Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

24

25

A Kangra Tea garden

Fun Fact Do you store your tea near your

Kangra tea is known for its unique color and

Flavour

is

indeed

the

unique

selling

coffee or in your spice cabinet?

flavor. The unique characteristics of the tea is

proposition of Kangra tea. The Chinese

Don’t. Store your tea away from

attributed to the geographical properties of

hybrid variety grown here produces a very

“strong, competing aromas” so that you

the region. It was granted the Geographical

pale liquor, which is the reason why Kangra

keep the tea’s own delicate flavors intact.

Indication tag in 2005 by Office of the

does not produce any CTC (crushed, turned,

Controller-General of Patents, Designs and

curled) tea—the staple tea of India.

Trademarks, Chennai, as per Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

24

25

मु नार Munnar Tea

Guide

When grown at an altitude near that of

a visit to these tea plantations. Munnar is

Never miss to visit the Tea Museum at

Nallatanni Estate in Munnar. Here you can

Darjeeling (Assam) or Munnar (Kerala),

a place known for its beautiful tea estates

Munnar, while making a trip to Munnar. It is

have a journey through the tea history of

it produces tea with fascinating flavours ,

and tea cultivation. No one will return home

India’s first ever tea museum, ideally placed

Munnar. Kannan Devan hill is known as the

sought after around the globe. Munnar is

without tasting or shopping the tea essence

at KDHP’s (Kannan Devan Hill Plantation)

tea valley of the Kashmir of South India.

always synonymous to tea plantation. A trip

of Munnar.

to Munnar will be incomplete without having

Tea museum in munnar

26

27

मु नार Munnar Tea

Guide

When grown at an altitude near that of

a visit to these tea plantations. Munnar is

Never miss to visit the Tea Museum at

Nallatanni Estate in Munnar. Here you can

Darjeeling (Assam) or Munnar (Kerala),

a place known for its beautiful tea estates

Munnar, while making a trip to Munnar. It is

have a journey through the tea history of

it produces tea with fascinating flavours ,

and tea cultivation. No one will return home

India’s first ever tea museum, ideally placed

Munnar. Kannan Devan hill is known as the

sought after around the globe. Munnar is

without tasting or shopping the tea essence

at KDHP’s (Kannan Devan Hill Plantation)

tea valley of the Kashmir of South India.

always synonymous to tea plantation. A trip

of Munnar.

to Munnar will be incomplete without having

Tea museum in munnar

26

27

डुआस Dooars Tea Nestling just below Darjeeling, at the

primarily engineered by the British planters

Himalayan foothills, is a land shared by

through their agency enterprises, there

jumbos, rhinos, deciduous forests, gurgling

was

streams and tea. The tea-growing areas

entrepreneurs who set up considerable

in the district of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal,

number of new plantations with the issuance

along with a small part of Coochbehar

of grants of lands in a phased manner.

significant

contribution

of

Indian

District, is popularly known as Dooars,

Fun Fact Some tea lovers ponder ideal foodand-tea pairings, just as wine lovers pair food and wine. For example, tea and cookies/ biscuits is a very popular combination all around the world.

28

which is bound by Bhutan and Darjeeling

Teas grown in Dooars has gained increasing

district

Coochbehar

acceptance all over the world. The Dooars

district and Bangladesh in the south and

region is a foothill forest in north-east India

Assam in the east. Dooars (which means

below the Darjeeling belt. Dooars tea have

doors in Bengali, Assamese and Nepali) is

character of Assam Tea with the unique

the gateway to the North East and Bhutan.

aroma and sweetness of darjeeling tea.

in

the

northwest,

Although tea cultivation in Dooars was

29

डुआस Dooars Tea Nestling just below Darjeeling, at the

primarily engineered by the British planters

Himalayan foothills, is a land shared by

through their agency enterprises, there

jumbos, rhinos, deciduous forests, gurgling

was

streams and tea. The tea-growing areas

entrepreneurs who set up considerable

in the district of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal,

number of new plantations with the issuance

along with a small part of Coochbehar

of grants of lands in a phased manner.

significant

contribution

of

Indian

District, is popularly known as Dooars,

Fun Fact Some tea lovers ponder ideal foodand-tea pairings, just as wine lovers pair food and wine. For example, tea and cookies/ biscuits is a very popular combination all around the world.

28

which is bound by Bhutan and Darjeeling

Teas grown in Dooars has gained increasing

district

Coochbehar

acceptance all over the world. The Dooars

district and Bangladesh in the south and

region is a foothill forest in north-east India

Assam in the east. Dooars (which means

below the Darjeeling belt. Dooars tea have

doors in Bengali, Assamese and Nepali) is

character of Assam Tea with the unique

the gateway to the North East and Bhutan.

aroma and sweetness of darjeeling tea.

in

the

northwest,

Although tea cultivation in Dooars was

29

िस कम

Sikkim Tea The state of Sikkim nestles amidst the

Another boutique garden was added to the

is a toasty brew, with a heady, strong yet

picturesque and scenic Himalayas in North

fold of Sikkim Tea when the Bermiok tea

smooth brew. The third flush or Monsoon

East India. From the mystic tea gardens of

garden was established in the year 2002. The

Flush of Sikkim Tea creates a full bodied cup

this region emerge the organic two tender

state of Sikkim was declared fully organic

with mellow taste. The final flush or Autumn

leaves and a bud, flourishing at an altitude

in January 2016, and the teas produced at

Flush of Sikkim Tea has a well-rounded taste

of 1000-2000 metres above sea level. The tea

the Temi Tea Estate were certified as 100%

and the light hint of warm spices. This amber

leaves are hand-plucked with love and care

Organic Tea in the year 2008. The first flush

liquor is the perfect end to the seasons of tea.

to bring to you a delectable brew which is

of Sikkim Tea, harvested during springtime,

light, flowery, golden yellow and of delicate

has a unique taste and aroma. The refined

Besides the above varieties of black teas,

flavour. The cultivation of tea in Sikkim

golden liquor has a light floral finish and

started with the establishment of its first

a hint of sweet lingering taste. Mellow and

tea garden in 1969 — the Temi Tea Estate.

smooth, the second flush of Sikkim Tea

Sikkim also produces the delicate white tea, which is manufactured from the buds and unfurled new leaves; green tea, which is known for its flowery liquor; and Oolong tea, which is fruity, fragrant and earthy.

Temi tea garden in sikkim and the tea pickers

30

31

िस कम

Sikkim Tea The state of Sikkim nestles amidst the

Another boutique garden was added to the

is a toasty brew, with a heady, strong yet

picturesque and scenic Himalayas in North

fold of Sikkim Tea when the Bermiok tea

smooth brew. The third flush or Monsoon

East India. From the mystic tea gardens of

garden was established in the year 2002. The

Flush of Sikkim Tea creates a full bodied cup

this region emerge the organic two tender

state of Sikkim was declared fully organic

with mellow taste. The final flush or Autumn

leaves and a bud, flourishing at an altitude

in January 2016, and the teas produced at

Flush of Sikkim Tea has a well-rounded taste

of 1000-2000 metres above sea level. The tea

the Temi Tea Estate were certified as 100%

and the light hint of warm spices. This amber

leaves are hand-plucked with love and care

Organic Tea in the year 2008. The first flush

liquor is the perfect end to the seasons of tea.

to bring to you a delectable brew which is

of Sikkim Tea, harvested during springtime,

light, flowery, golden yellow and of delicate

has a unique taste and aroma. The refined

Besides the above varieties of black teas,

flavour. The cultivation of tea in Sikkim

golden liquor has a light floral finish and

started with the establishment of its first

a hint of sweet lingering taste. Mellow and

tea garden in 1969 — the Temi Tea Estate.

smooth, the second flush of Sikkim Tea

Sikkim also produces the delicate white tea, which is manufactured from the buds and unfurled new leaves; green tea, which is known for its flowery liquor; and Oolong tea, which is fruity, fragrant and earthy.

Temi tea garden in sikkim and the tea pickers

30

31

Cherry Resort Inside Temi Tea Garden Namchi, Sikkim

32

33

Cherry Resort Inside Temi Tea Garden Namchi, Sikkim

32

33

Tea: A feeling In India, chai is more than just a cup of tea

spices, sugar and milk. Laptops running,

It was the British that brought tea to India,

By 1850s, India had already become one

to start the day - the thick sweet drink is an

friends talking, discussions, dates and even

so the credit goes to them. It was the love

of the biggest tea producers in the world.

integral part of the rhythm of life. Zach Marks

fights are accompanied with a cup of tea in

for tea in the British that carved the way

India’s tea culture has evolved a lot in

and Resham Gellatly have been documenting

India. To say that India loves tea would be

for India to become such a huge producer

the postcolonial era. After independence,

the culture of Indian chai and the people who

an understatement, doing no justice to the

of tea. Today, India is the second largest tea

local tea brands helped to introduce the

sell it - known as chai wallahs.

craze that Indian population has for this

producer in the world, right behind China. In

beverage to masses. Indian tea evolved in

Tea is India’s most popular drink - the

beverage. Whether you visit a roadside shack

colonial India, British had to import tea from

a unique way, by adding milk and spices to

or a high-end mall, you can sit in a cozy

China, which caused huge dents in their

the traditional boiled tea that the rest of the

corner and find this beloved drink in your

treasury, so East India Company started tea

world preferred. This, in turn, led to more

hands while enjoying the life around you.

plantations in Assam. As the production of

popularity of this beloved drink in the Indian

tea increased, India started exporting tea to

population.

country consumes 837,000 tonnes of it every year. The ritual of drinking chai transcends all boundaries, and roadsides are dotted with chai wallahs who serve it boiled up with

the rest of the world. This contributed to the nation’s economy.

The typical tea cups used at tea stalls/ chai wallahs

34

People start their mornings with chai

35

Tea: A feeling In India, chai is more than just a cup of tea

spices, sugar and milk. Laptops running,

It was the British that brought tea to India,

By 1850s, India had already become one

to start the day - the thick sweet drink is an

friends talking, discussions, dates and even

so the credit goes to them. It was the love

of the biggest tea producers in the world.

integral part of the rhythm of life. Zach Marks

fights are accompanied with a cup of tea in

for tea in the British that carved the way

India’s tea culture has evolved a lot in

and Resham Gellatly have been documenting

India. To say that India loves tea would be

for India to become such a huge producer

the postcolonial era. After independence,

the culture of Indian chai and the people who

an understatement, doing no justice to the

of tea. Today, India is the second largest tea

local tea brands helped to introduce the

sell it - known as chai wallahs.

craze that Indian population has for this

producer in the world, right behind China. In

beverage to masses. Indian tea evolved in

Tea is India’s most popular drink - the

beverage. Whether you visit a roadside shack

colonial India, British had to import tea from

a unique way, by adding milk and spices to

or a high-end mall, you can sit in a cozy

China, which caused huge dents in their

the traditional boiled tea that the rest of the

corner and find this beloved drink in your

treasury, so East India Company started tea

world preferred. This, in turn, led to more

hands while enjoying the life around you.

plantations in Assam. As the production of

popularity of this beloved drink in the Indian

tea increased, India started exporting tea to

population.

country consumes 837,000 tonnes of it every year. The ritual of drinking chai transcends all boundaries, and roadsides are dotted with chai wallahs who serve it boiled up with

the rest of the world. This contributed to the nation’s economy.

The typical tea cups used at tea stalls/ chai wallahs

34

People start their mornings with chai

35

36

The love for tea is not only because of the

Tea brands are constantly innovating to

brilliant taste and flavors but also because it

make the drink for millennial generation by

is seen as the ultimate remedy for all sorts

increasing the cool quotient. Youngsters in

of stresses, whether mental or physical.

India prefer their tea cold and with exotic

Tea helps to calm the mind and soul. It

flavors. The obsession for green tea and

is also seen as a homemade medicine for

black tea for their health benefits, has led

many ailments ranging from common cold

to some of the best innovations by Indian

to severe headaches. In fact, tea in India, is

tea brands that are offering tea with a twist.

seen as a herbal remedy for seasonal coughs

Today, people beat the heat and chill in the

and cold.

winters with flavored iced tea.Â

In this changing and growing world, the

Tea has now become a way of life for many

love for tea is constant after all these years.

people. Being present in every high and low

People have also experimented with tea, by

moment of life, it is surely a silent companion.

adding all sorts of spices and flavors to the

Every get together, every conversation,

mix. Thus, the popularity is not just limited

every highlight of the day seems incomplete

to the traditional tea, but the country has

without tea and, hopefully, it would only

seen tremendous love for iced tea as well.

increase with time.Â

37

36

The love for tea is not only because of the

Tea brands are constantly innovating to

brilliant taste and flavors but also because it

make the drink for millennial generation by

is seen as the ultimate remedy for all sorts

increasing the cool quotient. Youngsters in

of stresses, whether mental or physical.

India prefer their tea cold and with exotic

Tea helps to calm the mind and soul. It

flavors. The obsession for green tea and

is also seen as a homemade medicine for

black tea for their health benefits, has led

many ailments ranging from common cold

to some of the best innovations by Indian

to severe headaches. In fact, tea in India, is

tea brands that are offering tea with a twist.

seen as a herbal remedy for seasonal coughs

Today, people beat the heat and chill in the

and cold.

winters with flavored iced tea.Â

In this changing and growing world, the

Tea has now become a way of life for many

love for tea is constant after all these years.

people. Being present in every high and low

People have also experimented with tea, by

moment of life, it is surely a silent companion.

adding all sorts of spices and flavors to the

Every get together, every conversation,

mix. Thus, the popularity is not just limited

every highlight of the day seems incomplete

to the traditional tea, but the country has

without tea and, hopefully, it would only

seen tremendous love for iced tea as well.

increase with time.Â

37

References Images

Content (text)

• Unsplash • Indian tea board • Wikipedia creative commons • Flickr

• Wikipedia • https://www.goodricketea.com/garden-diaries-dooars • http://www.teaboard.gov.in/TEABOARDCSM/MTA= • https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27991440 • http://www.booksatoz.com/witsend/tea/orwell.htm

38

References Images

Content (text)

• Unsplash • Indian tea board • Wikipedia creative commons • Flickr

• Wikipedia • https://www.goodricketea.com/garden-diaries-dooars • http://www.teaboard.gov.in/TEABOARDCSM/MTA= • https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-27991440 • http://www.booksatoz.com/witsend/tea/orwell.htm

38

Tea is India's most popular drink - the country consumes 837,000 tonnes of it every year. The ritual of drinking chai transcends all boundaries, and roadsides are dotted with chai wallahs who serve it boiled up with spices, sugar and milk. Laptops running, friends talking, discussions, dates and even fights are accompanied with a cup of tea in India. To say that India loves tea would be an understatement, doing no justice to the craze that Indian population has for this beverage. Whether you visit a roadside shack or a high-end mall, you can sit in a cozy corner and find this beloved drink in your hands while enjoying the life around you.