Assam Tea
Assam is a black tea named after the region of its production: (Assam, India). The British became interested in tea cultivation in the Assam region of India in the 1830’s when it appeared that treaties with China which included tea were not going to be extended. The East India Company made representations to the British Governor of India to be allowed to research the possibility of tea cultivation in India. These discovered a hardy camellia that was indigenous to Assam. This particular genus of the camellia eventually became know as the ‘Assam jat’ and today forms the backbone of Assam tea plantations.
This tea grown at sea level is known for its body, briskness, malty flavor, and strong, bright color. Assam tea brews up a burgundy-red cup with rich aroma and strong malty taste. The latter makes Assam an ideal breakfast-time tea. Assam teas, or blends containing Assam, are often sold as “breakfast” teas. English Breakfast tea, Irish Breakfast tea, and Scottish Breakfast Tea are common trade names.
Though “Assam” generally denotes the distinctive black teas from Assam, the region produces relatively smaller quantities of green and white teas with their own distinctive characteristics.
Historically, Assam is the second commercial tea production region after China. China and Assam are the only two regions in the world with native tea plants. Assam tea revolutionized tea drinking habits in the 19th century since the tea, produced from a different variety of the tea plant, yielded a different kind of tea.
Today, Assam produces more than half the tea grown in India. On the international market, Assam Tea can be identified by the official logo chosen by the Tea Board of India. Most Assam tea is sold through the Auction Centre at Guwahati.
Hot Tea Brewing Method:
Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste. Pour into your cup and serve. Add milk and sugar to taste (optional).
Iced Tea Brewing Method (make 1 liter/quart):
Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. This tea may turn cloudy or ‘milky’ when poured over ice. It is a perfectly normal characteristic of some high quality black teas.
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assam_tea, http://www.enjoyingtea.com/beasbltea.html, http://www.adagio.com/black/assam_melody.html