Finest Assam Loose Leaf Black Tea
Assam Tea is one of the biggest names in the industry. It comes from Assam State in India, a region most famous for making loose leaf black breakfast tea. We stock a multitude of types here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Each one has something unique, indeed extraordinary to offer. Each one we pack fresh to order here at our Kent-based factory, ensuring quality and consistency.
What is Assam Tea?
This is most commonly a type of Assam Black Tea. However, recent developments have brought about the likes of Green, White and even Assam Smoked Oolong Tea. But when was Tea cultivation started in Assam?
While China’s history with these leaves dates back some 5,000 years, India’s association with them arguably only began in 1823. It remains a controversial topic due to the part played by colonialism.
According to the British story, the man who discovered assam leaf tea was a Scotsman named Robert Bruce. He had travelled to Rangpur (Sivasagar), the capital of the Ahom Kingdom in Upper Assam, to meet Bessa Guam, the chief of the Singpho tribe.
The leader introduced him to a then-unknown plant, which looked much like the Chinese Camellia sinensis (Tea) plant.
Bruce took the “discovery” to his brother, Charles Alexander Bruce, who studied it in Calcutta (Kolkata). He concluded that it was, indeed, a species of Tea, later dubbed Camellia sinensis var assamica.
Robert never saw the result, however, as he died the following year. The popularity of Assam Tea nevertheless spread to become the towering giant it is now and become a very popular breakfast tea.
Tea Gardens in Assam Today?
Surrounded by the northern Himalayas, the Brahmaputra plains, and the Deccan plateau, the region of Assam is one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world. The state is frequently subjected to heavy rainfall (2500-3000mm, annually) and high humidity throughout the year.
This ultimately helps to develop the full-bodied flavour that markets across the world have come to love in Assam Breakfast Tea. The tea plantations that grow this blend can be found on either side of the river Brahmaputra, which stretches through India and into Bangladesh and China.
At an approximate elevation of 45-60 metres above sea level, the state of Assam consists of 312,210 hectares of tea production, making it one of the largest tea-growing regions in the world, with around 570 million kilograms exported every year! That accounts for roughly 13% of global Tea consumption!
Assam in India is also home to the world-renowned Assam Tea Festival, which takes place during the month of November every year. It is hosted in the city of Jorhat, occasionally known as the ‘Black Tea Capital of the World’ where a number of events take place to mark the State’s contribution to the global tea industry.
These include tea tasting sessions and plantation tours, as well as traditional music performances and other forms of on-stage entertainment events. There is also ample opportunity to explore the rich culture of Assam, with safaris into the jungle and river cruises presented as part of the winter festivities.
Meanwhile, conferences are held in the city itself, with delegates from across the world attending to discuss some of the issues that currently face the Tea industry.
Assam Caffeine and Taste
A “traditional” variety, which is a Black Tea, Assam tea taste is well known for its bold malty taste with sweet undertones. Some people might also discern a burnt caramel aroma, slight astringency and an indulgent finish.
Yet there are other Assam Tea types away from black tea is Green to White to Oolong. Each one of these will, of course, have vastly different tasting notes. The same rules apply when it comes to caffeine content.
Caffeine is a stimulating chemical compound that exists in around sixty plants. The family includes Loose Tea, Fresh Coffee, Yerba Mate and Cocoa Beans (i.e. Chocolate). The processing of Tea leaves, however, changes the amount of caffeine within.
Black Tea has around 45-mg per serving, Oolong has around 35-mg, Green Tea has 30-mg, and White Tea has 15-mg. Only you can decide which one you’d prefer.
Assam Tea Calories and Nutrition Facts
A quick recap: You know the answer to the question, “Does Assam Tea have caffeine?” You know, too, where it comes from and why it remains so widespread.
And it keeps getting better because an average 8-oz cup will have no more than two calories, regardless of the type, which is next to nothing. Those who’re looking to cut down their intake, in other words, have chosen well here.
Another trait worth noting concerning Assam Tea facts is the leaves’ abundance in vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants. These chemical compounds combined combat free radicals in the body, the product of natural, though harmful, oxidative stress.
The result is a reduced risk of developing several chronic conditions from type-2 diabetes to cardiovascular disease to even, possibly, cancer.
Assam Tea Benefits
Assam Tea benefits your health and wellbeing in many other ways as well. It can boost the metabolism of fat cells, enabling the body to burn fat quicker and more efficiently, thus leading to weight loss.
It can support the immune system in its crucial work fighting viruses, parasites and harmful bacteria. If that wasn’t enough, it can aid digestion, help maintain your teeth and provide relief from mild anxiety.
Then there’s its ability to enhance cognitive function. The evidence comes from a study conducted by the University of Singapore, which saw 2,500 participants undergo a test to measure their cognitive function.
The experiment was repeated two years later. Ultimately, the conclusion was that those who drank two to three cups of Assam Black Tea Leaf daily had a 55% lower chance of experiencing cognitive decline and black assam tea for skin is another benefit.
Improved Mental Alertness
Like other Black tea types, Assam tea contains relatively high quantities of caffeine. This stimulant can help you remain at peak capacity throughout your daily routine, whilst also improving your overall concentration levels.
Meanwhile, Assam Tea also contains an amino acid known as theanine, which can help to relax your mind in times of stress. Combined, these two elements maintain balance within your beverage; the same way you maintain balance within your day!
Improved Cardiovascular Health
The flavonoids found in Assam Tea have the ability to prevent the buildup of plaque inside arteries, thus reducing the risk of Cardiovascular disease.
As well as this, the antioxidants in this beverage may help to strengthen blood vessels and, ultimately, lower blood pressure! However, if you have a pre-existing heart condition, it is urged that you consult a doctor before consumption.
Improved Oral Health
Rich in fluoride, Tea can prevent bacteria and viruses that could harm your teeth and gums, provided it is consumed as an unsweetened beverage. Merely drinking a cup of Assam tea after you eat could help to rinse away any food particles that have stuck in your teeth, as well as potentially strengthening the bone structure!
Further to this, the frequent consumption of Assam tea can help fight bad breath, so be sure to have a hot brew before you go on that date!
Assam Tea for Weight Loss
When consumed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, Assam Tea could help you lose those extra pounds before summer! This is because Assam Tea can accelerate your metabolic rate, thus burning fat far more rapidly.
With a faster digestive system, your body will be able to absorb less fat or sugars from foods, ultimately leading to an enhanced ability to lose weight while eating healthily and exercising frequently.
Fights Infection
Feeling a little under the weather? The best thing you could do for yourself is to brew up a hot cup of Assam tea. This is because Assam Tea may help to boost your Immune System and build up your defences.
How to Brew Assam Loose Leaf Tea
You almost have all of the information you need. What comes next is learning how to brew it. Those who yearn for convenience might decide to buy Assam Tea Bags, which will require little effort. What’s more, you can make a cuppa with a clear conscience as they’re Plastic Free Tea Bags.
Others, particularly people who prefer the taste of Assam Leaf Tea, would do well to follow the below instructions.
1, Put the Leaves in a Tea Infuser or Filter.
One Teaspoon (around two grams) of it should do the trick.
2, Boil Fresh Water.
Put the kettle on with fresh water for better oxygen levels and, ultimately, better taste.
3, Let the Water Cool Briefly.
A temperature of 96°C is best for Assam Black Tea.
4, Place Tea Infuser in the Cup.
A porcelain cup has the least influence on flavour. Metal ones, in comparison, could create an unwelcome, if somewhat unsurprising, metallic undertone.
5, Pour in Freshly Boiled Water.
Fill your favourite cup or mug with hot water.
6, Allow it to Steep for a Few Minutes.
Leave it for three to five minutes. Any longer, and you might find it has over-brewed.
You’ll finally want to think about suitable additions. assam loose leaf tea with milk or a Milk Alternative for Tea is often the first port of call. There is also the option of having sugar to satisfy the sweet tooth or even honey and lemon.
Should you be keen to experience malty Assam Tea at its maltiest, though, you could always serve it without any accompaniments. You’re in for a treat, no matter what.
Buy Assam Breakfast Tea Here
All that’s left is to buy and try with The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Our family-run establishment was founded in 1982 and, since then, we have striven to provide only the best of the best.
Such is the case, we have the best assam loose leaf tea including Assam Tea, including Assam Tea Bags. Such is the case, in fact, with every product we stock, period. Why not find out for yourself? You won’t be disappointed.
