Tea is so popular in India that it even has a commission that governs it, tracks it, and develops ways to improve its quality. It also allocates resources to small producers and other businesses related to the industry. Here are 10 popular types of Indian teas.
India's tea production is around one billion kilograms annually, making it the world's leading tea producer. It is the fourth largest exporter, behind Kenya, China, and Sri Lanka. Demand for black tea is increasing, placing Indian black teas in a privileged position.
1. Assam Tea
The first Indian tea is Assam tea , which is produced exclusively in a region of India called Assam, located in the north of the country. It was from this region that it spread to the rest of the country, thus achieving the popularity it enjoys today.
This region has a monsoon climate and is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, which favors the cultivation of its plant, Camellia sinensis . Its color is brown with some dark reddish tones, making it similar to Rooibos (although its organoleptic qualities are very different). The Assam infusion is smooth and sweet, with a pleasant flavor.
2. Indian teas. Darjeeling
Darjeeling tea is more than just a tea; it's a designation of origin produced in a region near the Himalayas, in northeast India. The region is geographically comparable to French champagne, which is produced in the Champagne region of France. Darjeeling is called "the champagne of teas."
The tea is produced in hills with a humid and sunny climate, at an altitude of 600 to 2,000 meters. Due to these conditions, its flavor is intense and floral. Darjeeling is not just black tea, but also white, green , and oolong tea.
3. Nilgiri Tea
One of India's best-kept secrets, Nilgiri tea , grows in the Nilgiri region, specifically in the majestic Blue Mountains. The tea plant grows in the foothills of these mountains, producing a fine, aromatic tea. It is harvested during two distinct monsoon seasons: the wet and the dry.
The Nilgiri region is the second largest producer of black tea in India, and its tea is mostly blended with other black teas. Drinking it cold is said to be beneficial for its vibrancy and clarity. It is one of the most popular Indian teas .
4. Indian teas. Masala chai
Also called Chai Masala , it is a traditional and very popular Indian beverage. The traditional version consists of mixing black tea with warm spices such as ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and pepper. Each of these ingredients is beneficial, providing a host of properties to the body.
It's a beverage with high antioxidant properties, is astringent, diuretic, and comforting. It's also stimulating, although with fewer side effects than coffee. It provides a high dose of energy.
5. Dooars Tea
Considered one of the most popular Indian teas, Dooars tea originates from the Dooars region of India. When you taste it, it feels smooth on the palate and has an authentic and refined aroma. It is a very healthy beverage that offers many benefits to the body.
The Dooars region is a floodplain located in the east-northeast of India. Tea is grown in the outer foothills of the Himalayas. There, the climatic and geographical conditions favor its cultivation.
6. Indian teas. Munnar
Another tea-producing region in India is Munnar, where Munnar tea originates. The leaves of the plant are picked and weighed. They then undergo a withering process, where the moisture is reduced until they become soft and pliable.
Next, they go through the drying phase, where they are placed on rollers, which are responsible for cutting them. They then undergo the fermentation phase, when their leaves change color from green to reddish copper. Finally, they go through the drying phase and the sifting phase to classify the leaves according to their size.
7. Sikkim Tea
Another Indian tea is Sikkim tea. Its leaves are grown in the Sikkim region of northwest India, located between Bhutan and Nepal. Its taste is smooth and delicate, similar to Darjeeling, but with more body and certain malty notes. It has a copper-amber color.
It can be drunk at any time of day, and even better if paired with sweets or snacks. Preparing it is very simple: boil a cup of water to 95°C, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of Sikkim tea, and let it steep for 5 minutes.
8. Indian teas. Darjeeling white
Produced in a region of India near the Himalayas, it is a tea of the highest quality. It has a delicate aroma, a silky, very smooth flavor, and a certain sweetness. Prepared as an infusion, it is pale golden in color and has a pleasant taste. Its leaves are quite light, and are used in large quantities to create a better infusion or achieve a stronger flavor.
Darjeeling white tea has many benefits, including helping to fight cancer, obesity, and cavities. It also has additional benefits such as protecting against gastric ulcers.
9. Darjeeling green tea
Another Indian tea is Darjeeling green tea, which is of exquisite quality and grown in eastern India. It has a fruity flavor, with a certain sweetness and floral notes. It can be drunk at any time of day.
10. Oolong Tea
Among Indian teas are Darjeeling Oolong tea and other blue teas produced in the Nilgiri region. This is a partially oxidized tea and can be light or dark in the cup.
At Tetique, we offer a wide selection of the finest teas and infusions for hospitality businesses , cafes, and restaurants. From classic teas to exotic blends, we're sure to have the perfect option to meet your needs and those of your customers.
Our Indian teas are carefully selected from the finest tea estates and responsibly processed to deliver authentic flavor and health benefits.
At Tétique, we're proud to be the Indian tea supplier of choice for numerous hospitality businesses, cafes, and restaurants across the country. If you're looking for the finest teas and infusions for your business, contact us to learn more about our products and services. We look forward to working with you!
