The most popular beverage on the planet is tea. It’s more common than water. Assam is the tea to choose from if you like strong black teas. Assam tea is named Assam, which means One without Equal. Assam, a region in North India, produces some of the most sought-after teas on earth. The oldest tea plantation in the world dates back to 1836. It is the largest in India. Assam black is known for its malty taste and potential health benefits. Due to its high caffeine content and robust flavor, it is one of the world’s most popular teas.
Assam, India, is the world’s largest tea-producing region. Assam is a black, smoky tea made of Camellia Sinensis tea leaves and grown in Assam (India) at high altitudes (1500-2200 meters). Assam has around 50k tea growers who produce about 600 million Kg annually. Some large tea plantations make mass-market teas, while others are small tea gardens focusing on artisanal and specialty tea. Assam teas are naturally high in caffeine. Assam teas are often marketed to be breakfast tea.
The final firing during production is what makes black tea so distinctive. This process gives this tea a robust taste and makes it more powerful. Six processing steps are required to produce its dark brown color and intense flavor. After tea leaves are harvested and withered, they undergo an oxidation process to expose them to oxygen in a controlled-temperature environment for a certain period. The oxidation process causes chemical reactions in the leaves, giving Assam unique flavor and color.
Types Assam Teas
Tea Origin”>Assam tea is usually harvested four times a year, with the first and second harvests being the best. There are two main types of teas – CTC and orthodox tea. Orthodox Assam can be classified into several categories depending on the leaf type.
Orthodox tea, produced using traditional methods, is of higher quality than regular tea. The final quality of tea depends on many factors, including soil, climate conditions, leaf type, and harvesting times.
Tea Origin”>CTC tea is made using a different method, which is not as time-consuming and does not produce as wide varieties. The whole leaf is used in the production, not just selected leaves, as orthodox tea.
Whole-leaf CTC does not exist. CTC is available in broken-leaf and dust grades. Dust tea is the powder and particles left over from processing whole leaves. The broken leaf is similar to an English Breakfast.
Assam Tea Benefits
Assam Tea, which contains various plant compounds, has been shown to have several health benefits.
Promotes Antioxidants
Tea Origin”>Black teas like Assam contain several unique compounds; that act as antioxidants in the body and may act as an agent for disease prevention. Assam contains more antioxidants than other teas and may strengthen your immune system. It contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and copper.
Anticancer property
Assam tea can help reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells. This is especially true for skin, breast, and lung cancer. In a small amount of human research, it has been observed that black tea consumption is associated with a lower risk of skin and lung cancer. Although this is not a thoroughly researched topic, there are promising results.
Promote heart health
Animal studies have shown that the polyphenolic compounds found in black tea can help lower cholesterol. Also, it prevents the formation of plaque in blood vessels. Researching the effects of black tea, such as Assam, on heart health is essential.
Protects the brain against neurodegenerative diseases
Research suggests that black tea contains compounds that can treat or prevent degenerative brain diseases.