Interesting History of Assam Tea & How to Brew It - 24 Mantra Organic

The first reference to tea dates back to a book published during the late Western Han Dynasty of China. Named ‘The Divine Farmer’s Herb-Root Classic’, it is said to have been written in the first century B.C., over a millennium ago! Since then, tea has travelled across continents, overseas, and into the houses of millions of people all over the world.

From England’s famous ‘tea parties’ where tea is enjoyed with biscuits and scones, to Japan’s intricate ‘tea ceremonies’ that are as much art as they are a meal; different cultures have made tea a part of their life in myriad ways. In India too, we have a unique preparation. ‘Masala chai’ is enjoyed all over the country and now increasingly, in other parts of the world as well. Organically grown Assam tea is even better due to the lack of harmful chemical compounds.

Of all the varieties consumed, Assam tea is one of the most popular. Assam tea’s history is intertwined with the history of the British Empire in India.

Assam Tea History

Assam tea was discovered by a Scotsman named Robert Bruce. He noticed wild plants that looked very similar to Chinese tea plants and collected them for further inspection. It is said that he taught the local tribesmen to brew tea from the plant’s leaves before he left.

However, it took a few years after the initial discovery for the plant to be officially classified as a different variety of the same Camellia species of tea plant native to China. At the time, China had a monopoly on the trade of tea. Due to the massive public demand for tea back in Britain, trade with China was costing the Empire great economic losses.

The British took the discovery of Assam tea as a sign that they should set up their own tea estates. The first tea estates in Assam were established in the 1830s. They were first set up with tea plants imported from China.

However, it quickly became clear that the Chinese variety was simply not suited to the conditions in Assam and they were quickly replaced with native Assam tea. It was in the year 1839 that Assam tea was first introduced to the London markets.

Maintaining tea plantations, however, is a labour-intensive process. In order to maximise production and profit, the British brought cheap labour from across the country to work on the plantations along with the local people. The working conditions were poor and the pay was negligible. Fortunately, today the scenario is much better as we have labour laws and unions to protect plantation workers.

Assam tea’s history is made even more fascinating by the fact that it was eventually taken and planted in many other parts of the world. Unlike the Chinese variety, Assam tea is hardy and thrive in the places where it was planted, a notable example being Java, Indonesia.

Today, Assam tea is enjoyed world-over alongside other varieties like Darjeeling tea and Earl Grey. If reading all about Assam tea’s history had you craving a cup, we’ve got you covered! Read on for step by step instructions on how to brew Assam tea the right way.

How To Brew The Perfect Assam Tea

Before You Begin

A few things to keep in mind before you start preparing would be:

• Only use fresh or filtered water for preparation. The more tasteless the water is, the better the flavour of the tea. However, do not use distilled water.
• Always use clean utensils.
• Spices and condiments must always be added while water is boiling, not after.

Brewing Assam Tea

• Put fresh water in a kettle or pot and set to boil.
• Brewing tea is all about perfecting the timing and temperature to which the tea leaves are exposed. For Assam tea, the required temperature is around 100 degrees C, which is the temperature of boiling water. Turn off the water as soon as it comes to a proper rolling boil.
• Add the Assam tea leaves. 1 teaspoon of tea per cup of water is the ideal measurement. 1 cup amounts to approximately 230 ml.
• Allow the tea to brew for a minimum of one minute. If you prefer strong tea, wait for 3-4 minutes. However, the longer you wait, the cooler the tea gets. You can add a little extra tea powder or tea leaves in order to make tea strong as well as hot.
• It is important not to boil the tea leaves, as this causes excess tannins to be released from the leaves into the water, which gives it a bitter taste.
• Add milk only after the tea has been brewed to your taste. Adding milk to the water as it boils, before adding tea leaves will dilute the flavour of the tea.
• Warm the milk before adding so that the temperature of the tea isn’t affected.
• Assam tea is best enjoyed without too much sugar. However, if you prefer it sweet add around half a teaspoon of sugar. Stir well.
• You can follow the above steps for black tea as well. Add lemon to black tea with sugar or honey and enjoy!

Conclusion

The journey of tea from China to the sloping hills of Assam and into our homes has been a long and memorable one. What better way to celebrate Assam tea’s history than to enjoy a steaming cup of tea? Try our method and brew the perfect cup of Assam tea!

Try 24 Mantra Organics’s Assam Tea and enjoy the benefits of Assam Tea.

References:

1. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-36781368
2. https://krishijagran.com/health-lifestyle/assam-tea-a-glimpse-of-its-forbidden-history-and-incredible-health-benefits/
3. http://assamteaxchange.com/abouttea/history.asp
4. https://www.myassamtea.com/resource/making-tea/
5. https://www.itoen-global.com/allabout_greentea/history_of_tea.html