Assam
Friday, August 1st, 2003“Kissing is like drinking tea through a tea-strainer;
you’re always thirsty afterwards.” — Chinese Proverb
Assam. To the far North East of India along the border of India and Burma. The land of the one-horned Rhino. The land through which the mighty river, the Brahmaputra winds its majestic course. The Scottish adventurer, Robert Bruce, discovered tea plants growing in Assam in the 1820’s. At this time, no one thought that tea existed in India, however Major Bruce discovered the plants growing wild in the jungles controlled by the tribal chiefs. The first commercial batch of tea ever produced outside of China came from Assam in 1839.
Assam - rich with nature’s bounty and a rainfall ranging from 200 to 300 cms - a country that ensures a very special place for the teas grown here. Camellia sinensis assamica or Assam tea has little resistance to cold and grows well only in tropical areas. The assam tea plant has large leaves. These tough little trees are hard to kill and in China they frequently live longer than one hundred years.
These teas offer rich, full-bodied, bright liquor. Rich aroma and a strong, malty taste make these teas a favorite at breakfast time. Assams produce a burgundy-red cup that is unmistakably full of body and flavor. Assam tea is a component of many standard tea blends, including Irish Breakfast. For those who favour a bright, strong cup of tea, Assam is the answer.
