India’s diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Darjeeling to the lush valleys of Assam, create a range of climates and soil types that contribute to some of the most iconic tea flavours in the world.
Each of India’s tea-growing regions offer a distinct geography that influences the flavour, aroma, and appearance of the tea. Factors like soil composition, altitude, rainfall, and even the level of sunlight play a significant role in shaping the characteristics of the tea leaves. Region and its diversity in India provides us with tea varieties that are versatile in terms of Tea Profiles and their flavour Pairings with different foods from Indian culinary world.
TE-A-ME explores how different regions influence Indian tea flavours, covering some of the country’s most famous tea-producing areas and the unique qualities they lend to the tea industry.
Assam: The Bold, Malty Brew
Region: Assam, located in northeastern India along the Brahmaputra River, is one of the world’s largest tea-producing regions. The region's tropical climate, abundant rainfall, and rich, loamy soil provide an ideal environment for tea cultivation. Assam tea, often referred to as "Breakfast Tea," is known for its strong, malty, and robust flavour. The climate here is warm and humid which encourages rapid growth and imparts a distinctive boldness to the tea.
Tea Profile: Assam teas are generally characterized by their dark, reddish-brown liquor, full-bodied texture, and rich, slightly astringent taste with malty notes. This tea is often enjoyed with milk and sugar due to its strength, making it a staple for many tea blends, including the classic English Breakfast.
Pairing: Because of its strong flavour profile, Assam tea pairs well with hearty foods like sandwiches, pastries, and even spicy curries.
Darjeeling: The Delicate, Muscatel Aroma
Region: Darjeeling, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal, produces one of the world’s most prestigious teas, often called the "Champagne of Teas”. Darjeeling’s cooler climate, higher altitude and misty mountains create unique conditions for tea cultivation. The cool temperatures leads to slow growth, and unique soil composition gives Darjeeling tea a delicate, nuanced flavour profile.
Tea Profile: Darjeeling tea is famous for its light body, floral aroma, and muscatel (grape-like) flavour. Darjeeling tea leaves are smaller and tender, resulting in a lighter infusion with golden or amber hues. This tea has a refined, fruity taste with hints of apricot and citrus, and sometimes subtle grassy or earthy notes.
Pairing: Darjeeling tea best enjoyed without milk to fully appreciate its delicate flavours and is often paired with light snacks like biscuits or fruit.
Nilgiri: The Fragrant, Smooth Brew
Region: The Nilgiri region, located in the Western Ghats, is known for producing fragrant, smooth, and well-rounded teas. Nilgiri’s high elevation, temperate climate, and fertile soils contribute to a tea that is both brisk and flavourful.
Tea Profile: Nilgiri’s high altitudes, as compared to Assam or Darjeeling, gives the tea a clean, smooth taste with a pleasant floral aroma. The flavour is mild and balanced. Teas from Nilgiri are less likely to become bitter, even if steeped for a longer period, which makes them perfect for both hot tea and iced tea.
Pairing: Nilgiri teas are popular for brewing into chai and other spiced teas because they provide a strong base without overwhelming other flavours. The tea pairs well with both savoury and sweet foods, from spicy Indian snacks to light cakes and pastries.
Kangra: The Rare and Unique Flavour
Region: The Kangra region, located in the Himachal Pradesh, is lesser-known tea variety but produces a unique and sought-after tea. Its uniqueness is often attributed to the high altitude and weather conditions like cool temperatures and a long monsoon season.
Tea Profile: Kangra tea is generally smooth and less astringent than other Indian teas, with subtle hints of woodiness, nuttiness, and even slight vegetal notes in green tea varieties. Kangra tea, influenced by the region’s mountainous terrain, cool climate, and diverse flora, has a distinctive, earthy flavour profile.
Pairing: Kangra tea’s smooth and subtle flavor makes it a versatile choice. It pairs beautifully with mildly spiced Indian snacks like dhokla or samosas, as well as light desserts such as almond cookies or fruit tarts, enhancing its earthy and nutty notes.
Munnar: The Mild, Sweet Tea
Region: Munnar, a picturesque hill station in Kerala’s Western Ghats, is another notable tea-growing region in India. Munnar’s climate is cool and misty, with abundant rainfall that nurtures lush tea plantations. These teas are known for their refreshing and smooth taste, which is less astringent than teas from lower-altitude regions.
Profile: Munnar teas are light and sweet with gentle vegetal notes, ideal for those who prefer a softer flavour profile. The Munnar green tea is mellow and grassy, with a refreshing finish. Whereas black tea is often mild and sweet with a soft, almost creamy mouthfeel.
Pairing: Munnar tea pairs well with light snacks, biscuits, and mildly flavoured foods, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing afternoon tea.
Sikkim: The Organic Tea with Floral Hints
Region: Sikkim, a Himalayan state, produces a distinctive tea known as Temi Tea. The Temi Tea Garden is the only tea plantation in Sikkim and is renowned for its high-quality, organic tea. Sikkim tea is similar to Darjeeling in terms of flavour, with floral and fruity notes but has a slightly stronger body. The region’s cool climate, pristine mountains and organic farming practices contribute to the tea’s clean, pure flavour.
Profile: Temi Tea is medium-bodied with a bright amber colour and a hint of sweetness. It has an earthy aroma, a floral taste and a smooth, well-rounded finish.
Pairing: Sikkim tea is typically enjoyed without milk, allowing its natural flavours to shine. It is an ideal choice for pairing with pastries, light cakes, and other subtly flavoured snacks.
Exploring India’s Diverse Tea Flavours with TE-A-ME
The variety of Indian teas offer a journey through its diverse landscapes and flavours. Understanding these regional differences not only enhances the tea-drinking experience but also fosters a greater appreciation for the art of tea cultivation in India. TE-A-ME brings you blends with teas and tea ingredients from all over the country, providing you with a range of flavours to explore and chose from.
Whether you’re a fan of strong, malty teas or prefer light, fragrant brews, there’s a tea from India that will suit your palate. By exploring these unique flavours, you can experience the rich diversity and history that make Indian teas some of the most beloved beverages around the world.
