Assam tea is a wonderful black tea with incredible benefits and medicinal properties, widely consumed in India where it is known as the black tea of India. Find out more about this tea.
If you are a regular tea drinker, and you are as passionate about this drink as we are, it is quite likely that you have already discovered some of the most popular and disparate varieties of tea. But while the different types of green tea are actually the most popular, did you know that there are different varieties of black tea too?
This is the case of what is known as Assam tea, a type of black tea also known in this country as the black tea of India. It is a tea that is produced exclusively in a town located in the north of the country, which is also known by the same name (Assam). In fact, it was from this region that Assam tea spread throughout the country until it reached the popularity it enjoys today.
It is characterized by being a region that has a monsoon climate and a height of more than 1,500 meters, ideal conditions for Camellia sinensis (the tea plant) to grow without problems.
What is Assam tea like and what does it consist of?
It consists of a black brown tea that tends to acquire dark reddish tones, which is often very reminiscent of rooibos tea. That in appearance, because its flavor stands out for being strong and sour, organoleptic qualities that differ greatly from rooibos, which is known for being a slightly sweet and smooth infusion, with a more pleasant flavor.
In other words, it is a full-bodied black tea, with a dark appearance and a much more pronounced flavor than other varieties, especially due to the fermentation process it undergoes during its production in Assam.
How is it taken in India?
As with most black teas, regardless of the variety, it is traditional to drink Assam tea with milk, either at breakfast or at noon as it is a slightly stimulating drink.
We must remember that in India other drinks made with black tea and milk are also very popular , such as Chai tea with milk, which differs from Assam tea in that spices are added, thus becoming a powerfully stimulating, aromatic drink. And slightly spicy.
Most important Assam tea benefits
- Slightly stimulating: unlike other varieties of black tea such as Masala Chai tea (which is made with spices), Assam tea also stands out for being a stimulating drink, but in less quantity. However, it is a drink that acts as a natural tonic and stimulator of the body, hence it is customary to take it in the morning, at breakfast, at noon, after lunch and at a snack (but never at night).
- Rich in antioxidants: as with most teas, Assam tea stands out for being a drink high in antioxidants, especially catechins and polyphenols. As you surely know, antioxidants help reduce the action of free radicals, prevent premature aging and reduce the appearance of serious diseases.
- Good for your cardiovascular health: it is a drink that helps to take care of the cardiovascular system, being useful for example when reducing high levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, it acts as a natural cardio protector (that is, it protects the heart), while helping to prevent fat from accumulating inside the arteries, reducing the risk of hardening.
- Nervous system and brain tonic: precisely because of its stimulating and tonic qualities, it is useful for improving the acuity of thought and memory, as well as improving alertness and concentration (thanks to its caffeine content).
- Reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease: according to a study that analyzed the qualities of Assam tea, regular consumption of two to four cups of this tea a day would significantly reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
