Understanding Indian Teas
By Thia McKann, Gracious Owner of The Path of Tea, Houston, TX
 The tea bush originated in the area where India, China and Myanmar meet in the hot, wet mountainous regions of the eastern Himalayas. For hundreds of years tea was used as medicine in India and China. It is still an important part of their medical practice, but it has become far more important as a beverage of ceremony and taste.
There are many reported health benefits of black tea. The natural flavinoids are believed to prevent heart disease by reducing clotting and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It has also been suggested that black tea is good for strengthening bones and teeth.
India is the largest producer of tea (or chai as it is called) with a share of 31% of the global production. The three most famous Indian teas are Darjeeling, Nilgiri and Assam.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling, or the champagne of tea, gets its name from the Darjeeling region in West Bengal, India, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Darjeeling has traditionally been prized above all other black teas, especially in the UK and other countries which once comprised the British empire.
Although normally classified as black, tea, the levels of oxidation for many loose leaf teas of Darjeeling are typically below 100%, which technically makes it a form of oolong. Many Darjeelings also appear to be a blend of teas oxidized to levels of green, oolong and black.
When properly brewed, Darjeeling tea yields a thin-bodied, light colored liquor with a floral aroma. It usually has some astringent tannic characteristics, and a musky spiciness often referred to by connoisseurs as "muscatel". A sweet cooling aftertaste should be felt on the mouth. There are many tea gardens or estates in the Darjeeling region. Each produce tea with a different character in taste and aroma. Some of the most popular estates include: Arya, Chamong, Lingia, Castleton, Jungpura, Makaibari, Margaret's Hope and Risheehat.
Nilgiri
Nilgiri tea is a dar, intensely aromatic, fragrant and flavorful tea grown in the Southern portion of the Western Ghats Mountains in southern India. The expensive hand-sorted, full-leaf versions of Nilgiri tea, like the Orange Pekoe (O.P.) are highly sought after at international auctions making it unaffordable for most locals. In 2006 a Nilgiri tea achieved "Top Honors" and sold for a world record price of $600 per kilo. This was the first every tea auction held in the World Tea Expo, in Las Vegas. A local shop, Sandy's Market won a lot of this rare tea.
Assam
Assam is a black tea named after the region of its production. It is known for its body, briskness, malty flavor and strong bright color. Historically, Assam has the second largest commercial tea production after China. The Assam region produces more than half of the tea grown in India. Assam teas, or blends containing Assam, are often sold as "breakfast teas" such as English, Irish and Scottish Breakfast.
Healing Effects
According to the Indian Tea Association a major study was conducted with Black Tea in Katiyar, Mukhtar in 1996. Their findings revealed that tea possibly exerts a major inhibiting effect on the growth and development of many types of cancer and it increases apoptosis, a process whereby tumor cells are eliminated. Therefore, tea might be introduced to a greater extent in clinical practice in cases of cancer, as adjuvant therapy, with the aim of an improved clinical management of patients.
Whether you drink tea for pleasure or to improve your health, don't miss out on the delicious black teas of India.
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