India – Tea Capital of World: A Health Drink of Century

India – Tea Capital of World: A Health Drink of Century

The tea industry in India is about 179 years old. India being the largest producer as well as the largest consumer of black tea in the world, tea has become one of the most important commercial crops of the country. The commercial production of tea started in India in the late 1830s, before which, the tea plant was growing wild in the jungles of north east Assam. The Government has been making concerted efforts to push the Indian tea to the forefront of the plantation sector. India obtained Geographical Indication (GI) registrations for Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiri tea. A geographical indication is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (eg. a town, region, or country). The use of a GI may act as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, or enjoys a certain reputation, due to its geographical origin. The Indian tea logo being registered as a certification mark is a testimony to the quality it offers in terms of a leisure drink. The Indian tea is exported worldwide. Some of the major importers of Indian tea include Russia, UK, USA, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Poland, Germany, Afghanistan et al. Apart from India, other countries that produce tea are China, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Turkey, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania and others of such likes.

There are distinct tea growing regions in India which are geographically separated, thereby, producing entirely different varieties of tea in terms of aroma and flavour. These regions include Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri.

Darjeeling – Nestling in the foothills of the snow-covered Himalayan range, Darjeeling is home to this exclusive tea. The cool and moist climate, the soil, the rainfall and the sloping terrain all combine to give Darjeeling tea its unique “Muscatel” flavor. The combination of natural factors that give Darjeeling tea its unique distinction is not found anywhere else in the world. The tea has over the years acquired the reputation of being the “Champagne of Teas.”

Assam – The land of the Tiger and the one-horned Rhino, Assam ensures a phenomenal tea growth here. These teas offer rich, full-bodied, bright tea liquor. For those who favor a bright, strong cup of tea, Assam is “your cup of tea.”

Niligiri – The Blue Mountains or the Nilgiris are situated in South India. They are a picturesque range of undulating hilly landscapes where tea is grown. The climatic conditions favor the fine, elegant flavor and brisk liquor of Nilgiri teas. If you like a fragrant tea with good body and superlative flavour, Nilgiri should be the one for you.