Indian Tea

When we mention the world of teas, we always associate it, first of all, with the Chinese. And this is normal since it is a known fact that tea began in this country and so due credit should be given to them. Others associate tea with the Japanese - with their famous customs and Japanese tea ceremonies. They do not only contribute a large part of the tea culture but also perfected in making it as an art.

Let us not also forget the West and their contribution to teas. One of the pioneers include the United Kingdom. When we speak of the British and their tea, we imagine all their elaborate tea parties and tea customs that are often depicted in their old movies and even written in classic books set in Ancient England. Just the thought of this setting brings forth elegance, splendor and even romantic ideas. They have this certain grace and beauty that is not only appreciated by them but also the world fell in love with. We also have the Americans and their famous tea drinking, specifically iced teas. It is also them that made tea drinking a convenience. You can almost find teas anywhere, in the shelves of groceries, vending machines and in many forms and flavors. They may not have elaborate tea rituals, but they certainly have a way of making tea drinking accessible and hassle-free.

You can keep on guessing. But believe it or not, none of these countries are the number one producers of tea. This country is equally admirable in the tea world but unfortunately not really as prominent and as boisterous as the others. The number one spot belongs to no other than in the heart of India- and their wonderful tea producing and drinking.

For starters...

What is Indian tea by the way?

It is very important for us to first establish what we mean when we refer to the term INDIAN TEA.

Indian tea, in the simplest of terms, means tea coming from the country, India.

Indian teas are more commonly known as chai in their native tongue which if translated to English will literally mean tea.

There is a misnomer about the word chai. People often mistake it to refer a specific kind of Indian tea- the spiced one.

What are India and their teas famous for?

Aside from being the world's largest exporter and producer of teas (in line with China and Sri Lanka), Indian teas are also famous of their black teas. These black teas are famous for having a very distinct strong and full-bodied flavor.

But it is not only black tea that India produces. It also produces different types of tea such as green tea, white tea and even organic teas. Needless to say, black teas are mostly exported but green teas coming from the Darjeeling region are slowly making its way to the top as well.

How do Indian teas get their names?

Just like most teas around the world, Indian teas are given names based on the place or region where they are produced. And at present, there are 3 major varieties of Indian tea.

What are the 3 major varieties of Indian tea?

The Indian teas are known to have 3 major varieties. They are:

1. Assam tea

2. Nilgiri tea

3. Darjeeling tea

1. Assam tea - as the name suggests, this Indian tea is grown and produced in Northern India's Assam region.

- is the considered as India's most produced tea.

- Its taste is described to have a robust and malty flavor. It appears to have a pronounced bright color

- Its tea leaves have a characteristic touch of gold and brown. Mostly, the gold color on the leaves will look orange when it is dried.

- Among the Assam teas, considered as the most valuable and precious among them are those leaves with golden tips in it. This gives the tea a very pleasant stronger sweetness in it.

2. Nilgiri tea - as the name also suggests, this Indian tea is also grown and produced in Southern India's Nilgiri region.

- This region is very mountainous and so most Nilgiri tea are cultivated and grown at altitudes around 1000 to 2500 meters.

- The result of growing it in high altitudes gives this Indian tea its distinct smooth taste. It can also account for the tea's amber color.

- Nilgiri Teas are also known for its versatility. This Indian tea can be consumed either warm or cold, depending on the person's preference. It can also be consumed as is or milk be added. It can also be mixed and incorporated with a mixture.

3. Darjeeling tea - is mainly cultivated and grown in West Bengal

- is considered as India's best and finest of Indian teas

- is best known as the champagne of teas due to its characteristic smell and aroma. It also has a very-grape like smell and taste, similar to other wines (especially champagne)

- Darjeeling teas are famous for their four varieties. It varies based on its harvest season. Each provides a different and unique aroma and flavor. But considered the best among them is the Spring Flush, the strongest quality and taste among them.

Other varieties:

Masala Chai - are spiced teas famous in India

- Sometimes, Indian teas are put in a little twist. Teas are flavored and added with spices to make it all the more interesting. Spices can range from: cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom and black peppercorn.

How did Indian Tea start?

There is no really exact date as to how tea was cultivated in India. It remains to this day ambiguous. But there are some texts and documents suggesting as to how it all began.

Origins of the Indian Tea Culture

According to first documents, tea drinking in India was first introduced in the year 750 B.C.

Tea has been known to be a native in the eastern and northern regions of India and since then, has been cultivated and ever growing. Most of the teas being utilized by the country itself and those used by the Buddhist monks are believed to have been used for thousands of years already.

The use of teas as a drink has been speculated to be ignited and used by locals using a wild, native plants growing around their area. It has come a long way since then. Many varieties are since then grown, cultivated and developed, especially in the Assam and Darjeeling regions.

One of the major key players that brought about the commercialization of Indian tea and making India the most producers of teas all over the world is the British East India Company. They are the ones who spearheaded commercial production in India and developed wide areas of land to produce a large amount of teas.

More developments in the making...

It was around the 16th century that a Dutch explorer observed that most of the natives in India used tea leaves as a form of vegetable. It had been serves as a side dish, with the accompaniment of garlic and oil. They also utilized tea leaves by boiling it and turning it into a drink.

More and more discoveries have been made during the 1800s. A Calcutta publisher was told by the natives in Assam that they are now growing Chinese tea with the use of imported seeds.

Also, Britain has a different intention in mind. They noticed that the Chinese somehow monopolized the growing and producing of teas. And so they decided to look for an alternative to prevent even more monopolizing. So the British East India Company took an interest in India and led the growing and cultivation of teas in Assam. It will only be a matter of time until Assam and India would become the leader in producing the most teas, and of high quality teas if I may add.

Indian Tea and the 21st Century...

India and China are still competing as to being the world's largest producer of tea. And just recently, India is one of the world's biggest tea drinking country and is continuing to evolve and grow. Just recently, India has also acquired Tetley and Typhoo, a British tea brand.

It has been discovered that an average of less than a cup a person in India is known to drink tea. But this is no surprise because of the very low income level and large population of India.

India is also famous for having quite a handful of tea technology. But still, the methods of crop harvesting still differs to the coverage of terrain as well as the tea varieties. If the tea leaves to be harvest are small and fine, they still have to be hand-picked and plucked. Shears are used for mountainous slopes. And tea leaves used for low-grade tea bags are harvested using machines and the fine lint in tea, acquired during the processing of teas, have also been used as a source of caffeine for soft drinks, medicines and other products too.

Through the centuries, tea has become integral to the Indian culture, economy and way of life. Take tea away, and you remove the essence of this vibrant and populous Asian country.

Chai and its Health Benefits

Move over coffee...

For starters, Indian tea (chai) has been known to have lesser amount of caffeine than a regular coffee has. Therefore it is a very good alternative for getting your caffeine than coffee. Plus it is less addictive and is less stimulating to a person.

Indians like it black...

Most chai are black teas. Therefore, they are rich in antioxidant properties that are the main players in making tea a very healthy drink.

Some of the health benefits include:

• Prevents Heart Disease - because of catechins and its anti-oxidant properties found in the tea leaves, these are factors that help teas lower blood pressure and decrease bad cholesterols. It also helps the body's overall circulation. This is also very helpful in preventing formation of blood clots.

• Enhances Immune System - not only does it improve immune function but it also helps combat bacteria and viruses. It also helps fight flu and influenza.

• Helps Improve Digestion - it helps digestion by melting excess acidity on the stomach. This way, it helps improve absorption of tea and its nutrients.

• Healthy Stimulant - drinking tea is a good source of boosting you up during mornings. It keeps you alert and focused.

• Lessens the Risk of Cancer - Tea are known to destroy, or simple diminish the growth of DNA and the cancer cells. It also helps fight and eliminate free radicals

Spice up your life...

Plus, chai is usually added with spices that also contribute to the additional health benefits you can get out of drinking a cup of chai. It not only promotes overall good health but it also helps fight diseases and illnesses too.

According to Ancient medicine and philosophies, spices do not only improve and add to the the taste but it also has a very relaxing, calming and vitalizing effect on the body too. Adding spice will not only add spice to your life but it is also the way to get rid of stress.

Here are some of the spices and their known health benefits:

• Cinnamon - is known to be very good for the body. It helps improve our overall circulation and helps in our breathing. It also helps us mentally: it enhances awareness and keeps us focused. It is also helpful for our vitality. It also aids in the decrease of fatigue. Some also claim it is a very potent aphrodisiac.

• Cardamom - is not only a very famous spice in India but also in China as well. Cardamom is reported to be good for the heart. Lungs and kidney. It also helps lift up the mood too..

• Clove - are said to help relieve pain. It also has antiseptic properties too.

• Black Pepper - are mostly used to help the circulation. It also helps in the metabolism too. It is also famous for helping us regulate heat during cold.

• Nutmeg - are known to help improve digestion upon ingestion of heavy meals. Some also use it to cure lymph and kidney problems.

• Ginger - is also good for the immune and circulatory system. Others use ginger to even treat motion sickness and even impotence.

Huang Jiung,
Chinese Weight Loss Tea for BEGINNERS