Exploring the different Varieties of Indian Tea

India ranks among the top tea-producing countries of the world – a leading bulk tea
manufacturer exporting its best quality produce to several tea-consuming markets across the world. Famous for the finest quality of distinct flavours and aroma, Indian teas are popular worldwide. Different varieties of teas are produced here because the Indian geography allows varied climatic environment. Some of the best-known black teas including Darjeeling, Nilgiri, and Assam are grown in abundance. Black teas from India are strong, bright and some are known to possess subtle flavours. The spice brew that utilises the country’s rich treasure of spices, also known as masala chai, is another favourite of the masses for health benefits.  

Tea Production in India
 
As a leading bulk tea manufacturer in the world, India has achieved annual production
of 1 billion kilograms of tea. Now India is recognised as a major wholesale tea
manufacturer, ranked fourth in tea exports after Kenya, China, and Sri Lanka. With the rising global demand for black teas of India, the position of India as a bulk tea
manufacturer gets further boost.  

Tea consumption in India 

India is not only a key grower of teas but Indian people drink plenty of tea every day. 19 percent of global tea consumption comes from India alone. More than 75 percent of the tea produced in India is consumed within the country. Such a huge domestic demand surpasses tea consumption in other tea-producing nations, which export more tea than they consume domestically.
 
Tea producing areas
 
Tea is grown in several regions of India. With thousands of acres under tea plantations, India has a global reputation as a bulk tea manufacturer. Cultivated mainly in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, the highest yields and the finest varieties from these regions add a unique flavour due to the diverse climatic conditions prevalent in each region. Black tea has three distinct types, making India famous for its production. 
 
Assam variety 

Assam tea is the produce from the northeastern territory of India. The tea of the region is grown at a relatively low altitude in a rich and loamy soil. Assam is a bulk tea
manufacturer in India. Tea from Assam is rich, bright, and strong. It can be relished
with milk. It is malty, with a deep amber colour, and embodies the fine characteristics of Indian black tea. Assam Orthodox tea is considered one of the best varieties grown on estates in the Assam Valley. 
 
Darjeeling brew 
 
The cool, wet Darjeeling region grows tea at altitudes ranging from 600 to 2,000 meters. The tea is mildly flavoured and considered to be one of the finest teas according to the connoisseurs in the world. Darjeeling teas are golden or amber, with floral or fruit flavour. There are three different harvests in the plantations – with a unique flavour from each ‘flush’. Teas from the first flush are the best – light and aromatic. The second flush produces a stronger variant while the quality of the third flush is mediocre.  
 
Nilgiri blends

Nilgiri tea comes from a much higher part of Southern India – located at elevations
between 1,000 and 2,500 meters. The area is known for green teas. The flavours of
Nilgiri teas are subtle, fragrant, and elegant – with a golden yellow colour and floral
tones with a creamy ‘mouthfeel’. It is blended with more robust teas.  

Spice tea

Other than the different varieties of teas produced in India and savoured the world over, spice tea has become popular throughout the world. The combination of cardamom, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and peppercorns makes black tea soothing with its distinct spice.  

The world of Indian varieties of tea reveals a rich heritage of excellent taste and quality. With the growth of specialty teas among the health-conscious youth, there is a renewed interest in the brew that shows the tea market is witnessing growth and spreading cheer in tea-growing nations.