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Assam in North-East India is, along with China, one of the only two areas in the world with native tea plants - Camellia sinensis var. Assamica.
The discovery of the local tea dates back to 1823 and is associated with the name of Robert Bruce. Generally sold as "breakfast tea", of course within Assam teas we will also find top-orthodox (full leaf) tea, with a nobility and richness that can compare with Darjeeling Teas.
Assam "Golden Needles"
This Assam tea is a mainly black whole leaf tea with some Golden Tips (see photo, hence-Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe), grown in the lowlands at sea level in the valley of the Brahmaputra River, an area of clay soil rich in nutrients.
The taste is full, with hints of ripe fruit and malt aroma and distinctive, sparkling, orange to copper-coloured brew.
It is therefore a fine morning tea and can be drunk with milk and/or sugar whilst still retaining its full body and flavour.
The best Assam teas are, with some exceptions, harvested in May or, at the latest, in early June.
A retail and cafe customer favourite, this is a wonderful substitute to cheap and nasty "English Breakfasts".
Stu
owner/operator
About The Tea Catcher
1997-2001 The Tea Catcher lived, travelled, worked and studied in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Italy and the Czech Republic. During this time he drank much tea and visited tea growing regions.
2001-2009 Was spent mostly in Europe working with fine foods and olive oils in Italy, wine in Switzerland and tea in Prague. It was here in the cold winter months that The Tea Catcher passion was ignited. Much time was spent in the many tea rooms found all over the Czech Rep., drinking, learning and assisting, and also with Tea Mountain(.cz) as his business began and grew.
2010-today on return to Australia, The Tea Catcher seed, planted years ago, began its’ growth, leading to the purveyor of “the finest teas and accoutrements, sourced worldwide” that you see today. New teas, pots etc are constantly being chased, studied, sampled and ordered to bring the freshest, best and most interesting to you as soon as possible. Watch this space…..!
…and enjoy…!
cheers, Stu
for more info contact me at- theteacatcher@gmail.com