Tea has been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries, with the beverage evolving and adapting to the diverse tastes and preferences of the people. India is a treasure trove of exotic teas that have captured the hearts of tea lovers worldwide. Among these, The United Kingdom stands out as a major importer of Indian teas. Keep reading to discover varieties of Indian teas imported to the UK.
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Black Tea
Indian black tea is known for its strong flavour, dark colour, and full body. It is often characterised as having a malty flavour with a slight sweetness and hay-like aroma. Black tea is traditionally enjoyed with milk and sugar but can also be enjoyed plain.
It is widely consumed in the UK and Europe, with many tea companies offering Indian black tea as one of their most popular products.
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Assam Tea
Assam tea is a type of black tea grown in the Assam region of India. It is renowned for its full-bodied, malty taste. The plant used in making this tea, Camellia sinensis var. assamica, is indigenous to Assam.
The tea has a bright reddish-brown colour when brewed. It is often blended with other teas to give a more rounded flavour. Assam tea has been exported to Europe since the 19th century and is now found in many speciality tea shops across the continent.
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Darjeeling Tea
As the name suggests, Darjeeling tea is a black tea variety grown in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. The tea is grown at high altitudes in the Himalayan foothills, where the cool climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for tea cultivation. Darjeeling tea is known for its delicate, floral flavour and aroma, which sets it apart from other tea types.
The leaves are typically rolled into balls or twisted into a spiral shape before being dried. Darjeeling tea has been imported to the UK and Europe since the late 19th century. Today, it is one of the UK's most popular types of tea and is often served in the afternoon or evening.
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Oolong Tea
Indian oolong tea, or Darjeeling oolong, is known for its unique flavour and aroma. It is a semi-oxidised tea with a flavour profile that falls between black and green tea and has a light amber colour and a mild, fragrant aroma. Oolong tea has a floral and sweet taste, with honey, spices, and citrus notes.
This tea is made using a special process of withering the leaves in the sun and then rolling and oxidising the leaves. Indian oolong tea is often imported to the UK for use in tea blends. It is also popular to drink on its own, either hot or as a cold brew.
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Green Tea
Indian green tea is known for its unique aroma and flavour, often described as having a grassy, vegetal, or oceanic flavour. Preparation involves pan-firing or steaming the leaves to stop oxidation and preserve their flavour and green colour. Note that Green tea has antioxidants and can help to reduce the risk of diseases like breast cancer.
Wellington Teas provides the above Indian Teas. We also offer tea varieties like white tea(organic), Nilgiris tea, lemon tea, and English breakfast tea. Make your order today.