Tea from Assam

Assam is renowned for its vast tea plantations, contributing significantly to India's tea industry. The region's climate and soil are ideal for tea cultivation, making it a global leader in tea production.

Rajvir, a city boy, is fascinated by the sprawling tea gardens of Assam, contrasting with Pranjol's indifference, having grown up surrounded by them.

Two legends explain tea's origin: a Chinese emperor discovering tea when leaves fell into his boiling water, and Bodhidharma's eyelids sprouting tea plants to prevent sleep during meditation.

Tea was first consumed in China around 2700 B.C., introduced to Europe in the 16th century as a medicinal drink, before becoming a popular beverage.

Tea bushes are pruned to the same height for uniform growth. Workers pluck the newly sprouted leaves, which are then processed in factories to produce tea.

The second-flush, from May to July, yields the highest quality tea leaves, making it the most awaited period for tea production in Assam.

Tea became integral to Indian culture under British rule, transforming from a foreign concept to a daily necessity, with Assam and Darjeeling leading production.

Over eighty crore cups of tea are consumed daily worldwide, highlighting its global popularity and cultural significance across societies.

Pranjol's father manages a tea garden in Upper Assam, providing an insider's perspective on the tea industry's workings and challenges.

Rajvir's enthusiasm leads him to study tea's history and cultivation, showcasing the importance of curiosity and learning beyond textbooks.

Initially valued for its medicinal properties, tea's transition to a social beverage in Europe reflects changing cultural practices and global trade influences.

Tall shade-trees protect tea plants from direct sunlight, ensuring optimal growth conditions and contributing to the tea's quality.

Tea pluckers, often women, work long hours in plantations, wearing bamboo baskets to collect leaves, highlighting the labor-intensive nature of tea production.

The lush, green expanses of tea bushes against wooded hills offer breathtaking views, attracting tourists and nature lovers to Assam.

Ancient cultures recognized tea's health benefits, a fact modern science continues to explore, validating its antioxidant and stimulant properties.

Tea plantations are a major source of employment and revenue in Assam, playing a crucial role in the region's economy and India's export sector.

Rajvir's wonder at Assam's tea gardens contrasts with Pranjol's familiarity, illustrating how environment shapes our perceptions and interests.

Tea tasting is a skilled profession, requiring expertise to evaluate aroma, flavor, and color, ensuring the product meets quality standards.

From Assam's gardens to cups worldwide, tea leaves undergo processing, packaging, and distribution, connecting rural producers with global consumers.

Modern tea gardens focus on sustainable practices, including organic farming and fair trade, to protect the environment and ensure workers' welfare.