DO YOU KNOW THESE DIFFERENCES

BETWEEN DARJEELING AND ASSAM

TEA?
India is a large tea producing nation across the world. Assam and
Darjeeling are amongst the chief tea producing regions in this
country. Finest quality blends are produced in these regions and
are consumed extensively not only in India but also in foreign
countries. Distinct flavor and aroma of these blends have craze all
round the globe.

Both Darjeeling and Assam produce black tea which is quite

popular in global market but there are certain differences between
them. The difference is due to cultivation practices and the
environmental characteristics of the regions.
Now, let’s take a close look at the distinguishing characteristics of
the regions that cater distinctive properties to the teas.

 The Terrain

As you all know, Darjeeling and Assam has geographical

difference. Darjeeling tea is cultivated in the slopes in the foothills
of the Himalayas whereas in Assam, tea cultivation takes place in
lowlands. The altitude of Darjeeling plays a significant role in
formation of the structure and flavor of the blend. On the other
hand, climatic condition and clayey soil of Brahmaputra valley
makes Assam a perfect region for tea cultivation.

 Leaves

Tea leaves have significant contribution to the quality of the

beverage. Leaves of Assam teas are larger than Darjeeling. Tea
leaves of Darjeeling have fine hairs which are removed in drying
process. Also, Assam leaves are glossier and darker than
Darjeeling leaves.

 Color
When brewed Darjeeling blends obtain light golden color liquor
but Assam tea when brewed obtains dark brown color liquor.
Thus, appearance is also different and you can easily identify the
two.

 Flavor

Darjeeling blends have a delicate muscatel flavor and are a bit

spicier than Assam blends. To savor its delicate flavor, it is good
to taste Darjeeling tea as it is without adding any sugar and milk.
On the contrary, Assam teas taste best with sugar and milk as
they have a strong nutty flavor.

 Availability

Since Assam blends are harvested all round the year, they are
produced in large scale and hence, ensure their availability
throughout the year. Darjeeling blends have three major
harvesting periods which is called the flushes and so, every flush
is produced in lesser quantity. Hence, their availability is also in
lower quantity as compared to Assam blends. These distinctive
characteristics also determine the cost of the two blends.
Darjeeling tea is a little costlier than Assam teas as their
production is lesser than Assam.