Tea in India is not just a brewed drink, it is an emotion to us, an all time partner.

Be it day or night, happiness or sorrow, rage, or laughter for we Indian’s Tea is something that connects to us anytime and with all kinds of emotion. This aromatic drink is a reason to bind people. 

Not only in India, but it is also the most consumed drink worldwide.

Tea plants are probably native to the regions around southwest China, Tibet, and Northern India, and it is derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant.

Healthy Tea

Tea contains a unique antioxidant called flavonoids which helps against heart disease, free radicals causing cancer, and clogged arteries. In ancient times, Tea was used as a traditional medicinal drink by a few Chinese groups. It was popularized as a recreational drink during the Chinese Tang dynasty, and tea drinking spread to other parts of the world.

Origin Of Tea In India

Tea in India was introduced by the British East India Company, who began large-scale production of tea in Assam. By then, Assam became the leading tea-producing region in the world.

In the current era, China is the largest tea producing country in the world. The second-largest producer is India followed by Kenya.

India’s sentiment with this flavored beverage is not just a drink, but its a way of an excuse to take a break, relax and chat and connect to others. Thus, it is obvious why India consumes almost 70% of its own tea production.

Several varieties of Tea we have in India, that we also do export to the West.

Top 5 Types of Tea in India

Black Tea: Black tea very common tea in Indian households, is prepared from the leaves Camellia sinensis. The leaves are dried and fermented to get a strong flavor and rich color. Some common varieties of black tea in India are Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri tea. In India, black tea is often boiled for 5-10 minutes as per the strong brew preferred.

Black tea is high in flavonoids that act as an anti-inflammatory and promote a healthy immune system. As this drink also contains caffeine we need to regulate our intake. It may also be used as an antiseptic on minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

Oolong Tea: Oolong is another variant of tea in India which is neither black nor white. The origin of Oolong is said to be from China, but India does have its own variety in Darjeeling. Oolong tea is partially oxidized and is oxidation level varies from 8 to 80% depending upon the color, texture, and flavor required.

Oolong tea contains l-theanine, an amino acid that helps in reducing the anxiety level, and also helps in improving alertness and attention. 

Oolong tea is also high in polyphenols, which help in lessening inflammation, inhibiting the growth of cancers, and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

White Tea: White tea is one of the least processed and considered to be the most delicate tea variety. It has a very mild flavor and pleasant taste. The harvesting technique of this tea is a unique one, the young buds from the tea plant when covered with fine white hairs are plucked and carefully dried with minimal oxidation, which results in this fresh and frail whitish colored tea.

As per the research, white tea is supposed to be the most effective against fighting cancer due to its high level of antioxidants. It is also high in fluoride which is good for teeth. This variety has very low caffeine, thus making it a good choice for tea addicts.

Green Tea: Green Tea is another type of mild tea, that does not undergo much oxidation. Though its origin is from China, it has gained its popularity in the West and now is considered as a healthy alternative tea in India. It is also grown in parts of Assam and Darjeeling in India. This refreshing tea is simply the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant steamed in hot water. The leaves do not undergo much of the oxidation processes so that it is in its most natural form. 

The polyphenol present in Green tea is supposed to reduce tumor growth and killing the cancerous cell. It reduces the risk of heart diseases and helps in lowering cholesterol. It aids weight loss and also good for skin health.

Red Tea: Red tea also known as Rooibos tea another popular tea, though it is not yet grown in India, due to its rich taste and health benefits it is gaining its popularity in India and worldwide.

Unlike black or green tea, it is a herbal tea that is created by fermenting the leaves of South African shrub called Aspalathus linearis plant.

Due to its growing popularity, its seed has been brought to South India for research and cultivation.

This tea can be consumed as black tea and also with milk and sugar, both taste great.

Red tea is high in antioxidants, low in tannins, and is free from caffeine, thus making it a perfect immunity-boosting drink. It may also help to fight cancer, prevent and control heart diseases, and type 2 diabetes.

Forever Love For Tea

Tea in itself has its own punch and magic. It may make you strong, it may calm you down, it may energize you or make you relax. It’s a perfect partner for your lonely evenings and also the most exciting player of your chit chats and meetings.

All the health claims related to the tea might not be evidential, but it does hold a different place in our day-to-day life. And we can’t deny the fact of how much we all love tea in our own way.

You may also find out the health benefits from some of the essential immunity boosters straight from the kitchen.

Do share your opinion on which variant of tea you love, and which one from the list you haven’t tried yet.