Assam black tea is famous for its strong flavor, but it stores more benefits for regular tea drinkers. Assam black tea benefits include being a stimulant and keeping your heart healthy.
You can enjoy it plain or with additional ingredients.
If you never try Assam black tea, here is everything you need to know before buying it.
Assam Black Tea History
Assam black tea comes from the tea plantation region in northeast India, close to the Brahmaputra River. The region experiences a humid high temperature and a lot of rain, resulting in strong and malty tea flavor.
The tea’s popularity was spread by the British Empire during the colonial age, and it became the main competition of Chinese black tea.
The local tribes first used Assam black tea for traditional brews. When the tea plant was discovered in 1823, the British were looking for good tea types to plant.
In 1903, the British colonial ruler analyzed the tea, revealing that it had great qualities that can compete with Chinese tea. The colonial ruler started ordering the widespread planting of Assam black tea.
Today, the definition of “Assam black tea” covers the tea grown in Brahmaputra Valley. This tea is the most oxidized type among all types of black tea, resulting in strong flavor and a high caffeine level.
Assam is one of the ingredients to make breakfast tea, a traditional English blend that also consists of Kenya and Ceylon tea.
Is Assam Black Tea Good for You?
Assam tea caffeine levels can cause effects such as sweating, palpitating, and insomnia for people with low caffeine tolerance. However, the oxidation process also gives this tea high levels of antioxidants.
The benefits of Assam black tea include:
Protecting the Cardiovascular System
Assam black tea contains flavonoids, which reduce the plaque inside blood vessels. This function helps you reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke.
Increasing Alertness and Focus
The caffeine level in Assam tea is high but not as high as black coffee. On a moderate amount, it helps increase focus and alertness. This tea is ideal for a morning or afternoon beverage because the caffeine combats sluggishness.
Lowering the LDL Level
LDL is a lipoprotein that transports cholesterols into the cells, the opposite of HDL. Drinking Assam black tea regularly may decrease the presence of LDL and lower the blood cholesterol level.
Keeping the Digestive Tracts Healthy
The rich polyphenols in Assam black tea support the growth of good bacteria in your digestive tract. Regularly drinking black tea can help to keep your digestive system healthy.
Reducing the Risk of Diabetes
Assam black tea has active components that boost the work of insulin. It helps with the blood sugar level regulation, reducing the risk of diabetes.
Reducing the Early Aging Symptoms
The rich antioxidants in Assam black tea help fighting the free radicals from stress, UV rays, and pollution. It results in delayed symptoms of early aging.
If you have blemish problems, try dabbing Assam black tea on the problematic spots using cotton.
Reducing the Risks of Degenerative Diseases
Assam black tea may reduce the risks of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. While there are no conclusive pieces of evidence, researchers have noticed the decrease in risk factors.
Remember, Assam black tea is not a “magical cure” for diseases. You still need to have a healthy lifestyle and discuss it with your doctor before consuming anything new. However, regular, moderate consumption of black tea can have positive effects on your overall health.
Tips to Enjoy Assam Black Tea
Assam black tea flavor is strong and malty, with full body and a brisk finish. The flavor makes it ideal for blending with milk or lemon.
Assam tea with milk is a favorite tea in Britain because the strong flavor prevents the beverage from being too creamy.
The most ideal temperature for making Assam tea is around 194 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit (90 to 95 degrees Celsius).
You can get this temperature by bringing the water to the boiling temperature, turning off the heat, and letting it sit for 20 seconds before using it.
The ideal brewing time for Assam tea is around two minutes. Long brewing will give you bitter tea. The cheaper the tea quality, the shorter the brewing time.
You should experiment with a small cup of tea to determine the ideal brewing time.
Recommended Brands of Assam Black Tea
As a popular tea type, Assam black tea brands are widely available, from the cheap types to the premium. Here are several popular brands you can try:
Twinings English Breakfast Tea
Twinings English Breakfast Tea is one of the most favorite brands in the UK. The blend consists of five different black tea types, including Assam. The flavor is strong and crisp, ideal for drinking with milk or lemon.
The Republic of Tea Organic Assam Breakfast Tea
The Republic of Tea offers pure, organic, loose Assam tea leaves. The flavor is robust and strong, perfect for invigorating morning tea. This premium tea is kosher, vegan, and gluten-free. Enjoy it with milk, honey, or lemon.
Buddha Teas Organic Assam Tea
Organic Assam tea from Buddha Teas is strong and fragrant, with a full body and a brisk aftertaste. The tea is packed in unbleached, practical tea bags. It is kosher, GMO-free, and gluten-free, perfect for everyone.
Two Leaves and A Bud Organic Assam
Organic Assam tea from Two Leaves and A Bud is packed in pyramid-shaped bags. The shape supports efficient extraction, giving you more fragrant and robust tea.
The flavor is strong and crisp, with an amazing fragrance.
Twinings Decaffeinated Irish Breakfast
Want to have thick, strong, and robust tea without the caffeine effects? Try decaf Irish breakfast tea from Twinings. The tea is strong and malty, perfect for drinking with milk.
However, since it is decaffeinated, you can enjoy it anytime without fearing the effects.
Conclusion
Assam black tea is a great option for those who love the strong, malty flavor. You can drink one or two cups per day to get the maximum health benefits.
However, since it has quite a high amount of caffeine, pay attention to your portion. You can also buy the decaf version if you have a concern about the caffeine level.
Want to be healthy from drinking a nice tea? Get Assam black tea benefits from high-quality brands right now.
