Elephant Apple and New Flavours of Tea
Elephant Apple (O’ Tenga) and Tea! Now that’s a flavour to look forward to. I am simply wondering how nice a twist that will add to the already much-loved essence of tea. For the people of Assam, we are all too familiar with the astringent, flavourful taste of “O’ Tenga” or Elephant apple as it…
Geographical Indication-Based Products of North-East India
Frankly speaking, before I started writing this article, I had no idea there were so many Geographical Indication-tagged products in India, much less in Northeast India. Such diversity, so much culture, which we, of course know, are abound with; nevertheless, they never fail to astound me. As of 2023, there are over 400 Indian products…
Kombucha – A Befitting Detour from Regular Soft Drinks
Once upon a time, though, not that long time back, I had written about Kombucha. The drink, by now, has escalated its pace way up the ladder of commercial beverages sold across the globe. It is not, however, a new beverage put together in the recent years. It has been around for thousands of years.…
Jasmine Green Tea: Twining aromatic Jasmine with the ever-beneficial Green Tea
Jasmine Tea was one of the first flavoured teas to be exported outside of China, which is where it is believed to have originated. No doubt, with its mildly aromatic fragrance and delicate flavouring, Jasmine Tea became an instant hit in the markets and has been making the rounds ever since. The world is…
Escalating Tea Trends in India – A New Record
Specialty Tea It is not an uncommon fact that though Assam has been a land of tea gardens, the tea most people of Assam, and quite frankly, India as a whole, is familiar with is black tea. But times are becoming more challenging, and with it the markets are getting more competitive. Newer varieties of…
Turmeric Tea and its Benefit
A small slice of turmeric a day can save you from a number of ailments. The use of turmeric in India goes back thousands of years. It is a custom for all households in India, irrespective of culture and religion, to add a pinch of turmeric to all our cuisines. It is added, not only…
Breakfast Blends and Assam Tea
“Breakfast tea” is a term that spelled royalty. As if, all the tea that went into its making were dressed in special flavor, texture, color, and aroma- robust and elegant, to be poured into the antique ceramics of the English elites. Breakfast blends, despite being argued of having their roots in Scotland, were profusely used…
International Tea Day – A Day Dedicated to Tea
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), on December 21, 2019 decided to celebrate the 21st of May as the International Tea Day. Isn’t it quite befitting? Tea is one of the oldest known beverages. I have been associated with this blog for quite some time now to know of the importance of this magical concoction.…
Single Estate Tea Versus Blends
The tea we are accustomed to drinking are mostly blends. There are some well-adjusted flavorings that blends have to offer, the precise reason why most renowned tea brands choose blends as their ultimate choice. Blended teas are a good combination, in appropriate proportion, of teas which can either be from different geographical regions within the…
Tandoori Tea – An Inimitable Way of Making Tea
The trending variation to tea is the new Tandoori Tea (though it has been around for quite some time now). The best-tasted teas in India are found in tea stalls, small and big, dotted across the country round the corners, in railway stations, in the buzzing Indian markets, and alongside highways. The tea makers in…
Kombucha – A Peek Into This Unique Concoction
There is one advantage of being a tea aficionado. You get to learn about the varied forms, texture, and taste that tea comes in. Here’s a small peek into this unique tea variation-Kombucha. Besides the esoteric name that first caught my attention, the first question that automatically popped in my head is where it came…
Chanoyu- The Japanese Way of Tea
As I study more and more on tea, the boundaries to which its concept was limited in my mind imperceptibly extends. It seems that every corner of the world has its own tea traditions. One such common tradition is the tea ceremonies in Japan – Chanoyu. The Way of Tea Commonly known as ‘Chanoyu’ which…
Tea, Winters and Railway Stations
The Fall is over. The weather changes color from greens and yellows strewn on the ground to what some might call a sullen grey. Winter has been associated with gloom a lot many times. But to me, winters are bliss. Especially Indian winters. The sultry summers are overwritten by misty mornings and balmy days. I…
TEAS AS IMMUNITY BOOSTERS
It is time for the winters. No matter how much I love winters, there is one thing I dread. And that is cold. Cold as in not the opposite of warmth cold but the disease cold. The scratchy throats, stuffy noses and incessant headaches and congestion is not what I look forward to. India is…
Tea Sommeliers – The Experts in Tea
The importance of questions is what I would like to start this article with. For some reason, I found it to be an important point of entry to this particular aspect of the realm of tea. For most of us, tea is a tradition, a hand-me-down through generations. We go to the market, pick the…
Asomi Tea Garden: A Small Tea Grower’s Indigenous Dream
The Start of a Journey The number of independent small scale tea growers are on a rise in the northeastern states of India, particularly in Assam. Pabitra Bora of Asomi Tea Garden is one such tea planter native to the Chenijaan region of Jorhat, Assam. When he started out his small tea plantation business he…
On India’s very own Masala Chai
Amidst the din and bustle of a crowd in constant motion, the roaring of motorbikes and moving autos and the tinkering bells of the rickshaws that barely have enough space for their wheels to move is where is found the main flavors of India- in the streets. There could be palatial restaurants or hotels that…
Cold Green Tea – A Savory Delight
The benefits of green tea have been reiterated many times. Less processed, rich in nutrients, and most importantly in anti-oxidants, green tea is a prescribed drink by doctors nowadays. Green tea is a popular beverage, consumed by most due to the fact that it aids in weight loss. This is what gave green tea its…
Blue Tea – A Blue Tisane
The first thing that is mesmerizing about the blue tea is undoubtedly its colour. I watched starry-eyed when I first saw this blue liquid that looked like a splash from a deep blue ocean. For those who do not know, blue tea is prepared from the dried blue-pea flower which in Assamese is called the…
Mint Green Tea
The popularity of Green Tea and its variants is widely escalating in the commercial forums. One such variant is the Mint Green Tea. When I think of mint, I recall the small garden patch of my old home were mint leaves thronged. If we needed to flavor our tea or lemonade or even spice up…
Tea Strainers and Infusers
‘Sekoni’ (Assamese- চেকনী) -a tea leaf strainer with a semi-spherical sieve and a handle attached to it is a common word in every Assamese household. Until I sat to write this article I never gave a second thought to this word. It has been a mundane utensil that I remember having in my house for…
Silver Needle Tea – A Significance of the Place of Origin
What intrigues me about the concept of tea as seen by the Chinese is how infused it is in their philosophy and religion. The Taimu Mountain of Fuding is said to be where white tea was originally produced in the Fujian province of China. It is a quiet, foggy mountain, steep with spectacular caves and…
Tea Timings: Right time to consume green tea
Like the whole world, even I have been swept by the green tea revolution. Who had heard of green tea until a few years back? In India, it was an uncommon beverage in the middle-class families. But now it is a beverage that can be expected in a lot of households in India. It is…
Pu-erh Tea: Another one from the Folds of Yunnan
There is almost a mystical nuance to ‘gong fu cha’, the traditional Chinese custom of brewing Pu-erh tea. In Chinese tradition making of tea is a scrupulous art. It is not merely a beverage. Its essence is infused deep into their philosophical and cultural values. As I said, the very custom of brewing pu-erh the…
So What Does Tea Mean to You?
(International Tea Day 2020 Special) So what does that smoking hot cup of tea mean to everyone? Imagine a bustling office, a very serious business meeting to crack a million dollar deal going on in a conference room with a big sturdy oak table surrounded by serious looking businessmen. Beside them sits in elegant china…
HOW ARE GREEN TEA PROCESSED?
It is a matter of fact that black tea and green tea are the derivatives of the same plant- Camellia sinensis. The Assamica variety is the one that grows in the lush green tea gardens of Assam. Green Tea’s popularity as an antidote to weight loss skyrocketed around the world and quite rightfully so. So…
Chamomile Tea – A Herbal Remedy
Herbal Remedy? Now you might ask, “A remedy to what?” The most important answer would be “INSOMNIA.” Not many variety of tea is known to do that. There are some, of course, but be assured, Chamomile is the most effective- your own personal lullaby. Chamomile tea is known to be an excellent inducer of sleep.…
The Chayi’s Lemongrass Green Tea: An Underscored Feature
If you are a tea lover, then you too must be eager to try different savours of tea. Tea to me is a revitalizer, a mood-lifter and most often than not, it really is my go-to drink. Some days back, I wrote about lemongrass-a truly beneficial herb with a number of properties that can do…
Assam Tea in the Time of COVID-19
It is the time of the first flush. Ordinarily, around this time of the year, tea gardens in Assam are bustling with activities. But this year the world has come to a staggering halt due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. The nationwide lockdown for a span of twenty-one days is bound to be a…
Lemongrass Tea and Its Revitalising Effects
Lemongrass is a kind of herb grown mostly in Sri Lanka and in the Southern part of India, though nowadays, due to its growing demand it is grown in many parts of the world. This herb is known for its lemon-like citrusy flavour and is used as flavouring in many Thai and other Asian Cuisine.…
Yum Cha – Keeping the Traditions Alive
Yum Cha, literally translating to ‘drink tea’, is an ancient Cantonese tradition of breaking bread with friends and families in tea houses. Cantonese are the people that inhabit Hong Kong, Macau and the wider province of Guangdon, including Guangzhou in China. You will rarely come across a Hong-Konger who has never been to Yum Cha. This…
White Tea In The Making
Tea has made its way into the hearts of every Indian. From the compulsory evening tea in almost every household to every small tea-selling joints in the country, it is the most sought-after beverage in India. The tea that most Indians are acquainted with is black tea. With the changing times, however, people have become…
Phalap: A Singpho Bequest
When I first heard of the town Margherita, I wondered how the town came to be known by such an unusual name in a place like Assam. The story was there, of course, a mere click away. An Italian engineer, C. R Paganini, had come to Assam to supervise the construction of the rail section.…
Assam Tea – From Where It Came And Where It Stands
In some little corner of a long winding road snaking its way amidst hilly slopes sits a ramshackle wooden cabin, almost like an open crate. A misty morning, few stopped cars, and a flock of travelers coming from different placing and going off to different destinations have only one thing in common. All of them…
The Tea Pluckers of Assam
Assam Tea! Known for its aromatic enigma and delectable taste, it is not just a mere blend of soft green foliage dried and contoured into the best quality tea. Behind its making is the effort of the hands of thousand women who stand there in the midst of petite tea bushes, not basking in the…
Assam Tea: 5 Things You Didn’t Know Could Do to Your Health
Assam tea is one of the most sought after tea all over the world. The green tea leaves from the tea gardens of Assam are considered to be extremely pure. They also provide health benefits that tea lovers are widely aware of. The tea gardens produce naturally flavourful tea in their second flush of the…
The Chayi Time Review: Organic Assam Green Tea
Today, the demand for Green Tea has gone up all over the world. People have replaced it with coffee, regular tea, energy drinks and other beverages to get that morning buzz. The reason is simple – Green Tea provides the same energy along with several health benefits. Popular among the world is Assam Green Tea,…
Does Organic Green Tea Provide Anti-ageing Benefits? Let’s find out
Organic green tea has recently gained popularity as the magic health drink that provides a plethora of benefits to the mind and body. It has powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from harmful free radicals and prevent damage. With age, the DNA sequences shorten, which are linked at the end of the chromosomes and make…
New approach to lorem nulla glavrida dolor
Aenean quis mattis odio. Praesent condimentum metus a nisi vehicula, nec lobortis ut turpis et turpis luctus porttitor.
What Makes The Chayi’s Assam Green Tea Better than Any other Tea?
Green tea is a healthy beverage that is increasingly becoming a substitute for coffee and regular tea. The health-conscious crowd is moving to pure, Assam green tea because of its benefits. The rising popularity is not a hoax – regular consumers of green tea advocate its advantages on the body and mind. A freshly brewed…
Organic Green Tea: Four Ultimate Benefits You Didn’t Know
Whether we admit it or not, most of us drink organic green tea for the benefits it provides and not the taste. That brilliant cup of the green beverage calls out perfectly to our health. And we listen to it. Green tea is not new to our time. People from decades ago have advocated the…
Does Replacing Coffee with Organic Green Tea Affect your Body
Organic Green Tea is an excellent alternative for coffee, and it offers a variety of benefits to the body. Here are three significant benefits of replacing coffee with green tea.
Green Tea Tales: Making Organic Green Tea Flavorful with Amazing Ingredients
Even though it originated in the east, organic green tea is now popular worldwide because of its health benefits. It is one of the best beverages that reduces stress and relaxes the mind & body. However, sipping organic green tea is not everyone’s cup of tea. While it provides a plethora of benefits, the bitter…
Green Tea Tales: The Story Of Organic Green Tea Leading To Weight Loss
For long, Green Tea has been considered as the wonder drink for the body. Since ancient times, organic green tea has served as a healing potion for a lot of health problems. But like most people, Samayra was skeptical of its benefits. In the narrative that follows, Samayra explains in detail how green tea helped…
Why Organic Green Tea is the Magic Elixir for a Soothing Winter
Organic Green Tea has always been considered as a magic beverage for the winter season. Some of the best green tea in the world boasts of natural antioxidants that can calm the freezing touch of winter. The season is approaching, and people are always looking for alternatives to dodge the cold. Green tea is a…
Singpho Tea (Phalap)
A popular folklore among the Singpho tribe talks of two brothers out hunting in the forest and chewing on some wild leaves when they got tired and hungry. To their surprise, the few leaves they chewed on, not only removed their hunger but also rejuvenated them. They had discovered tea leaves, that went on to…
Monkey Tea Pluckers of China
According to a Chinese legend, the earliest tea pluckers were monkeys. The rarest and best teas came from bushes growing in cliffs and other such places inaccessible by humans. The Buddhist monks therefore trained monkeys to pluck leaves from bushes that men could not reach. A variant of this legend has it that the Chinese…
The Origin and History of Tea
The Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu called it “the elixir of life”. It has been hailed as “the drink of the gods and of men”. Rituals have emerged, poetry written, even wars have been waged. There has been no beverage with a history as fascinating as Tea. Mythical beginnings According to a popular Chinese legend, Shen…
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Tea
There is nothing like a cup of perfectly brewed tea. While preparing tea is a simple process, brewing that perfect cup requires attention and knowledge. The amount of water used, the temperature, time of infusion, quantity of tea leaves as well as the vessel used all contribute in concocting the most satisfying cup of tea.…