Indian Spice - Assam Black Tea

Of course after researching black teas, I was curious as to the origin of the Indian Spice (flavored black tea) I had the pleasure of drinking and reviewing yesterday. A cursory review of the Harney and Sons website revealed that my favorite tea is an Indian Assam tea.

Assam, is tea grown at sea level and is known for its body, briskness, malty flavor, and strong, bright color. Assam teas, or blends containing Assam, are often sold as "breakfast" teas. English Breakfast tea, Irish Breakfast tea, and Scottish Breakfast Tea are common generic names. Assam may not be a common word in your vocabulary, however English Breakfast tea and Irish Breakfast tea part my lips often. A point of reference when learning something new is always nice.

Historically, Assam is the second commercial tea production region after southern China. Southern China and Assam are the only two regions in the world with native tea plants. Assam tea revolutionized tea drinking habits in the 19th century since the tea, produced from a different variety of the tea plant, yielded a different kind of tea. My love for strong tea certainly makes me an Assam tea fan. I cannot wait until my next cup!

Happy tea drinking!

Indian Spice

This morning I am drinking Indian Spice, a flavored black tea. When I need a strong drink I reach for Indian Spice - it is both striking and soothing.

Composition: Indian (pellet tea) blended with cardamom seeds, cinnamon and cardamom flavor

Visual: Dark brown with hints of red pellets. Dry mix resembles coffee grounds.
Dry Aroma: Very pungent robust scent - this tea has a spicy yet soapy (cardamom) smell
Flavor: Full bodied and slightly bitter - probably attributed to the cardamon. I prefer to drink with honey and milk or cream. However, depending on my mood, I may drink without milk/cream.
Liquor: Dark brown
Brewing Time: 5 minutes - I love a strong cup of tea.
Manufacturer: Harney & Sons Fine Teas
Caffeine: Yes

Special Note: When brewed with milk this delicious tea is known as the popular Chai Tea.

What is cardamom?

Cardamom is the dried, unripened fruit of the perennial Elettaria cardamomum. Enclosed in the fruit pods are tiny, brown, aromatic seeds which are slightly pungent to taste. Cardamom pods are generally green but are also available in bleached white pod form. It is available both in the whole pod and as decorticated seeds with the outer hull removed.

The next time you are looking for a new tea try Indian Spice, then return to Tea Escapade and comment about your experience. Until then...Happy Tea Drinking!

Reference: McCormick Spice Encyclopedia located at http://www.mccormick.com/content.cfm?id=8214