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India’s *50 notable Indian teas and tea blends**

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Writer AndyKim Hit 1,328 Hit Date 25-02-04 09:27
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Below is an expansive, detailed list of **50 notable Indian teas and tea blends** that showcase the remarkable diversity of India’s tea heritage. This collection spans classic orthodox teas, robust CTC varieties, specialty single-estate offerings, and unique spiced blends that have come to define the Indian tea experience. Each entry is described with its origin, processing style, and the distinct sensory characteristics that set it apart:

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1. **Darjeeling First Flush** 
  *Origin:* Darjeeling, West Bengal 
  *Profile:* Harvested early in the season, this tea is delicate with a light, floral aroma and a brisk, fresh character. Its subtle astringency and bright liquor make it a prized morning tea.

2. **Darjeeling Second Flush (Summer Flush)** 
  *Origin:* Darjeeling, West Bengal 
  *Profile:* Picked during the summer months, this flush is celebrated for its signature muscatel flavor, full-bodied richness, and a lingering, fruity aftertaste that sets it apart from the earlier harvest.

3. **Darjeeling Autumn Flush** 
  *Origin:* Darjeeling, West Bengal 
  *Profile:* With leaves harvested in autumn, this tea boasts a complex interplay of mature, mellow tones with hints of fruitiness and subtle spice, resulting in a deep, rounded cup.

4. **Darjeeling Winter Tea** 
  *Origin:* Darjeeling, West Bengal 
  *Profile:* Produced from winter-harvested leaves, it exhibits a richer body and a more nuanced flavor profile, offering a softer, almost buttery mouthfeel with refined floral hints.

5. **Darjeeling SFTGFOP (Strictly Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe)** 
  *Origin:* Darjeeling, West Bengal 
  *Profile:* A premium grade characterized by an abundance of golden tips. This tea delivers an exceptionally delicate infusion with bright floral aromas, nuanced muscatel notes, and an elegant finish.

6. **Organic Darjeeling Tea** 
  *Origin:* Darjeeling, West Bengal 
  *Profile:* Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, this tea offers a pure expression of terroir—a clean, natural taste with a subtle complexity and refined aroma.

7. **Assam CTC Black Tea** 
  *Origin:* Assam, Northeast India 
  *Profile:* Processed by the Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) method, this tea is robust and brisk with a deep, malty flavor. Its strong character makes it a popular choice for blending into traditional Indian milk teas.

8. **Assam Orthodox Black Tea** 
  *Origin:* Assam, Northeast India 
  *Profile:* Crafted by traditional methods that preserve the whole leaf, this tea exudes a rich, full-bodied flavor with a smooth, slightly sweet finish and a complex aroma that reveals layers of malt and spice.

9. **Assam Second Flush** 
  *Origin:* Assam, Northeast India 
  *Profile:* Harvested later in the season, it is full-bodied and intense with a distinct malty sweetness, offering a deep amber liquor and an enduring, brisk finish.

10. **Assam Green Tea** 
    *Origin:* Assam, Northeast India 
    *Profile:* A less common variant in the region, this tea provides a light, grassy flavor with subtle vegetal notes, delivering a refreshing, crisp cup that diverges from the typical black teas of Assam.

11. **Assam Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP)** 
    *Origin:* Assam, Northeast India 
    *Profile:* Featuring a mix of broken leaves that brew quickly, this variant is ideal for a strong, robust infusion with a brisk, lively character—perfect for those who enjoy a robust milk tea.

12. **Assam Flowery Orange Pekoe (FOP)** 
    *Origin:* Assam, Northeast India 
    *Profile:* A higher-grade tea with a fine, predominantly whole-leaf composition, it imparts a delicate, bright flavor with a refined aroma and a smooth, lingering finish.

13. **Nilgiri Full Leaf Black Tea** 
    *Origin:* Nilgiri Hills, Southern India 
    *Profile:* Celebrated for its naturally fragrant bouquet and mellow character, this tea is smooth with a light body and a balanced blend of floral and fruity notes, ideal for a refreshing cup.

14. **Nilgiri Broken Leaf Tea** 
    *Origin:* Nilgiri Hills, Southern India 
    *Profile:* Processed to produce smaller leaf fragments, it brews quickly to reveal a robust, brisk flavor that is both refreshing and versatile, especially for iced tea preparations.

15. **Nilgiri Green Tea** 
    *Origin:* Nilgiri Hills, Southern India 
    *Profile:* A less common yet delightful variant that exhibits a fresh, herbaceous flavor with subtle floral undertones, offering a clean, invigorating taste profile.

16. **Nilgiri Organic Tea** 
    *Origin:* Nilgiri Hills, Southern India 
    *Profile:* Cultivated using organic practices, this tea showcases a refined, pure flavor with a soft aroma, reflecting the pristine mountain environment in which it is grown.

17. **Nilgiri White Tea** 
    *Origin:* Nilgiri Hills, Southern India 
    *Profile:* A rare gem in the Nilgiri portfolio, this white tea is extraordinarily delicate, with a whisper-thin infusion that exudes gentle floral notes and a naturally sweet finish.

18. **Kangra Orthodox Tea** 
    *Origin:* Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh 
    *Profile:* Grown in the scenic Kangra region, this tea is handcrafted to deliver a smooth, well-rounded flavor profile with nuanced floral hints and a soft, lingering aftertaste.

19. **Kangra CTC Tea** 
    *Origin:* Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh 
    *Profile:* Designed for a quicker, stronger brew, this tea offers a robust flavor that holds up well with milk and spices, making it a favored base for chai blends.

20. **Munnar Black Tea** 
    *Origin:* Munnar, Kerala 
    *Profile:* Cultivated in the high-altitude plantations of Munnar, this tea is known for its bright liquor, brisk character, and a lively flavor that carries hints of malt and a refreshing briskness.

21. **Munnar Green Tea** 
    *Origin:* Munnar, Kerala 
    *Profile:* Harvested from the same rich soils as its black counterpart, this green tea is light and crisp, with a refreshing grassy essence and subtle floral aromas reflective of the cool mountain air.

22. **Munnar Organic Tea** 
    *Origin:* Munnar, Kerala 
    *Profile:* Produced under strict organic standards, this tea offers a clean, balanced flavor with a naturally vibrant character, underscored by the pure mountain terroir.

23. **Dooars Black Tea** 
    *Origin:* Dooars Region, West Bengal 
    *Profile:* Emerging from the lush, forested areas of Dooars, this tea is marked by its malty robustness and a brisk finish, providing a satisfying and full-bodied cup.

24. **Dooars CTC Tea** 
    *Origin:* Dooars Region, West Bengal 
    *Profile:* Processed by the CTC method for a quicker infusion, this tea is exceptionally strong and ideal for those who favor a vigorous cup of tea with a pronounced, bold flavor.

25. **Terai Tea** 
    *Origin:* Terai Region, bordering the foothills of the Himalayas 
    *Profile:* This tea delivers a well-balanced cup with smooth, rounded flavors and subtle hints of earthiness, capturing the unique climatic influences of the Terai.

26. **Sikkim Orthodox Tea** 
    *Origin:* Sikkim, Northeast India 
    *Profile:* With a delicate and aromatic profile, this tea reveals a refined interplay of floral and fruity notes, accompanied by a gentle astringency that speaks to its high-altitude origins.

27. **Sikkim CTC Tea** 
    *Origin:* Sikkim, Northeast India 
    *Profile:* Processed for strength and convenience, this variety provides a robust, full-bodied brew that serves as a versatile base for spiced chai or a bold standalone cup.

28. **Coorg Black Tea** 
    *Origin:* Coorg, Karnataka 
    *Profile:* From the misty, lush hills of Coorg, this tea boasts a rich, mellow flavor with a natural sweetness and a smooth, satisfying finish that echoes the region’s vibrant landscapes.

29. **Coorg Orthodox Tea** 
    *Origin:* Coorg, Karnataka 
    *Profile:* Meticulously hand-processed, this tea reveals delicate flavors and a refined aroma, making it an excellent choice for connoisseurs seeking complexity and subtlety.

30. **Malnad Tea** 
    *Origin:* Malnad Region, Karnataka 
    *Profile:* Known for its earthy, robust character, Malnad tea carries hints of forest freshness and a slightly spicy undertone, making for a hearty and invigorating cup.

31. **Wayanad Tea** 
    *Origin:* Wayanad, Kerala 
    *Profile:* Cultivated in the verdant highlands of Wayanad, this tea offers a bright, brisk infusion with a distinctive hint of spice and an aromatic, floral finish that is both refreshing and uplifting.

32. **Kerala Orthodox Tea** 
    *Origin:* Various estates in Kerala 
    *Profile:* Handcrafted using traditional methods, this tea delivers a smooth, nuanced flavor with a subtle complexity and a naturally sweet, lingering finish that reflects its artisanal origins.

33. **Masala Chai Blend** 
    *Origin:* India-wide Tradition 
    *Profile:* A classic Indian blend combining robust black tea with a symphony of spices—cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. This chai is richly spiced, creamy when brewed with milk, and provides a warming, invigorating experience.

34. **Adrak Masala Chai** 
    *Origin:* India-wide Tradition 
    *Profile:* Centered on the zesty, warming essence of fresh ginger, this blend infuses the tea with an extra kick of spice balanced by the traditional chai spices, making it a favorite for chilly mornings.

35. **Cardamom Masala Chai** 
    *Origin:* India-wide Tradition 
    *Profile:* Emphasizing the sweet, aromatic qualities of cardamom, this chai offers a harmonious blend where the spice delicately enhances the tea’s natural flavors, producing a smooth, fragrant cup.

36. **Tulsi Chai** 
    *Origin:* India-wide Tradition 
    *Profile:* A soothing infusion that marries the classic chai spices with the sacred herb tulsi (holy basil). The result is a calming beverage with a slightly minty, herbal finish that is both restorative and aromatic.

37. **Kashmiri Kahwa** 
    *Origin:* Kashmir, Northern India 
    *Profile:* A traditional green tea infusion enriched with saffron, almonds, and a medley of warming spices. Kashmiri Kahwa is celebrated for its delicate floral aroma, subtle sweetness, and a complex flavor that is both refreshing and soul-soothing.

38. **Indian Iced Chai** 
    *Origin:* Contemporary Urban India 
    *Profile:* A modern twist on the traditional brew, this tea is steeped strong and then chilled over ice, often with a splash of milk and a hint of spice, offering a refreshing, invigorating beverage ideal for warm climates.

39. **Indian Milk Tea** 
    *Origin:* Across India 
    *Profile:* A robust, full-bodied black tea brewed generously with milk and sweetener. It encapsulates the quintessential Indian tea experience—rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying with every sip.

40. **Premium Estate Chai** 
    *Origin:* Single, renowned tea estates in India 
    *Profile:* Sourced from meticulously managed estates, this tea blend features complex layers of flavor—ranging from deep malty notes to subtle floral and fruity hints—crafted for those who appreciate a refined chai experience.

41. **Darjeeling Muscatel** 
    *Origin:* Darjeeling, West Bengal 
    *Profile:* A specialized flush from Darjeeling that accentuates its distinctive muscatel aroma and full-bodied, fruity character. This tea is highly sought after for its complex flavor evolution during each steep.

42. **Assam Malty Brew** 
    *Origin:* Assam, Northeast India 
    *Profile:* Celebrated for its intense maltiness and brisk character, this variant of Assam tea is bold and hearty, producing a deep amber liquor that stands up admirably to milk and sugar.

43. **Nilgiri Aromatic Blend** 
    *Origin:* Nilgiri Hills, Southern India 
    *Profile:* A carefully crafted blend combining select full-leaf teas that emphasize the natural floral and fruity aromas of the region. The resulting infusion is both refreshing and subtly complex.

44. **Organic Chai Blend** 
    *Origin:* India-wide Organic Estates 
    *Profile:* This blend combines organically grown black teas with a traditional mix of spices, offering a clean, wholesome cup that is both robust and intricately spiced—perfect for the health-conscious tea lover.

45. **Single Estate Assam** 
    *Origin:* A renowned Assam plantation 
    *Profile:* Sourced exclusively from one estate, this tea offers a unique expression of its terroir. With distinct regional characteristics and a traceable origin, it delivers a rich, multi-dimensional flavor profile.

46. **Darjeeling Heritage Tea** 
    *Origin:* Historic tea gardens of Darjeeling 
    *Profile:* Sourced from time-honored estates with generations of cultivation expertise, this tea embodies tradition and authenticity. Expect a delicate yet complex flavor marked by subtle muscatel tones and an enduring finish.

47. **Assam Bold CTC** 
    *Origin:* Assam, Northeast India 
    *Profile:* Designed for those who prefer a particularly strong cup, this CTC tea offers an assertively bold flavor with a vibrant, brisk character that is ideal for kick-starting your day.

48. **Darjeeling Rare Flush** 
    *Origin:* Darjeeling, West Bengal 
    *Profile:* A limited-edition flush that appears in select harvests. It offers an evolving flavor profile, shifting from delicate floral nuances to more robust, muscatel overtones with each steep—a true collector’s tea.

49. **Blended Indian Breakfast Tea** 
    *Origin:* A thoughtful combination of India’s best tea regions 
    *Profile:* This blend marries the robust character of Assam, the delicate complexity of Darjeeling, and the bright freshness of Nilgiri teas. The result is a balanced, full-bodied breakfast brew that pairs excellently with milk and sugar.

50. **Indian Spiced Herbal Infusion** 
    *Origin:* India-wide Herbal Traditions 
    *Profile:* A caffeine-free alternative that blends select herbs (such as lemongrass, mint, or fennel) with a touch of traditional spices. This infusion is both calming and aromatic, providing a gentle, soothing experience ideal for relaxation any time of day.

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Each of these teas reflects not only the varied climatic and geographical conditions across India’s tea-growing regions but also the deep cultural significance of tea in Indian society. Whether you favor the light, floral nuances of Darjeeling, the robust malty character of Assam, or the creative spice-laden blends that define Indian chai, this extensive list offers a window into the diverse world of Indian tea. Enjoy exploring and savoring these remarkable brews!

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