Indian tea: a blend of character and spices

The history of tea in India

Tea first appeared in this South Asian country in the 19th century. It was precisely in 1834 that the British botanist and traveler Robert Fortune planted 20,000 Chinese Camellia sinensis (tea plant) seedlings in the province of Assam and near the town of Darjeeling, where the two most emblematic teas of India have been produced since.

Since the 1920s, black tea has no longer been produced exclusively for export in India: it is also consumed throughout the country for its aroma and its hydrating, relaxing, or stimulating properties.

Today, original recipes actively contribute to the popularity of Indian tea on a national and international scale. This is particularly the case with Chai, which combines black tea with milk, sugar, and masala spices (cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger, mace, and pepper). Having become India's national drink, Chai now finds its place in Western tea rooms, much to the delight of fans of indulgent hot beverages with or without tea.

Discover our collection of Indian black teas

Several varieties of Indian black teas are featured at Thés et Traditions, most of which are organically grown. Upon waking, opt for our English Breakfast, an invigorating blend of Assam tea and Ceylon tea (Sri Lanka) to be savored plain for purists or enhanced with sugar and a splash of milk for those with a sweet tooth.

In mid-morning, try our organic Assam GFBOP Sewpur, a black tea with malty and sweet notes, or our organic Blue Earl Grey with its floral and fruity aroma of royal cornflower and bergamot. After the lunch break, let yourself be charmed by the fine and sparkling flavor of our Darjeeling FTGFOP1 Snowview, an exceptional grand cru.

Why drink Indian tea daily?

Not only rich in flavors, Indian tea is also concentrated in benefits due to its quality and authenticity. Thus, Indian black tea manufactured according to traditional methods and with the utmost respect for traditions is characterized by both an intense taste and a positive effect on the overall well-being of consumers.

We recommend regularly consuming Indian black tea to:

• have energy throughout the day without experiencing the stimulating effects of too much theine/caffeine,
• stimulate your metabolism in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular physical activity,
• fight against free radical damage thanks to the antioxidants naturally present in black tea.

An excellent alternative to coffee at breakfast, Indian black tea can also be enjoyed until the afternoon. Because it has a powerful and pronounced flavor, it can be steeped several times by tea drinkers looking for a bit more smoothness. This way, this original black tea will lose both theine content and intensity while still providing comfort with every sip.