Assam Baghjan Estate Tea

The Northeast Indian State of Assam is home to hundreds of Tea Gardens and the Baghjan Tea Estate is one of  the best.  Founded in 1922, and located in the Tinsukia District of Upper Assam. The Baghjan Tea Estate has recently seen remarkable profits and increased productivity over the course of the last three decades.

During that time, Baghjan has appeared to be a popular ‘tourist spot’ for wandering leopards, who will often leave their cubs hiding among the tea bushes while the mothers are away hunting! Its gardens are very well kept; producing distinctly Assamese teas consisting of beautifully bright coppery liquors, and smooth, malty overtones.

Assam is, in fact, the home of Indian teas. It was there, in 1823, that Scottish adventurer and merchant, Robert Bruce, discovered the Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica growing in abundance near the town of Rangpur (present day Sivasagar).

He would go on to clarify his findings with the Singpho tribe – the indigenous population of the region – who would, in turn, present him with some of the plants as a gesture of goodwill. From there, Bruce sent the leaves to his brother, Mr C. A. Bruce, for further examination. Sadly, Robert Bruce would die soon after, but his brother would eventually send the specimens to the Calcutta Botanical Gardens, where it was finally confirmed that the plants were, in fact, a variant of the Chinese Camellia Sinensis var. Sinensis. Tea had officially been discovered in India!

C.A. Bruce remained a key figure in the fledgling Indian Tea industry, and in the late 1830’s, ‘The Assam Company’ was established in England. Meanwhile, the first Indian to start planting tea was Assamese nobleman, Maniram Dutta Barua, also known as ‘Maniram Dewan’. He would remain a Dewan of The Assam Company until his resignation in 1841, which saw him start his own tea estate.

His establishment would consist of two gardens at Jorhat and near Sonari, and he would oversee production until his death at the hands of the British in 1858. This was due to his role in the infamous Indian Mutiny the year before, for which Maniram was hanged.

By 1862, however, the entire Assam Tea industry comprised of 160 gardens, which were owned by five public companies and 57 private companies.  Less than 100 years later, India would rightfully obtain its Independence; with the vast majority of British-owned Tea Estates changing hands to Indian entrepreneurs and businessmen. Now, more than 70 years after the establishment of an Independent India, Assam loose teas are some of the most popular in the entire world!

Assam Teas now contribute approximately 55% of India’s total tea output! This beverage, in particular, represents the hard work and determination of the Indian tea industry over the course of the last 200 years – that, and it tastes absolutely delicious with every single sip!

Useful Information for Assam Baghjan Estate Tea

Type of Tea: Loose Leaf Assam Tea. TGFOP – Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe.

Origin: The Baghjan Tea Estate, Tinsukia District, Upper Assam.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.

How to Serve: Many consumers will choose to add milk with this beverage, although honey and lemon can likewise be wonderful accompaniments! Further to this, Assam Baghjan Tea can also be simply served as it is!

Tasting Notes: There is no mistaking the distinctly Assamese taste and aroma in this particular beverage! Smooth with every sip, and brimming with delectable malty flavours, Assam Baghjan Tea is a delight to the senses! This tea also has slight grassy undertones that stay on your palate long after you have drained your cup.

Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor, light in tone.

Benefits of Assam Tea: All Assam teas are known to be jam-packed full of incredible antioxidants. These compounds, among others found in Assam tea, have been established to help with mental alertness and oral health, as well as improving the cardiovascular system, fighting infection, and even reducing fat intake! Assam tea is likewise known for containing a wealth of vitamins and minerals, which can provide the consumer with an additional boost!