Assam Banaspaty Tea Garden

Located in northeast India, the Assam Valley lies 120 miles east of Darjeeling on the border with China, Burma and Bangladesh. There are some absolutely outstanding teas grown in this region, which produces more than 1,500,000 pounds of tea annually.

Our garden is in a zone of Assam where tribal people are a majority. Organic pioneers are slowly rebuilding the fertility of this tea garden situated close to the Bramaputra river. Independent evaluation from the Fairtrade Foundation ensures that communities such as the Karbi Anglong tribal people really do benefit from clean drinking water, improved housing and better education.

Banaspaty literally means flora, fauna and trees. Assam’s tea plants have much larger leaves from their southern cousins and are known for their strong malty flavour.

The first flush has a rich, hearty, full-bodied flavor and aroma. The second flush produces the famous "tippy" teas (black tea with golden tips). The golden tip lessens the astringent characteristics of the tea.

The Banaspaty garden provides us with our delicious, malty Assam Tea. It is also used in our Earl Grey tea blend.