Assam Tea Versus Darjeeling Tea: 27 Never Before Considered Differences

A tea lover like me but have never bothered much about the tea leaves that make your sip desirable? Read my blog about 27 determining aspects between Assam tea v/s Darjeeling tea and find out youself.

I am a passionate Tea blogger with a keen interest in the various aspects of tea. At the tender age of 10, I never thought that my love for tea would take this shape. Nevertheless, I once again have yet another interesting topic and that is Assam Tea versus Darjeeling Tea. Read my 27 ways in which they differ and take your pick.

Assam Tea Versus Darjeeling Tea: Comparing them on 27 Attributes

Running a tea cafe isn’t easy but, I love engaging with my customers. As a tea-enthusiast, I agree that the leaves can make or break the beverage and it is high time we give them the due credit. Having said this, let us get to know the mentioned aspects in detail.  

HISTORY
Assam Tea Discovered in the year 1839	Darjeeling Tea Discovered in the year 1847
UNIQUE FEATURES
Assam Tea Malty with a strong flavor Bright color	Darjeeling Tea Spicy flavor Crushed green tea leaves
CLIMATIC REGIONS
Assam Tea Adverse climatic conditions	Darjeeling Tea Strong winds with hail and rainfall
REGIONS GROWN IN
Assam Tea Lush valley of the Brahmaputra valley	Darjeeling Tea Hilly region of Darjeeling in West Bengal
OPTION TO HAVE WITH MILK & SUGAR
Assam Tea Yes	Darjeeling Tea Yes
NUTRITIONAL VALUE(with milk and sugar)
Assam Tea 98 calories approx.	Darjeeling Tea Not known
BENEFITS
Assam Tea Rich in antioxidants Stronger immune system Boosts oral health	Darjeeling Tea Aids weight loss Good for skin Improved oral health
GLUTEN-FREE
Assam Tea Yes	Darjeeling Tea Yes
USAGE OF SPICES
Assam Tea Available with and without spices	Darjeeling Tea Moderately spiced
BEST WAY TO SERVE
Assam Tea Use whole tea leaves with a golden tip Steep for 3-5 mins.	Darjeeling Tea Serve without milk or creamer and sweeteners Opt for the second flush & autumn crops
HARVESTING PERIOD
Assam Tea March- November	Darjeeling Tea Mid-March to November
CAN BE BLENDED WITH OTHER TEAS
Assam Tea Yes	Darjeeling Tea Yes
FLAVOR PROFILE
Assam  Tea Spicy to sweet notes	Darjeeling Tea Vegetal taste with citrusy to fruity notes
HERBAL OPTIONS
Assam Tea No	Darjeeling Tea No
OTHER NAMES
Assam Tea Breakfast Tea Assam Black Tea	Darjeeling Tea Champagne of teas
CAFFEINE
Assam Tea 60 -112 mg	Darjeeling Tea 50 mg
SOURCE
Assam Tea Camellia Sinensis variety grown in Assam	Darjeeling Tea Camellia Sinensis variety grown in Darjeeling
BEST TIME TO DRINK
Assam Tea Ideal during breakfast	Darjeeling Tea Mid-morning
HARVESTING TIME
Assam Tea March-November	Darjeeling Tea January and March
VARIETIES
Assam Tea Orthodox CTC	Darjeeling Tea Whole Leaves Broken leaves
FLUSH TYPE
Assam Tea First and second flush	Darjeeling Tea First flush only
IMPACT ON ECONOMY
Assam Tea Produces 1.5 million pounds of tea	Darjeeling Tea Produces 10 million kgs
BETTER CONSIDERED TEA
Assam Tea Depends	Darjeeling Tea Depends
HOW THE LEAVES DIFFER
Assam Tea Golden tips	Darjeeling Tea Black or green tea leave
WORTH THE HYPE
Assam Tea Yes	Darjeeling Tea Yes
KNOWING THE AUTHENTICITY
Assam Tea Check for the logo	Darjeeling Tea Check the logo
REGION-SPECIFIC TEAS?
Assam Tea Yes	Darjeeling Tea Yes

Let us now get to know the two teas better through a detailed description about each point as mentioned in the above table.

1. The Fascinating History Of Assam and Darjeeling Teas

The history of the two teas has always fascinated tea-enthusiasts and I am sure if you learn the history you will be inspired too.

Assam tea was discovered by the Scottish adventurer Robert Bruce in 1823 when he discovered tea-like plants growing near Rangpur. This was a part of a trading mission for which he was responsible. The Assam Tea Company was established in 1839.

Darjeeling tea can be dated back to 150 years ago when a civil surgeon, Dr. Campbell planted some tea seeds in his balcony as an experiment. Needless to say, the experiment proved to be a success that had the government talking.  Then in the year 1847, nurseries were set up across the city, and this paved way for the Darjeeling tea company. 

2. Comparing The Two Teas On their Unique Features

Assam tea and Darjeeling tea are both unique in their own way and we shall compare them based on their uniqueness.

Assam tea has a malty and strong flavor profile with a bright color. These attributes make it ideal for morning tea.

Darjeeling tea on the other hand has a spicy flavor and hence, tea- connoisseurs will always advise you to drink the tea without any milk and sweetener. I am not sure if you have ever noticed this as it is a minute thing. When you buy a packet you might have noticed green leaves with the black tea. This is another aspect that gives the tea a cut above the rest.

3. Comparing The Climatic Conditions of the Two Teas

Let us check the conditions that are responsible for a healthy harvest.

Assam tea is grown in the lush Brahmaputra valley of Assam(Northeast India). The region is known for its rich soil and adverse climate. The climate of the region is often described as cold and arid winters and hot & humid rainy months. 

Darjeeling tea on the other hand is grown in the mountainous region of Darjeeling(a hill station in West Bengal, India). The climate can be described as being frequented by strong winds, hail, and excess rainfall. These are ideal conditions required for a good crop.

4. Comparing Assam And Darjeeling Tea Based on The Region Grown

The two teas are grown in different regions owing to various climatic conditions as discussed above. Let us now understand the regions more closely.

Assam tea is grown in the lush Brahmaputra valley of Assam at an elevation of 45-60 feet above sea level. The annual rainfall that the area receives is approximately around 250-380 cms.

Darjeeling tea is grown in the hilly region located in the state of West Bengal, India at an elevation of 5500-7000 feet above sea level. Also, Kalimpong deserves a mention here as the area contributes to the yield.

5. Comparing Them On The Option To Drink With Milk & Sugar

Let us now compare the two teas based on if they can be consumed with milk and sugar.

Assam tea tastes best when paired with milk and sugar though I would advise using sugar alternatives like jaggery, Sugar-free, Splenda to name a few. 

Darjeeling tea is generally consumed with milk and sugar but, if you want to get the maximum benefit, then it is advisable to drink it without milk or sugar. 

6. Comparing The Nutritional Value (with milk and sugar)Of the Two Teas

Let us now compare the nutritional value of the two teas when combined with milk and sugar.

Assam tea has approximately 98 calories when tweaked with milk and sugar.

Now, if you want to decrease the calorie opt for low-fat milk & instead of white sugar switch to brown sugar or other alternatives like coconut sugar, palm sugar, sugar alcohol to name a few. 

When we talk about the nutritional value of Darjeeling tea with milk and sugar the value is not known as the best way to drink the tea is without milk and sugar. 

7. Comparing Them On The Benefits Offered

Let us now see how they fare when we discuss the advantages they have to offer.

Assam tea is rich in antioxidants, is good for ora and heath health, stronger immune system helps in digestion and helps fight against cancer are some known benefits.

Darjeeling tea has its fair share of benefits like being beneficial for the skin, boosts heart health, keeping you hydrated, relieving stress, and helps to lose weight. 

8. Checking The Teas For Their Glutinous Nature

Let us compare them based on their glutinous nature.

Assam tea is known for its gluten-free nature and if you are allergic to gluten you can still enjoy your cup of tea.

Darjeeling tea too isn’t far behind and is completely gluten-free so you can enjoy it completely.

9. Checking The Spice Usage Attribute As Yet Another Comparison

Let us now compare them based on the usage of spices.

Assam tea on a wide scale doesn’t use any spices but, some varieties might use them s sparingly.

Darjeeling tea on the other hand is moderately spiced and which only enhances the overall profile of the tea.

10. Considering The Best Way to Serve Assam & Darjeeling Tea

Assam and Darjeeling teas both have different drinking methods and this is an important aspect to consider.

Assam tea tastes best when whole leaves tea is used that can be distinguished by its golden tip and should be steeped for 3-5 minutes. Pair with spicy foods, tea-time cakes, cookies, or breads and enjoy.

Darjeeling tea is best when consumed without any milk and sugar. Always opt for second and autumn flush tea leaves. Add a few drops of lemon(like the Britishers drink their tea)and enjoy a hot cup of freshly brewed tea.

11. Let us Compare Them Based on The Harvesting Season

Assam tea and Darjeeling tea are both harvested during different seasons.

The best months for Assam tea harvesting are March to November. At times the yield is harvested twice too. 

Darjeeling tea is harvested between Mid-March to November. 

12. Comparing The Two Teas On Their Ability To Blend with other Teas

Let us now see if they can be paired with other tea flavors.

Assam tea is best when paired with black teas that have a robust flavor as it has a strong flavor profile.

Darjeeling tea can be paired with any spiced or mildly sweet teas.

13. Assam Tea Versus Darjeeling Tea: Comparing their Flavor

Let us now compare them based on the flavor profile.

Assam tea has a strong earthy aroma and can range from sweet to spicy. This contrasting flavor makes it an ideal breakfast tea.

Darjeeling tea on the other hand has a delicate vegetal taste with hints of fruity and citrus notes. 

14. Analyzing The Two Teas Based On The Herbal Option 

Let us now see if Assam and Darjeeling teas are available as herbal options.

Assam tea is a variety of tea that is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant and thus cannot be counted as herbal, though you can buy organic tea blends from the market.

Darjeeling tea like Assam tea cannot be made into herbal tea as many like to call it. It is sourced from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant like any true tea though it does offer organic & herbal tea powder range. 

15. Both Assam Tea and Darjeeling Teas Are Known By Different Names

Did you know that Assam tea and Darjeeling tea are both known by different names?

Breakfast tea and Assam Back tea are the two popular names by which Assam tea is called by its lovers. It is also called Tippy tea. 

Assam tea is known as Champagne of Tea and literally so for its flavor profile needs to be tasted to be believed.

16. Let Us Compare Assam and Darjeeling Teas Based On Their Caffeine Content

Caffeine is a prime factor in teas and an important point of comparison when it comes to the two teas.

A typical serving of Assam tea has approximately 60-112 mg caffeine for every 240 ml. 

Darjeeling tea has approximately 50 mg of caffeine in a typical 8 oz. cup.

17. Let Us Now Consider How Camellia Sinensis Differs From The Two Teas

Assam and Darjeeling Teas are both sourced from Camellia Sinensis. However, the plant varies with a mild aspect. Let us see how in this section.

Assam tea is made from the leaves of The Camellia Sinensis plant var.(variation)Assamica. To simplify, this means Camellia Sinensis variation that is primarily grown in the rich Assam valley.

Darjeeling tea is sourced from the leaves of The Camellia Sinensis plant that is grown in either Kalimpong or Darjeeling regions of West Bengal. 

18. Let Us Compare The Two Teas Based On The Best Drinking Time

Let8us now compare when the two drinks should be consumed ideally.

Assam tea can be drunk anytime though breakfast time is the ideal time. 

On the other hand, Darjeeling tea should be consumed after breakfast ie, mid-morning.

19. Comparing Assam & Darjeeling Teas Based On The Varieties They Offer

Let us now weigh them based on the varieties they have to offer.

Assam tea is mainly available in two types; Orthodox(tea produced using the traditional method of plucking, harvesting, withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying) and CTC(an acronym for Crush, Tear, Curl or at times also referred to as Cut, Tear, Curl).

Darjeeling tea is available in two types; White and Green tea. It is very interesting to know that the two varieties have recently got the “Geographical Indication(GI)tag” under the Geographical Indications of Goods act of 1999 with effect from October 2019. 

20. Weighing Assam & Darjeeling teas Based on Flush Type

Let us now compare the two teas based on the flush category. FLUSH IS DEFINED: FOUR HARVESTING SEASONS WHEREIN EACH IS DISTINCT FROM THE OTHER SUMS UP A GROWTH PERIOD. THIS IS CALLED FLUSH.  

Assam tea is harvested twice and the second flush is known as “ Tippy Tea”. After the second flush, gold tips appear on the leaves that lend it a distinguished golden color. 

Darjeeling tea is the FIRST FLUSH TEA ONLY. This is the most well-known and prized tea that belongs to the first flush category.

21. Assam tea Versus Darjeeling Tea: Comparing their Impact on the Economy

Let us get to know how the teas have proved to be beneficial to the regions they are grown in.

Assam contributes more than half of India’s tea growth and is known as the “Tea Garden of India”. Jorhat and Dibrugarh are major contributing cities and the latter(Jorhat) is called “The Tea Capital Of The World”.  So, to meet up with the demands more hands would be required and which has boosted the demand for tea pluckers. 

Darjeeling tea contributes approximately 10 million kgs of tea every year and thus each day more labor is required. The labor in this case to run the estates, tea pluckers have seen increasing demand and given rise to work opportunities. 

22. Getting To Know How Assam and Darjeeling Teas Differ Based on Which Variety is Preferred.

Let us weigh the two teas based on which is more liked.

Assam tea and Darjeeling tea are both popular varieties of tea and to say which is better is a hard decision to make. 

I for one like both teas and for me it is a tough choice to make. I have mentioned their taste or flavor profile and hope that it is easy for you to take your pick. Do let me know your favorite tea in the comments section below.

23. Considering The Tea Leaves As A Defining Factor

Let us compare Assam tea and Darjeeling tea based on the tea leaves.

Assam tea leaves adorn a golden hue at the tips after the second flush that makes it stand out and adds to its uniqueness.

Darjeeling tea has no such defining characteristics apart from being either black or green through the GI tag is worth considering. 

24. Darjeeling Tea Versus Assam Tea: Worth The Hype?

By now you know about the many points that can be taken into account when we want to know how the two teas differ. Let us now check them out if they are over-hyped or with the hype.

Darjeeling tea and Assam tea are both two very distinguished and prized tea varieties. Each tea has its own patrons and contributing local factors that have boosted the economy.

The taste too is quite a contrast. However. Tea-connoisseurs are more inclined towards Darjeeling tea as it tastes better without milk and sugar.

25. Assam Tea Versus Darjeeling Tea: Role Of E-Commerce 

Let us now consider which tea is more prosperous when it comes to e-commerce or online availability.

Assam tea has a humbling presence on leading e-commerce sites and the sales aren’t restricted to just e-commerce alone. Export quality tea is another aspect that has increased the demand for the tea.

Darjeeling tea on the other hand is a variety of tea that is more preferred in the e-commerce section and export quality tea is the crown on the head.

26. Comparing Assam and Darjeeling Teas Based on The Authenticity Mark

Let us now compare the two teas based on how to tell diamonds from stones ie, how to identify the real from fake.

Assam tea, when brewed the right way, gets a bright color. 

As per Government regulations after the GI tag, it has now become a mandate that all Darjeeling teas should have a “Darjeeling Logo” on each pack of tea sold.

27. Assam Tea Versus Darjeeling Tea: Can They Be Called Region Specific Tea?

Let us compare them on the basis of their region specification as the last point of comparison.

Assam tea yields a best harvest when grown in the rich Brahmaputra valley of Assam.

Darjeeling tea too cannot be grown anywhere else apart from the hilly regions of Darjeeling & Kalimpong. 

 

This concludes my blog and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing. I have written other comparison blogs too and if you want to read about them you know where to find them. In case you don’t know, let me guide you. Log onto my site: https://www.sippersneha.com and choose the blogs tab.  Oh! Also please do subscribe for my newsletter and it will be delivered right in your inbox. 

Happy Sipping!