India

India produces tea in three main growing regions: Assam, Darjeeling and Nilgiri.

Assams are recognized for their wonderful strength and malty, spicy characteristics. They go great at breakfast-time with a splash of milk and a little sugar.

Darjeelings, grown at the highest elevation of any tea in the foothills of the Himalayas, brew a very light color, but with a lovely, fruity aromatic quality reminiscent of muscat grapes. These teas are prized for their fine astringency and tend to have a refreshing feel in the mouth.

Nilgiri, also known as the Blue Mountains, produces teas at a mid-elevation and they tend to combine the best qualities of the two above, with enough maltiness to taste good with milk, and enough briskness to work well iced.