December 31, 2010
Tea growers want the Indian government to fund studies to examine the flavor fallout from climate change
Growers in tropical Assam state, India’s main tea growing region, say rising temperatures have led not only to a drop in production but to subtle, unwelcome changes in the flavor of their brews.
The area in northeastern India is the source of some of the finest black and British-style teas. Assam teas are notable for their heartiness, strength and body, and are often sold as “breakfast” teas.
“Earlier, we used to get a bright strong cup. Now it’s not so,” said L.P. Chaliha, a professional tea taster.
Rajib Barooah, a tea planter in Jorhat, Assam’s main tea growing district, agreed that the potent taste of Assam tea has weakened.
“We are indeed concerned,” he said.
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I don’t really understand this article. I like Assam and Keemun, but my tastes must not be sophisticated enough to notice what is happening with Assam and the climate changes. There are many types of Assam tea, and they have different taste ranges. Some are more robust, some are milder. They come from different estates, elevations, they are harvested at different times. So, are people saying that all of the teas from all the places harvested are different now? For instance, I am wondering about the teas from places that never produced a “bright, strong cup.”
Just curious.
I think we all recognize that this situation can be fixed, like so many others, with a shit ton of corn sugar and dairy fat.
Aaron! Very naughty. But true. When I brew tea for guests, I slice a lemon if I have one, splash milk into a small urn, and check the silver/glass sugar cask with the tiny spoon attached to make sure the contents haven’t turned to concrete. And the truth is I am annoyed. Because I know that most won’t taste the tea first or even if they do will swamp it and all taste of the loose leaf tea will be annihilated.
I always swear I am going to buy sweet tea in a plastic jug at the grocery store and heat it up. I know that would be preferred most of the time because of the corn syrup.
I laugh when people salt their food before tasting. But the tea thing sets me off. Which is wrong. People should be allowed to have what they want, no matter how silly. Rant over.