Assam Black Tea

Assam Tea is the boldest, maltiest black tea you can brew: a full-bodied, single-origin tea from the Assam region of northeast India. Ours is organic loose leaf Assam with a rich, deep body, notes of caramel and toasted grain, and a naturally brisk finish. It makes a strong morning cup and is at its best with a splash of milk.

• Size: 1 oz of loose leaf tea.
• Ingredient: Organic Assam black tea (Camellia sinensis).
• Caffeine: Contains caffeine, roughly 40–70 mg per 8 oz cup.
• Brew: 1–2 teaspoons per 8 oz of water at 200–212°F. Steep 3–5 minutes, then strain.

What Is Assam Tea?

Assam is a state in northeast India, in the low, hot and humid valley of the Brahmaputra River, and it is one of the largest tea-growing regions in the world. The tea grown there comes from the large-leaf Assam variety of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis var. assamica), which is known for a strong, malty, dark-brewing black tea.

Because it is so robust, Assam is the backbone of many breakfast blends, including most English and Irish Breakfast teas. Drunk on its own, as a single-origin tea, it is the fullest-bodied black tea on our shelf. For more on where black teas come from, see our guide to the types of black tea.

Meet Our Assam

Our organic Assam brews a deep reddish-brown cup with a warm, malty aroma. The flavor is bold and full, with notes of caramel and toasted grain and a brisk, slightly drying finish that keeps it from feeling heavy. It is strong enough to take milk and sugar without disappearing, and satisfying plain for anyone who likes a big cup of tea. Packed to order in a 1 oz size.

How To Brew Assam Tea

Plain: heat water to a full boil (200–212°F). Use 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz and steep 3 to 4 minutes, then strain.

With milk: use a heaping teaspoon (or two for a big mug) and steep the full 4 to 5 minutes so the tea stays strong under the milk. Add milk and sweetener to taste.

Milk tea on the stove: Assam is the classic base for stovetop milk tea. Simmer 2 teaspoons in 1 cup of water for 2 to 3 minutes, add ¾ cup of milk and sugar to taste, bring back just to a simmer, then strain.

How Much Caffeine Is In Assam Tea?

Assam is a black tea, and a typical 8 oz cup contains roughly 40–70 mg of caffeine, about half of a similar cup of brewed coffee. Assam tends to sit toward the stronger end of that range for black tea, and a longer steep pulls out more. If you want a big-flavored cup with less caffeine, steep for 3 minutes, or switch to one of our caffeine-free herbal teas later in the day.

Assam vs. Our Other Black Teas

• Assam – the maltiest and heaviest: bold, deep and brisk.
• Organic English Breakfast Tea – a little lighter and more balanced; the all-rounder for milk.
• Ceylon Black Tea – brighter and more citrusy, lovely plain or iced.
• Organic Earl Grey Creme Tea – black tea with bergamot and vanilla for a softer, fragrant cup.
• Organic Black Tea – our everyday black tea for a simple, versatile cup.

Browse them all in our loose leaf black tea collection.

Who Assam Is Best For

• Anyone who wants the strongest, fullest black tea we carry.
• Tea drinkers who take milk and sugar and want the tea to still taste like tea.
• People making stovetop milk tea or homemade chai.
• Coffee drinkers looking for a bold morning cup with less caffeine than coffee.
• Fans of English Breakfast who want more malt and body.