The Blue Mountains.
If you are unfamiliar with this geographical area, this is the mountain range that towers over the south of India. It is the same mountain range that brings us Nilgiri tea as well as many of the world’s other fine black teas. But let us take a look at Nilgiri tea in particular.
What makes this tea special?
How does it taste?
And what does it taste good with?
First and foremost, Nilgiri tea has one of the most extraordinary fragrances that your senses will ever have the pleasure of discovering. In fact, Nilgiri tea is often called “The Fragrant One.” Although it is often thought to come in third place to Darjeeling and Assam teas, it can be grown throughout the entire year unlike the other two. And, because it is grown at very high altitudes in the midst of eucalyptus, blue gum, and cypress plants, it tends to have the most pleasing aroma. Because of this, it also has a taste that has subtle hints of mint, lemon, and eucalyptus. It is mildly reminiscent of Ceylon tea. You customers will savor ever drop of Nilgiri tea.
Nilgiri tea is one of the very few teas that can be enjoyed at any time in the course of a day – whether you want to drink it with your toast at breakfast, with a sandwich at lunch, or before heading off for a good night’s rest at bedtime. It can even be an afternoon treat with some biscuits, cookies, or crackers. With its completely balanced strength and consistency, Nilgiri tea will compliment just about any food at any time of day. This fact helps to make it a tea that can be appreciated by both tea connoisseurs as well as the average person simply craving a warm, soothing drink.
There are hundreds of Nilgiri tea estates located in India – among the best of them are Tiger Hill, Corsley, Craigmore, Pascoes Woodlands, Colacumby, Nonsuch, Dunsandale, and Chamraj. The tea industry here employs a great deal of local workers and greatly boosts the economy of the region.
Nilgiri tea has a much higher number of cups per measure, or cuppage, than other teas. This is because of the Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) process that is used to manufacture it. During this process, the Nilgiri tea leaves are chopped by a machine into tiny, uniform pieces. They are then spread out on a flat surface, such as a table or counter, so that they can oxidize. It is during this time of oxidation that they develop flavor, aroma strength, and depth of body – making them the wonderful teas that your customers enjoy.
Afterwards, the tea leaves are then hit with hot air to end the oxidation process. Teas that are made with the CTC process, such as Nilgiri teas, steep more quickly than other teas, taking only about two to three minutes to be fully prepared. And so, if your customers are looking for a delightful, quick cup of tea, Nilgiri tea is most definitely the tea of choice!
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