Our Assam Mangalam loose-leaf tea is a perfect example of a beautifully made, authentic single origin Assam black tea. Dark amber in colour, this Extra Special FTGFOP1 Indian tea boasts long, wiry leaves with an abundance of golden tips, making for a rich, full-bodied, spicy and malty brew with a delicious caramel aroma. Single-origin Assam tea is known for its body, briskness, malty flavour and strong, bright colour. This part of India experiences high rainfall during the monsoon period, with up to 300mm of rain per day and daytime temperatures rising to 40C, creating greenhouse-like conditions of extreme humidity and heat – and Assam black tea's trademark malty taste. This single-origin tea is harvested in summer on Mangalam Tea Estate, located at 2,250m in Sivasagar district – higher than most Assam tea gardens, which are generally found around sea level. Drawing on the heritage of the classic Assam breakfast blends, renowned the world over for their distinctive malty flavour, Assam Mangalam benefits from some of the most modern tea cultivation practices in India. Founded in 1973, Mangalam Tea Estate is a relative newcomer to India's historic Assam tea-producing landscape but has quickly built a reputation as one of the region's finest tea gardens. Here, the prized assamica variety hybrids are close-planted to encourage high yield, large leaves and an abundance of golden tips, for teas of exceptional quality. Produced according to the orthodox method, these are some of the best Assam brews you'll find. They also have the added benefit of being rich in polyphenols – immunity-boosting plant-based chemicals with powerful antioxidant properties. Health Benefits of Assam Tea We often get asked whether black tea has any health benefits, and the answer is a resounding yes! Black tea is filled tea catechins, which are a type of antioxidant which can help combat the effects of ageing and keep your body in tip-top shape. Black tea, even with milk, is a low-calorie option, and is ideal for helping with weight management. It provides a natural source of caffeine, making black tea a great way to start the day and stay energised throughout. Alternatives to this malty black tea For more exceptional examples of Assam black tea, packed with golden tips, try our Assam Manjushree or Assam Thowra. For a daily breakfast brew, look to Assam Breakfast - perfect with a splash of milk! For other black tea types, try our best selling English Breakfast or Earl Grey may hit the spot. For more about Assam tea's taste, history and how to brew it, our in-depth guide has all you need to know. Or discover a range of other teas with our Classic Black Tea Discovery Collection, which offers taster pouches for five different breakfast brews.
