Indian Tea

The tea industry in India first began in the mid-1800's, when the British began to plant tea bushes that had been smuggled out of China. By the early 20th century, the tea plantations in India had become very successful. India is now the largest tea producer in the world.

The main tea growing areas of India are in the north east, in the states of Assam and West Bengal. These two states grow and export roughly about 3/4 of India's tea. There are also some important tea plantations in south India, in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Tea bushes grow most successfully in moderately warm and humid climates that do not ever receive much of a frost. They are kept sheltered, in a nursery until 6 months of age, at which point they are 6-8 inches tall. Then, they are moved to a plantation, where they are later picked and harvested.

The three types of Indian tea are oolong, green or black. The type of tea depends on the way the tea plants are processed. After being picked, the tea leaves are dried in the sun for a day, then rolled to release their juices. After the, the leaves are put into baskets and covered with damp cloths, to ferment for a few hours. Then they are ready to be packed and shipped.