Darjeeling
- Origin
- North India
- Liquor color
- Orange
- How to enjoy
- Best enjoyed as a straight tea
Characterized by a unique aroma known as 'Muscatel'. Available at specialty shops by tea estate.
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Darjeeling vs Assam
Darjeeling and Assam are the two best-known teas of northern India. Plenty of people have heard both names; far fewer could say how they differ.
The dividing line is the ground they grow on. Darjeeling sits high in the foothills of the Himalayas, Assam on the plains of the Brahmaputra valley. That difference in altitude and climate is exactly what you taste as aroma versus body.
As a rule of thumb: Darjeeling straight, where its aroma leads, and Assam with milk, since its tannin gives it the body to stand up to it.
| Compare | Darjeeling | Assam |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | North India | North India |
| Liquor color | Orange | Clear dark red |
| How to enjoy | Straight | Milk tea |
| In a word | Characterized by a unique aroma known as 'Muscatel'. Available at specialty shops by tea estate. | High in tannins with a mild flavor and rich aroma. |