Assam Tea and Chinese Tea: The Two Main Varieties of Tea
Assam Tea and Chinese Tea: The Two Main Varieties of Tea
Assam Tea and Chinese Tea: The Two Main Varieties of Tea
Explore Assam tea and Chinese tea from their origins and characteristics to their cultivation zones and methods of production.
Assam Tea and Chinese Tea: The Two Major Tea Varieties of the World
If coffee represents the beverage culture of the Western world, then tea is undeniably the cultural symbol of the East. Originating in China, tea has been consumed for over a thousand years and has evolved into one of the world’s most beloved beverages.
Assam Tea and Chinese Tea: The Two Main Varieties of Tea
Explore Assam tea and Chinese tea—the world’s two major tea varieties—from their origins and characteristics to their cultivation zones and methods of production, to better understand the diverse flavors and global tea culture.
Assam Tea and Chinese Tea: The Two Major Tea Varieties of the World
If coffee represents the beverage culture of the Western world, then tea is undeniably the cultural symbol of the East. Originating in China, tea has been consumed for over a thousand years and has evolved into one of the world’s most beloved beverages.
The Diversity of Tea Species
Tea comes in various forms—leaf tea. All fall under the Camellia genus. Camellia Oleifera is grown mainly for its tea seed oil. Camellia Japonica is cultivated for its beautiful flowers. And Camellia Sinensis is the tea we drink.
Regardless of where the tea is grown or how it is processed, every cup comes from Camellia Sinensis. Even within this species, there are two main varieties: Camellia Sinensis Var. Sinensis (Chinese tea) and Camellia Sinensis Var. Assamica (Assam tea).
What “Chinese Tea” and “Assam Tea” Mean in This Article
In this article, the terms Chinese tea and Assam tea refer broadly to these two botanical varieties, not specifically to tea grown only in China or in the Indian state of Assam.
Camellia Sinensis var. Sinensis – The Chinese tea variety, primarily cultivated in northern China, Taiwan, and Japan.
Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica – The Assam tea variety, which grows in southern China, Vietnam, Laos, northern Thailand, Myanmar, India (Assam), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), and parts of Africa.
Origins of the Scientific Names
Camellia Sinensis refers to tea long known in China (Sino). Camellia Assamica was identified in the Indian state of Assam as a distinct variety, though similar Assamica varieties were later found in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
Climate and Physical Differences
Although the two varieties belong to the same species and can be crossbred, they grow differently depending on climate:
- Assamica thrives in tropical climates—hot, humid, with abundant rainfall. The plants grow quickly, with large leaves, producing strong, astringent tea.
- Sinensis grows above the Tropic of Cancer—cooler, drier, and with less rainfall. The plants grow slowly, producing small but thick leaves that yield a lighter yet more enduring infusion.
Caution When Using Tea Terms
“Assam tea” may refer either to
- the Assamica variety (broad meaning), or
- tea specifically grown in the state of Assam (mostly black tea)
This often leads to the misconception that all Assam tea equals black tea, though green tea is also produced there.
Conclusion: The Charm and Significance of the Two Varieties
Despite their differences, both varieties play essential roles in shaping the world’s diverse tea cultures. Understanding these distinctions helps tea drinkers choose according to their preferences and appreciate the deep cultural history behind each cup.
