What do you think of when the word “tea” comes to you. Perhaps, Darjeeling? Assam? On this International Tea Day, we will introduce you to the lesser-known but the wonderful flavoured tea of India. Kangra is one of the most amazing teas, you can ever have. Already it has got its name as the geographical indicator tag. Known for its distinctive taste, aroma, light in liquor colour content, Kangra tea is derived from the leaves, buds and tender stems of plants. It yields a distinctive brew that is gold in colour with a sweet undertone flavour, giving a mesmerizing and refreshing feel with every sip. Kangra tea is grown in Kangra valley, consisting of Kangra district, parts of Chamba and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh.
In 1886 and 1895, the tea received gold and silver medals at international conventions held in London and Amsterdam. Kangra tea belongs to species of tea Camellia sinensis, variety Sinensis, having a multistemmed frame, narrow leaves and planted from seed stock is raised in Kangra valley. Kangra tea leaves have up to 13% catechins that are saved with hight efficiency whole leaf-orthodox manufacture. These polyphenols are proven antioxidants, hypotensive, anti-carcinogenic, diuretic, antidentalcariatic and antimicrobial. It also has 3% caffeine and amino acids like theanine, glutamine and tryptophan-the important vitalize.
Tea industry of Himachal is about 150 years old. The first commercial tea plantation was established as “ Hailey Nagar Tea Estate “ at Holta near Palampur in 1852 at an elevation of 1291 m above sea level. Kangra teas are grown in Kangra valley, consisting of Kangra district, parts of Chamba and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh.
Tea tourism is slowly beginning to gain ground in and around Kangra. Several of the tea estates and tea factories in Palampur and Dharamsala offer factory tours as well as home stays for those interested in learning more about the tea. The Dharmsala Tea Company offers guided tours of its factory and tea gardens, starting from its factory in Mann Tea Estate. Similarly, the Palampur Cooperative Tea Factory offers factory tours and home stays.
