Eti Koli Duti Paat (One bud and two leaves)

Eti Koli Duti Paat (One bud and two leaves)

Eti koli duti paat, which means one bud and two leaves – the lyrics from the famous song of Late musical maestro Dr Bhupen Hazarika, encapsulates in just a few words, the reason for what Assam is famous for – ‘Assam Tea’.

Assam is one of the most prolific tea-producing regions in the world. Mostly grown on rolling plains by the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers that weave their ways through valleys & hills, the teas are known for their malty flavour and deep amber colour.

Geographical conditions like unique climate, rich loamy soil, liberal rainfall, sunlight, wind, the altitude from sea level, are responsible to bring that super smooth texture of the tea liquor which refreshes one with its rich taste and aroma and strong colour.

Assam teas, or blends containing Assam teas, are often sold as classic breakfast teas in India as well as overseas because it is a very strong one that packs a punch. It has a powerful aroma and taste, with a burgundy-reddish hue to it.

Assam teas consist of a variety of black teas made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis var. assamica. The tender leaves (two leaves & a bud together) are plucked carefully and processed immediately to retain the unique freshness and flavour.

From mid-January to March, when the tea plants get fresh leaves, it is called the First Flush. It is light and pungent in taste and smell. The tea leaves that grow during April and June months have certain characteristics that are particular to this period called the Second flush. As leaves are a little premature, the taste is also quite strong.

Tea gardens in Assam follow their own time known as “Tea Garden Time”, or Cha Bagan Time, which is an hour ahead of the Indian Standard Time(IST). The system was introduced during British Colonial days keeping in mind the early sunrise in this part of the country. By and large, the system has subsequently been successful in increasing the productivity of tea garden workers as they save on daylight by finishing the work during the daytime, and vice versa. Many have campaigned for a separate time zone for the northeast region.

Whether you are a novice or seasoned tea drinker, I believe a good day can start only with the right kind of brewed tea. Assam tea can blend well with milk and sugar unlike many other varieties of teas.  The tea-brewing requires special talent and culinary skills which a few only possess.

Some special varieties that are famous in Assam are – bamboo shoot tea or coin tea that has a strong green smoky taste, cheleka cha (or jaggery tea) is generally served with a piece of jaggery on the side, then nemu  Cha(lemon tea), ada chai (ginger tea)  etc.

The classic frothy milk tea that is sold in tea stalls in Fancy Bazaar, Paltan Bazaar, Maligaon, AT Road of Guwahati is everyone’s favourite; and paired with hot Aloo Matar Samosa or cutlet makes it well-adorned comfort food.

‘Tea Lounge’ in Guwahati is a tea auction centre that sells several varieties of teas from different tea estates of the state.

So, if you are looking for an offbeat trip, then these tea garden estates of Assam should be on your travel bucket list.

Anindita Sinha