Assam Orthodox Black Tea
Whole-leaf Assam: malt, raisin and caramel in a brisk amber cup.
Assam orthodox black tea is made the traditional way, by rolling whole or large leaf instead of crushing it. The cup is brisk and amber, with malt, raisin and caramel, and it asks for a little more time in the pot than CTC.
Sensory profile
How it unfolds
Where it sits
That is 54 mg in one serving (8 oz cup (240ml)), a concentration of 22.5 mg per 100 ml. The scale above ranks whole servings, and servings differ in size, so a larger drink can sit further right while being weaker cup for cup.
Editorial estimate, not a laboratory measurement
Related gear
Related reading
| Brewing method | Teapot |
|---|---|
| Brew ratio | 1:80 |
| Dose & yield | 3g → 240g |
| Grind size | Whole Leaf |
| Water temperature | 203°F / 95°C |
| Target brew time | 3:00-4:00 |
| Serving | 8 oz cup (240ml) |
What you need
- 3 g loose-leaf black tea
- 240 g filtered water at 95°C
Required gear
Step-by-step protocol
- 0:00Warm the pot with hot water and pour it away, so the brewing water does not lose heat to cold ceramic.
- 0:10Add 3 g of leaf to the pot or basket, leaving room for it to open.
- 0:20Pour 240 g of water at 95°C over the leaf and cover. Start the timer.
- 3:50Remove the leaf or decant completely. Leaf left in the pot keeps extracting and turns the last cup bitter.
What it may be good for
The caffeine count
We list about 54 mg for an 8 oz cup.
Give the leaf room
Whole leaf takes longer to open than CTC. Use a pot with space for it to unfurl, and wait for the third minute before you judge the cup.
What to watch out for
- Caffeine affects everyone differently. If you are pregnant or nursing, sensitive to caffeine, or have been told to limit it, check with your doctor about how much tea is right for you.
Assam orthodox black tea is made the traditional way, by rolling whole or large leaf instead of crushing it. The cup is brisk and amber, with malt, raisin and caramel, and it asks for a little more time in the pot than CTC. Brewed in a teapot at 95°C.
Origin & Story
Orthodox is the old way of making black tea. The leaf is withered, rolled by hand or by machine so that it stays whole or in large pieces, then oxidized and dried. In Assam it is the smaller side of the business: most Assam tea is made by CTC, the machine method that turns leaf into pellets, and about 90% of all the tea made in India is CTC.
Whole leaf is valued for complexity. Tea writers describe malty notes with a touch of caramel and sometimes chocolate, where CTC leans toward bold strength. The leaf also opens more slowly in the pot, which is why orthodox Assam tends to ask for more time than CTC, with brewing guides ranging from three to five minutes.
Orthodox Assam has legal protection of its own. The Tea Board of India applied in 2007 to register the Assam Orthodox word and logo as geographical indications, and the registration was certified in 2008. The logo may be used only on tea that the Board certifies.
Assam tea comes from two main areas, the Assam valley and Cachar, and the region as a whole makes more than half of India's tea. For this cup, use water at about 95°C and 3 g of leaf for 240 ml, steep for three to four minutes, and taste before deciding whether it wants longer.
Reading the Flavor Profile
| Axis | Score |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | 72/100 |
| Acidity | 42/100 |
| Bitterness | 46/100 |
| Body | 80/100 |
| Aroma | 84/100 |
These values are comparative editorial positions within our own catalog, calibrated so entries can be ranked against each other. They are not laboratory measurements.
How much caffeine is in Assam Orthodox Black Tea?
One serving, 8 oz cup (240ml), contains approximately 54 mg of caffeine.
What temperature should I use for Assam Orthodox Black Tea?
Target 95°C (203°F).
How long should Assam Orthodox Black Tea be extracted?
Timing: 3:00-4:00. Method: Teapot. Ratio: 12g/L (3g leaves to 240g water). Grind or leaf format: Whole Leaf.
What does orthodox mean in tea?
Orthodox tea is made the traditional way: the leaf is withered and rolled so it stays whole or in large pieces, then oxidized and dried. CTC tea is made by machine, which crushes the leaf into small pellets.
Is Assam orthodox tea protected?
Yes. The Tea Board of India registered the Assam Orthodox word and logo as geographical indications, with the certificate issued in 2008. The logo may be used only on tea the Board certifies.
Who should avoid Assam Orthodox Black Tea?
Caffeine affects everyone differently. If you are pregnant or nursing, sensitive to caffeine, or have been told to limit it, check with your doctor about how much tea is right for you. This information is educational and is not medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, managing a cardiac or gastrointestinal condition, or taking prescription medication, discuss caffeine and botanical intake with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes.
What people say
Borosilicate Glass Teapot with Infuser
In this recipe: Teapot with room for the leaf to open
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