Tea India CTC Assam Loose Leaf Black Tea

It's one of the best options for homemade chai. CTC Assam is the traditional tea used in Indian chai preparation, and Tea India's version specifically excels here. The bold, malty flavor stands up to cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and other spices without getting overpowered — something lighter teas simply can't do. Reviewers who make chai blends with it are consistently impressed. Simmer it directly in a milk-water mixture with your spices for the most authentic result. The 32oz bag means you'll have enough for months of chai-making.

Because this is CTC tea, it brews fast — most reviewers find 1-3 minutes is the sweet spot. Use boiling water (212°F/100°C) and start with about one teaspoon per cup. Here's the key tip from experienced drinkers: go easy on the amount and steeping time at first, because this tea gets bitter quickly if you overdo it. For chai, you can simmer the granules directly in milk and water with your spices. For a clean cup, use a fine mesh strainer or even a paper filter, since the small CTC granules can leave some sediment with a standard strainer.

The two biggest mistakes with Tea India's CTC Assam are using too much tea and steeping too long. Because CTC granules extract so quickly and intensely, what works for regular loose leaf doesn't apply here. Start with one level teaspoon per cup — you can always add more next time. Second, don't let it steep past 3 minutes or you'll get bitterness. Third, don't expect it to look like traditional loose leaves; the small granular texture is normal for CTC processing, not a quality issue. Finally, use a fine strainer — the granules are small enough to slip through standard tea strainers and leave sediment in your cup.

This is where Tea India CTC Assam really excels. For traditional Indian-style milk tea, combine water and milk (roughly 50/50 or 60/40 water to milk) in a saucepan with 1-2 teaspoons of tea per cup. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes — the strong, concentrated flavor cuts right through the milk without getting washed out. Add sugar to taste. Reviewers consistently say this tea pairs perfectly with milk and sugar, producing a rich, comforting cup with that gorgeous reddish-black color. The bold Assam maltiness really comes alive in milk tea.

A few approaches work well with this particular tea. First, add milk and sugar — reviewers overwhelmingly say this tea shines with both, and the bold Assam malt pairs beautifully with dairy. Second, use it as a chai base: simmer with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves for an authentic masala chai. The strong CTC flavor holds up to spices without getting buried. Third, try adjusting your ratio — if it's too strong or bitter, use a bit less tea rather than less steeping time, since the flavor extracts so quickly. A small pinch of salt can also round out any bitterness.

Reviewers who've tried mainstream brands describe Tea India as a significant step up. It has a similar familiar comfort tea character but with noticeably more depth, body, and that distinct Assam maltiness. Think of it as the same general neighborhood but a much bolder, richer experience. Some reviewers even compare it favorably to premium brands like Barry's, Bewley's, and Brodie's. The value proposition is strong too — the 32oz bag at its price point offers better quality per cup than most mainstream tea brands.

Expect a bold, malty cup with a clean, traditional Assam tang. The flavor is rich, full-bodied, and smooth when brewed correctly — strong without being harsh. Reviewers describe it as comforting and warming, with a gorgeous reddish-black color in the cup. With milk and sugar, it becomes a deeply satisfying, almost creamy experience. The Assam character is distinct — there's a maltiness you won't find in Ceylon or Darjeeling teas. If you like your tea to actually taste like something rather than tinted water, this delivers.

This is consistently one of the most praised aspects of the tea. Reviewers call it outstanding value — the 32oz bag at its price point lasts 6-10+ months and delivers better quality than you'd expect. Multiple reviewers say the quality rivals premium brands like Barry's and Bewley's at a fraction of the cost. It works out to pennies per cup. The consensus is clear: this is far better tea than the price tag suggests.

For a single daily tea drinker, reviewers report the 32oz bag lasting anywhere from 6 to over 10 months. That's outstanding longevity. Because this is a strong CTC tea, you only need about a teaspoon per cup — a little goes a long way. Even heavy tea drinkers who have multiple cups a day get several months out of it. At the price point, it works out to just pennies per cup, making it one of the best values in loose tea.

Yes, surprisingly so. Despite being a strong, bold tea, it's actually very forgiving to brew. It comes together in 1-2 minutes with consistent results, so you don't need a thermometer or a timer to get a good cup. The flavor is familiar — if you've ever enjoyed a strong cup of Lipton or Tetley, this is like that but better. Start with a level teaspoon per cup and adjust from there. The only learning curve is not oversteeping it (stay under 3 minutes) and using a fine enough strainer. It's a great introduction to authentic Indian tea without being intimidating.

Be honest with yourself about a few things. If you prefer delicate, light, or floral teas, this isn't for you — it's bold and strong by design. If you want the aesthetic of beautiful whole loose leaves unfurling in your teapot, you'll be disappointed by the granular CTC appearance. If you're caffeine-sensitive and need an evening tea, look elsewhere — this is very high caffeine. And if you like a mild, subtle cup, the intensity here will probably overwhelm you. This tea is built for people who want strength and body, not refinement and subtlety.

Tea India's strong CTC Assam actually works surprisingly well as iced tea. Brew it double-strength — about 2 teaspoons per cup of boiling water, steeped for 2-3 minutes — then pour over a full glass of ice. The concentrated flavor holds up to dilution from the ice. Several reviewers mention it works well cold, even without milk, which gives you a clean, bold iced black tea. You can also cold brew it overnight in the fridge for a smoother, less bitter result. Add sweetener while the tea is still hot for best dissolving.

You can, and some reviewers do. Because this tea is so strong and concentrated on the first brew, there's enough flavor left for a lighter second cup. It won't be as bold — expect about half the strength — but it's still drinkable. This is especially handy if you like a milder afternoon cup after a strong morning brew. That said, CTC tea gives up most of its flavor on the first steep more quickly than traditional loose leaf, so don't expect the same multi-steep potential as a high-end oolong or pu-erh.

Absolutely. While this tea is famous for pairing with milk, reviewers note it also works well black — especially cold. The flavor is clean and malty without milk, though it will be quite strong and may have some astringency. If you drink it black, try using slightly less tea (a scant teaspoon) and steeping for just 1-2 minutes to keep it smooth. Several reviewers specifically mention enjoying it as iced tea without milk, where the bold flavor translates into a refreshing, no-frills drink.

This is a known characteristic of CTC tea. The granules are very small — smaller than typical loose leaf — so standard tea strainers may let some particles through. Reviewers recommend using a fine mesh strainer, a tea sock, or even a paper filter to get a cleaner cup. Some people don't mind the slight sediment at the bottom, but if it bothers you, upgrading your straining method solves the issue. It's not a quality problem — it's just the nature of the CTC grind size.

Standard ball infusers and most basic strainers will let CTC granules through because the particles are so small. Your best options are a fine mesh stainless steel strainer (look for ones marketed for rooibos or CTC tea), a cloth tea sock, or a paper tea filter. Some people even use a coffee filter in a pinch. If you're making chai by simmering the tea in milk, you can strain through a fine sieve when pouring. Getting the right strainer makes a real difference in cup clarity with this tea.

Very close. British builder's tea is traditionally a strong, no-nonsense black tea brewed heavy with milk and sugar — and Tea India's CTC Assam fits that description perfectly. Reviewers specifically mention using it for British-style builder's tea. The bold, malty Assam flavor and quick brewing time make it ideal for that purpose. It even compares favorably to classic British brands like Barry's and Brodie's. If you want an affordable way to make a proper strong British cuppa, this nails it.

All Assam tea is black tea, but not all black tea is Assam. Assam refers specifically to tea grown in the Assam region of northeastern India, and it has a distinct flavor profile — malty, bold, and full-bodied with a characteristic 'Assam tang.' Tea India's CTC Assam has that classic profile in spades. Compared to other black teas like Darjeeling (lighter, more floral) or Ceylon (brighter, more brisk), Assam tends to be the strongest and most robust, which is why it's the go-to base for chai and strong milk teas.

Black tea is the broad category — CTC is just one way of processing it. Traditional loose leaf black tea is rolled into long, twisted leaves that unfurl as they steep, giving a more nuanced flavor. CTC black tea (like Tea India's Assam) is mechanically crushed into small granules that look a bit like coffee grounds. The tradeoff is appearance for strength: CTC brews much faster and stronger, producing a rich, bold cup in just 1-3 minutes. It's specifically designed for people who want a powerful, no-nonsense tea — especially with milk and sugar or as a chai base.

Yes, absolutely. This is a strong Assam CTC tea with high caffeine content, and reviewers specifically flag it as not ideal for evening use because of that. It's designed to be a morning and daytime tea — people praise the energy boost it delivers. If you're sensitive to caffeine, you'll definitely want to set a cutoff time in the afternoon. On the flip side, if you're looking for a tea that actually gives you a noticeable lift like coffee does, this one delivers.

This is arguably the ideal time to drink it. Tea India's CTC Assam is specifically praised by reviewers as a strong morning breakfast tea with a noticeable caffeine kick. The bold, malty flavor wakes you up, and the high caffeine content provides genuine energy. Pair it with milk and sugar for a satisfying, warming start to the day. Multiple reviewers have made it their daily morning routine tea. Just don't skimp on breakfast — drinking strong tea on a completely empty stomach can cause mild nausea for some people.

Generally no — coffee has more caffeine per cup than black tea. A typical cup of coffee has 95-200mg of caffeine, while black tea averages 40-70mg. That said, Tea India's CTC Assam is on the higher end for black tea because Assam teas and CTC processing both tend to produce more caffeine. Reviewers specifically mention it as a solid morning energy boost. If you're looking for a caffeinated pick-me-up that's strong but not as jittery as coffee, this tea hits a nice middle ground — though you'll definitely want to avoid it in the evening.

Drinking black tea daily is generally considered safe and potentially beneficial — it's a rich source of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids. Reviewers of Tea India's CTC Assam who drink it daily report a comforting warming effect and reliable morning energy. The main things to watch are caffeine intake (this is a high-caffeine tea, so 2-3 cups a day is reasonable) and the potential for tannins to affect iron absorption if you drink it with meals. Many reviewers mention this 32oz bag lasting 6-10+ months with daily use, which speaks to how many people have made it their everyday tea.

A hot cup of strong black tea can help when you're under the weather. The warmth soothes the throat, the steam helps with congestion, and the caffeine can help with the fatigue that comes with illness. Tea India's bold Assam is particularly comforting — reviewers describe its warming effect as one of its standout qualities. The tannins in black tea may also help settle an upset stomach. Just be mindful of the high caffeine content if you're trying to rest, and stay hydrated with water too since caffeine is a mild diuretic.

For a strong Assam CTC like Tea India's: 1) Energy and alertness — the high caffeine content gives a real morning boost, confirmed by reviewers. 2) Antioxidants — black tea is rich in theaflavins that support heart health. 3) Gut health — polyphenols in black tea promote healthy gut bacteria. 4) Mental focus — the caffeine plus L-theanine combination in tea provides sustained alertness without coffee jitters. 5) Comfort and routine — this might sound soft, but reviewers consistently mention the warming, comforting effect of a daily cup as a genuine quality-of-life benefit.

For a standard cup, steep Tea India CTC Assam for 1-3 minutes in boiling water — that's one of the advantages of CTC processing, it extracts quickly. One minute gives you a lighter cup; three minutes gives you maximum strength. Be careful going beyond 3 minutes though, as multiple reviewers note it can turn bitter if oversteeped. If you're making chai by simmering in milk and water, you can go a bit longer since the milk helps tame any bitterness.

Here's a straightforward method: 1) Boil fresh water to a full rolling boil. 2) Add about 1 teaspoon of Tea India CTC granules per cup to your teapot or mug. 3) Pour boiling water over the tea. 4) Steep for 1-3 minutes depending on how strong you like it. 5) Strain through a fine mesh strainer — a regular strainer may let some granules through, so a finer one works better. 6) Add milk and sugar to taste. This tea really shines with milk, and many drinkers say it pairs perfectly with a splash of whole milk and a bit of sugar for that classic Indian tea experience.

Among common tea types, Assam black teas like Tea India's CTC blend are among the highest in caffeine. CTC processing exposes more surface area of the leaf, which means faster and more complete caffeine extraction. Matcha technically has more caffeine per serving since you consume the whole leaf, but for steeped teas, a strong Assam CTC like this one is near the top. Reviewers confirm the high caffeine content, noting it provides a reliable morning energy boost — and recommending against drinking it in the evening.

A cup of Tea India's CTC Assam will have roughly 50-70mg of caffeine, while a typical cup of brewed coffee has 95-200mg. So coffee wins on raw caffeine numbers, but this tea is no lightweight — it's a strong, bold Assam processed using CTC, which maximizes extraction. Reviewers report a solid morning energy boost from it. The practical difference is that tea delivers its caffeine alongside L-theanine, which tends to give you a smoother, more sustained alertness without the jitters some people get from coffee.

Both are healthy in different ways — they come from the same plant but are processed differently. Green tea gets more press for its EGCG antioxidants, while black tea (like Tea India's Assam) is rich in theaflavins and thearubigins, which have their own cardiovascular and gut health benefits. Black tea typically has more caffeine, so it's better for morning energy. The honest answer is that the healthiest tea is the one you'll actually drink consistently. If you love the bold, malty comfort of a strong Assam, you're still getting plenty of antioxidants and health benefits.

Black tea may modestly support weight management — research suggests the polyphenols in black tea can promote fat metabolism and support healthy gut bacteria linked to weight management. Tea India's CTC Assam is essentially zero calories when brewed plain (no milk or sugar). The catch is that this tea really shines with milk and sugar, which add calories. If weight loss is a goal, try it plain or with just a splash of milk. It also works well as unsweetened iced tea. But be realistic: tea is a small piece of the puzzle, not a magic solution.