Tea consumers are fascinated by Darjeeling and Assam tea but very few people are familiar with the South Indian tea variants. Nilgiri tea is the most extensively cultivated variant in this region.

Nilgiri black tea is known for fruity sweet notes, floral fragrance, and mild briskness. Apart from rich flavors, the blue mountain tea has distinct characteristics that contribute to the health and wellness of regular drinkers.

Dive in to know everything about this incredible black tea variety from the exotic blue mountains of South India.

 

Nilgiri Black Tea – An Overview

Nilgiri tea has an exceptionally sweet, flavorsome essence that distinguishes it from the typically strong and brisk cultivars grown in Assam and Darjeeling. It is the best choice for making iced tea.

This black tea variety acquired its name from the region Blue Mountains (Nil- blue, Giri- mountains) of Tamil Nadu where it is cultivated. The Blue Mountains lie along the Western Ghats where Camellia Sinensis var. tea plants are grown at 8000m altitude. The rich kaolinite clay loam soil, monsoon, and mountainous drainage beds offer ideal conditions for tea cultivation.

The traditional hand-processed Nilgiri tea is one of the finest quality teas in the country. The hand-picked tea of this region is valued for its sweet floral notes, fruity taste, and subdued briskness in every sip.

 

History of Nilgiri Black Tea

Tea cultivation was introduced in the blue mountains in 1835 by the renowned British botanist George Samuel Perrottet. Perrottet and his friends brought Camellia Sinensis var. Sinensis seeds from China for experimental tea gardening in South India. Initially, the seeds were planted in the slopy landscape in the governor’s house in Ketti Valley.

Thiashola Estate was the first tea estate in the Nilgiri district, founded in 1859. After overwhelming success, the British planters started commercial tea production in the region in 1862.

 

Remarkable Features of Flavoursome Nilgiri Tea

The prime variants grown in the Nilgiri region are Assam (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) and China (Camellia sinensis var. Sinensis). Despite the same cultivar, Nilgiri black tea boasts some unique attributes- fruity taste, floral aroma, and light briskness. The tea owes its exceptionality to the warm weather conditions and mineral-rich soil.

Taste

Tea is generally grown in cold hilly areas worldwide. Nilgiri is an exception. Optimum rainfall from two monsoons and fertile soil contribute to the rich taste of these premium black/dark brown tea leaves.

Most tea variants leave a bitter taste if left for some time. Nilgiri tea possesses a naturally sweet taste with a floral fragrance. It does not turn bitter even after a long time. When brewed without milk, these leaves bestow a dazzling amber consistency to the liquor tea.

Nutrition Value

Nilgiri tea has lower consistency of astringent than the Darjeeling cultivars. It also has a low percentage of tannins compared to other Indian black tea varieties. The tea is produced from smaller leaves and has moderate caffeine. However, the tea is rich in flavonoids, amino acids, polyphenols, and polysaccharides.

Yields

Unlike Darjeeling and Assam, Nilgiri is a hot climate region. Nilgiri gets monsoon twice a year without frost. This favors the finest quality tea plantation and harvesting throughout the year.

 

Incredible Health Benefits of Nilgiri Black Tea

Rich Source of Flavonoid Antioxidants

Nilgiri tea contains a high percentage of flavonoids and phytonutrients. These antioxidants protect the cells from rapid oxidative damage. Regular intake of flavonoids can improve cardiovascular health and prevent the development of cancerous tumors.

Good Source of Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates present in plant-based foods. These nutrients form the chief source of energy in the body. Hence, drinking a cup of Nilgiri black tea in the morning keeps you energized, active, and refreshed.

Besides energizing the body, polysaccharides are beneficial for maintaining blood sugar levels, controlling blood pressure, reducing irritation, and inducing a good mood.

Contains L-theanine Amino Acids

The black tea leaves of blue mountains contain L-theanine amino acids in moderate quantities. Doctors opine that drinking a cup of Nilgiri tea can relieve anxiety and stress without feeling drowsy.

During a study, it was found that adults taking 97mg L-theanine with 40mg caffeine felt active and alert. It helps to improve concentration and focus at work.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Nilgiri black tea of Camellia Sinensis var. has polyphenols and antioxidants that are helpful to reduce inflammation. Drinking this tea regularly for a long period can cause a reduction in C-reactive proteins (increases inflammation in the body) levels. It helps combat severe conditions such as rheumatic arthritis and bowel inflammations.

Promotes Stomach and Gut Health

The tea leaves of Nilgiri mountains are rich in tannins, a kind of antioxidant. These plant-based antioxidants act as astringents to relieve bowel irritation, stomach aches, diarrhea, etc.

Drinking this organic tea endears a long-term effect and diminishes problems in the digestive system. It also curbs harmful bacterial growth such as Helicobacter pylori and Salmonella in the gut to prevent stomach ulcers.

Boosts Metabolism for Healthy Weight Loss

The tea leaves of the Nilgiri region are derived from Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica plants. The tea variety contains a moderate amount of caffeine that helps to boost basal metabolism. Drinking this tea regularly can help you achieve a 6 percent increase in metabolism.

Caffeine components in blue mountain tea also prompt lipolysis. The process aids the body to metabolize the excessive fat stored in cells.

Strengthens Immunity

Camelia Sinensis black tea leaves of the blue mountains contain a high percentage of alkylamine antigens. These nonpeptide antigens strengthen the immune system. Drinking Nilgiri tea every day helps create a protective barrier against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

 

Brew a Cup of Nilgiri Black Tea for Ultimate Refreshment & Energy

There are numerous ways to make a cup of Nilgiri black tea. To get the authentic aromatic essence, brew this tea in a glass or clay teapot. Herein are some of the best methods to enjoy Nilgiri tea.

Method 1: Traditional Nilgiri Milk Tea

Things You Will Need

Nilgiri tea leaves- 2tbsp

Milk- 1 cup

Water- 4 cups

Sweetener- as per taste

Add water and milk to a teapot and bring to a boil. Put the tea leaves in an infuser and steep them in the pot for 10 minutes on medium heat. Turn off the flame and allow 2 minutes for brewing. Add sugar, jaggery, honey, or artificial sweetener as per taste.

Method 2: Classic Liquor Nilgiri Tea

Things You Will Need

Nilgiri tea leaves- ½ tsp

Water- 200ml

Sweetener- As per taste

Boil water in a teapot. Turn off the flame. Sprinkle the tea leaves in the pot or use an infuser. Allow 5 minutes to brew the ingredients. Serve hot with added sugar or any other sweetener.

Method 3: Spiced Nilgiri Tea

Things You Will Need

Nilgiri tea leaves- 2tbsp

Milk- 1 cup

Water- 5 cups

Green Cardamom Powder- 1/4th tsp

Nutmeg Powder- 1/4th tsp

Ginger (crushed)- 1 tbsp

Star Anise- 1 flower

Sugar- as per taste

Boil milk and water in a tea pan. Add the spices (cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, ginger, and star anise) and boil for another 5 minutes. Now add the tea leaves and sugar. Stir to mix well and heat the tea for another 5 minutes. Strain to remove the spices and tea leaves. Serve spiced Nilgiri tea hot with your favorite snacks in the evening.

Note: For a strong spicy note, soak the spices in water for 10 minutes before heating. (Optional)

Method 4: Lemon and Mint Iced Nilgiri Tea

Things You Will Need

Nilgiri tea- ½ tsp

Water- 200ml

Lemon Juice- 4tbsp

Mint Leaves- 4-5

Lemon jest

Honey- as per taste

Ice cubes- 4-5

Boil water and infuse the tea leaves for 10 minutes. Remove the tea leaves and allow the content to cool down. After cooling, add lemon juice and honey to the teapot.

Put mint leaves, lemon jest, and ice cubes in the serving glass.

Stir the tea properly and pour it into the glass. Serve Nilgiri tea chilled for a cooling effect in summers.