Organic Assam (FBOP)

Description

TGFOP, FBOPF, Broken Leaf grades, Whole leaf grades, Orthodox manufacture, CTC - over the years the grading of finished black tea has become a highly refined and often bewildering process. Nowhere is this more so than in the jungles of Assam in North Eastern India. Assam's plantations produce in the range of 30 different commercially available grades, each with their own distinct characteristics. Interestingly, the process of grading tea is actually very simple and comes into play during the final stage of production. This is sorting, when the dried finished leaf is run through large sifters that separate the larger leaf varieties from smaller ones the way grains of sand slipping through your fingers leave behind larger stones. As we shall see, it took quite some time to get from the wild untamed jungles of Assam to the refined product you are about to enjoy.

In 1823, the East India Company, a British firm in charge of developing commerce throughout Britain's eastern empire, received word that wild tea plants were growing in Assam. The evidence, hearsay from local tribal leaders, was not to be confirmed until 1834. (Things moved slowly in the 19th century) In that year, British planters, believing the wild variety wasn't refined enough for commercial purposes tried unsuccessfully to grow tea bushes using seeds from China. Over the next four years a man named Alexander Bruce, a former lieutenant with the Royal Navy, began locating wild plants and clearing the jungle around them to start plantations. This proved successful and the first Assam tea made the London auction in January 1839. During these early days, planters generally gave more thought to clearing jungle by hand, fighting malaria, tigers and making the arduous trek inland to the wild tea, than they did grading and sorting their finished product. As such Assam teas were rather coarse compared to the refinements of the present day.

Thanks to the efforts of these early planters we're pleased to bring you this superb organic FBOP - Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe. FBOP is a broken leaf grade meaning it contains broken leaf pieces and some tips. The resulting cup is bright and full bodied with deep malty notes and a slight hint of fresh toast. One of Assam's finest offerings, we suggest adding a splash of milk to help open the nuances of the cup.

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Black Tea

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.