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Information: When British planters first ventured into the Assam Valley in the 1850's and 1860's with the idea of establishing tea plantations, they faced many difficulties, especially with the wildlife. They had to contend with marauding elephants, king cobras and troops of monkeys, (the monkeys were more of a nuisance than a threat as they would quickly steal anything left unattended). Perhaps the most feared animal was the mature Bengal Tiger. Historical accounts tell of the planters boiling water and adding locally grown fruits and spices along with the tea to ward off pangs of hunger and bouts of thirst. The fruit would give them the vitamin C they required, the cinnamon had a curative effect on the digestive system, and the tea - well, what citizen of England could survive without tea. Hot Brewing Method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to just before a boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cut in the teapot. Pour your hot water over the leaves. Let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (The longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Add milk and sugar to taste. Iced tea brewing method: Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of very hot water over to tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and garnish and sweeten to taste if desired. |