Exclusivity & Origin
The Nilgiri Mountains form the border between the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka, but are predominantly within the District of Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. Located within the Western Ghats mountain range and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the Nilgiri tea growing areas range between 1,000 and 2,500 metres in elevation and are exposed to the Southwest Monsoon weather from the Malabar Coast from June to September, followed by the Northeast Monsoon in October to November.
The resulting alternating periods of fog and direct sunlight, as well as the South Western Ghats montane rain forests soils, described as lateritic loam, on the hillsides provides the high elevation drainage and conditions needed for Camellia sinensis var. sinensis to thrive. However, common to the region, plucking can occur approximately every 10 days almost all year round, typically 32 annual pluckings per plant
Flavours, Taste & Fragrance
Nilgiri tea are among the finest tea around the world. Nilgiri tea is known for its briskness, referring to lively fragrant flavours, a quality attributed to its climatic growing conditions. Nilgiri tea is variously described as being light but full-bodied or well-rounded in flavour, with fruit, like citrus, and floral notes. Its light but fragrant liquor makes it useful for blending and it can be found in brands of bagged tea. Chemically, Nilgiri tea has been shown to be higher in Quinic acid and lower in tannins than other black teas.
Full Leaf Nilgiri teas contain fruity and floral flavors. The liquor is sweet and smooth, extremely gentle on the palate. These teas feature a golden yellow color and a well-balanced flavor. You might find them a tad bit spicy, with a nutty aftertaste. This makes them perfect for tea blends, which is also why they are taken with sugar and cream. It comes without any astringency. Nilgiri also produces frost teas whose leaves are harvested during the winter season. This special tea has a rosy and sweet flavor and many liken it to an ice wine.
Blender’s Paradise
Nilgiri tea are used to make one of the best iced teas in the world, since they retain their clarity as it cools, never turn bitter, whereas other black teas will often become cloudy. Nilgiri teas They are different because they produce unique, natural and sweet notes. Global commercial brands, such as Nestea, utilize Nilgiri tea in their iced tea products that use real tea.
Health Benefits
Nilgiri tea brings a wide range of benefits to the table. Drinking Nilgiri tea after meals will relieve digestion problems. Nilgiri tea is rich in flavonoids, strengthening your circulatory and heart system and improving blood flow. Nilgiri tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which helps calm the mind. A cup of Nilgiri tea will help you to relax. Nilgiri also contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping you heal faster.
Black Nilgiri tea is rich in antioxidants, protecting your cells from daily strain and pollution. Drinking Nilgiri tea for a long period can help you to slow down aging
