black Origin: Assam, India

Assam

Lowland Indian black tea known for malty thickness and brisk strength — the body inside most breakfast blends.

Essential Brewing Parameters

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Water Temperature

100°C (212°F)

Do not overheat — preserve aromatics

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Steep Duration

3–5 min

Decant fully to prevent over-extraction

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Dose & Resteeps

1 tsp (3 g) · 1 steeps

High (~47 mg)

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Quick Steeping Timer

Keep this tab open while water heats up

About Brewing Assam

Assam's boldness is structural: the leaf's tannins want full heat and time, and the cup rewards with malty density that carries milk and sugar without disappearing. This is the tea that taught the world "breakfast tea" — English Breakfast is typically Assam, Ceylon, and Kenyan leaves blended. Broken-leaf grades (BOP) extract faster and stronger than whole leaf; time accordingly.

Western Mug vs Gaiwan Sessions

The numbers above optimize for a standard Western mug (8–12 oz). If brewing Gongfu style in a gaiwan, double the leaf dose (5–7 g per 100 ml), use boiling or near-boiling water, and reduce steep times to 15–30 seconds for 6–8 distinct infusions. Read the full Gongfu breakdown →