Assam

Some yrs ago I went to Patel’s, the Indian supermarket nearby, to get some more Lipton Yellow Label loose tea. They were out, but a guy working there pointed to the Swad Assam and said, “This is what all the Indian families drink.” I’ve since drunk an ocean of it. Last time I looked it cost $3.99 for 14 oz. and I am here to tell you that on a price/quality basis this potent CTC is one of the best teas you can buy. I make a quart in a Thermos pot every morning with a single heaping teaspoon and have had complaints when I make it stronger. The aroma is magnificent and the flavor rich and deep if a bit straightforward compared with more refined Kenyas or leaf Assams. Over the years I have taken to adding perhaps half a teaspoon to various fancy Harney and McNulty blends, which by themselves always seem a tad insipid by comparison. Some fancy teas cost $1 a cup to brew. This stuff costs less than 10 cents a quart. If you live near an Indian grocery and like strong black tea, give it a try.