Beware of products merely citing themselves as ‘Organic’ WITHOUT any mandatory certifications or by simply including the word ‘organic’ in their name itself. Trust products only with the Certifications of NPOP, NOP, USDA, PGS-India, BioSuisse, etc. You would be able to ascertain their authenticity from the official logos printed on their outer packing.

Two major differences: Kangra Tea is naturally a specialty ultra-premium tea with a distinct golden brew and a sweet undertone but without any astringencies associated with premium teas. Adjudged as the “World’s Best” in several global European competitions stands strongly to its testament. Several published papers in High Impact Factor national & international medical journals verify that Kangra Tea has strong nutraceutical properties aiding immunity with anti-viral & anti-biotic effects Likewise, Kangra Tea has been documented to keep in check Diabetes1 & Liver Issues while preventing Brain-Disorders & certain types Cancers. Additionally, it is ascertained with research that it is a po

Kangra Tea was one of the most favorite of beverages for the Britishers and they self-interestedly reserved it mostly for themselves & their own families back in the West. After surviving the devastating Great Himalayan Earthquake (1905) and the Colonialists themselves, the industry has barely managed to free itself from the middlemen. Up until even now, most of this ultra-premium tea still gets exported, fetching top dollars for the exporters, with hardly any value flowing back to the growers & laborers in the valley. It is only now, that a few local aspirants like us, have taken up the challenge to bring the past glory back to the Kangra Tea which is grown authentically only in that specific micro-climate (GI Tagged) of the Kangra Valley.

While Artificial flavors are allowed under FSSAI regulations, and are sometimes tempting (with their strong aroma), there is enough evidence to reveal that Artificial Flavors (man-made/ chemical/ synthetic mixtures) are known to cause several allergies and diseases. Natural flavors on the other hand, are compounds extracted from spices, fruits, flowers, vegetables, leaves, etc., through a physical process. However, even Natural flavors may or may not be treated with chemicals (like preservatives) or may not be even extracted from certified organic products (pesticide and/ or chemical fertilizer free). Although the regulators often don’t require the manufacturers to disclose whether these flavors come from natural or synthetic sources as long as they come from plant or animal origin but in Kangra Tea House, we strictly add ONLY natural & certified organic whole/ cut/ crushed ingredients. Moreover, these additives maintain their own nutritional value, as well.

According to a recent research, 90% of us in India have been only exposed to CTC (Cut, Tear & Curl/ Crush) tea . This is that blackish-even-sized-pellets (daanedar) tea that we usually pick up just off-the-shelf usually.

Though both of them are made from the same Camellia sinensis plant, the oxidation makes black tea different from green. The oxidation turns the leaves darker and accentuates the flavors. Both teas are full of antioxidants (polyphenols) however, the type & amount may differ slightly. Green is known to have more EGCG whereas the Black is richer in Theaflavins. The health benefits may vary slightly but both are considered to be very healthy. Reviews suggest that people who drink 1-3 cups of green tea everyday have a 19% and 36% chance of reduced heart attack & stroke respectively. Similarly, black tea drinkers taking at least 3 cups a day, have 11% reduced chances of heart diseases 12. That said, more health-conscious tea drinkers might prefer a nutritional Green Tea, while habitual tea drinkers prefer Black due to its stronger character & caffeine content.

One can distinguish between Green Teas using 3 potential indicators:

 Origin – Kangra Tea is considered to be superior compared to other teas specially from nutraceutical point of view.

 Grade – Whole leaves or loose-leaf tea is obviously preferred as compared to fanning or tea dust (tea bags) and if it is First Flush, even merrier.

 Certification – Unless your tea is strictly certified as “Certified Organic” by a recognized certifying agency & reported compliant by Quality Control Laboratory, and is carrying their logo proudly, it might contain heavy metals that could cause more harm than any good.

Multiple infusions or re-steeping is an attribute that in many ways the USP (Unique Selling Proposition) of Whole-long-leaf teas (not recommended for CTC or Tea Bags). In fact, it is a great way to experience not just different flavors of the same tea (from every infusion) but also extract the most of the beneficial antioxidants present in it. We strongly recommend at least 3 infusions, though Kangra Tea is known to hold its character (releasing different complexities & flavors) up to 7 infusions depending upon the additives. Do store these already infused tea leaves in an airtight container in your refrigerator.