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

1. 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.

2. 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 ³ . Likewise, Kangra Tea has been documented to keep in check Diabetes ¹ & Liver Issues ² while preventing Brain-Disorders & certain types Cancers. ²  Additionally, it is ascertained with research that it is a potential probiotic ⁴ that packs a serious punch of anti-oxidants and has a stimulatory effect on growth.

*Write to us, at support@kangarateahouse.com if you want to know more on Kangra Tea’s Health Benefits

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 extracted from certified organic products (pesticide and/ or chemical fertilizer free) ⁹ .

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 10 . 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 ⁴

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.

You are not alone. Many of us who have been having tea with Sugar & Milk for ages now, find even the idea of not adding sugar & milk, a little difficult.

However, we implore you to try it once and we promise, you wouldn’t regret. Many of us will simply find it amusing as to how wasteful these additions (sugar & milk) have been.

The Whole-loose-leaf Kangra Tea is smooth enough not to require any milk or sugar additions since it does not carry those tannins (from lower bitter leaves & stalk) that you find either in lower grade teas or CTC. In lower-grade & CTC teas it is essential to add milk & sugar to neutralize the bitterness of tannins.

If tea is an indulgence for you and you actually savor the flavors & aroma then Whole-loose-leaf Kangra Tea is just the Cup of Choice for you. Well- steeped Kangra Tea is an experience of pampering all of your senses. Whole-loose-leaves simply cannot be crammed into a tea bag, therefore usually the lower grades (like dust & fanning) of tea are stuffed ¹³ that further deteriorates in the bleached wrappings & paper boxes.

Moreover, teabags don’t allow sufficient absorption of water upon being infused, which is must for adequate expansion. This tremendously restricts the extraction of flavors and beneficial compounds from the packed tea.

Lastly, though the teabags may seem convenient & economical at times, the material quality of the bag itself coupled with possibly lower-grade content, does not usually make it a tea of choice for most. 

Having consulted innumerable tea professionals globally recognized tea connoisseurs, we, at Kangra Tea House, have judiciously selected the ‘must- haves’ or top-ranking attributes that make any tea, a world-class tea. We are tempted to draw a parallel of our 7 ‘must-haves’ with the 7 high- altitude sacred lakes in the Himalayan region where Kangra Tea grows.

 K – Kangra Tea: The origin of this GI Tagged perennial bush grown in the valley’s pristine environment is known for its extremely high source of antioxidants and several other nutritional & health benefits 4 .

H – Hand Crafted: Only the bud & two leaves are plucked by skilled workers with deft fingers to be traditionally processed (generations old practice) in small batches by highly skilled artisans & their families to preserve their singular virtues & health benefits. Moreover, even the packing is secured one-jar-at-a-time by our colleagues that too only upon being ordered. A –

Awarded Globally: Though Kangra Tea was grown and reserved by the Britishers merely for export & personal consumption (like a true Himalayan Treasure), it won Gold & Silver medals in the two International Competitions it participated in, in Amsterdam & London.

G – Finest Grade: There are many parts this perennial bush Camelia sinensis has to offer to make the beverage we call tea. However, the tea can drastically vary depending upon what part of the plant (bud, top two leaves, middle leaves, lower leaves, stalk, twigs) is being processed. The finest grade (from character & health benefits point of view) is the bud & top leaves which pack a quality punch. Kangra Tea from Kangra Tea House is exclusively made from this part of the plant.

  O – Certified Organic: While a number of companies and promoters claim their products to be Organic, there are only a handful who really have the Certifications from a Authorized Certifying Body to actually prove it. Be mindful of separating the word ‘organic’ in their name from the certification as Certified Organic. It might also be prudent to evaluate if their complete practice from growing to processing to packaging is organic and is 100% traceable back to their origins as mark of quality.

F - First Flush: There are known to be three or four harvests (plucking) from the same tea plant (Camellia sinensis) in a single year. The very first pluck (usually between April-June) of the season is called the First Flush. This pluck of the bud & the top leaves, is special since it is the youngest, most tender part and is packed with richest source of antioxidants. It is known to yield the purest & the freshest cup that the tea bush can produce. These leaves look green & give a liquor anywhere from amber to light golden yellow.

E – Earth Friendly: Earth Friendly are not just mere words for us but it is a mindset, an orientation that we follow in essence. We strive to deliver on Sustainability (from social, economic & environmental point of views) right from our estates to processing & packaging. Both our outer packs & inner jars are 100% reusable. The glass jars including the oak-tree-corks could adorn your kitchen shelves as airtight hygienic containers, reducing the use of plastic. The outer pack itself could either be reused, recycled or could be disposed in an appropriate bin as it is completely biodegradable. Our efforts to further this philosophy are still work-in-progress.

Geographic Indication (GI) Tag is a name or sign allotted to only certain  products that originate from only a specific geographical location or origin. It  is awarded to products with reputation, specific characteristics and quality  (like Champagne can be only from Champagne region in France), akin to  Intellectual Property (IP).