Valued for its full-bodied, malty character, Assam black tea is what many tea lovers worldwide turn to when they desire a strong cup of tea, and it is foundational in time-honored breakfast blends. Although Westerners likely may be familiar only with whole-leaf (orthodox) teas, approximately 90 percent of the tea produced in Assam is the CTC (cut-tear-curl) variety. CTC resembles coarsely ground coffee and provides a quick, powerful infusion that is well-suited to the addition of milk and sugar, though it can certainly be enjoyed plain.
