Darjeeling Tea vs Assam Tea: A Complete Buyer Guide

India is a land of tea lovers and world-renowned tea gardens. Among all its varieties, Darjeeling Tea and Assam Tea stand out as two of the most celebrated and commercially valuable teas — each known for its distinct flavor, aroma, and growing region.

At Prime Gold Tea, we take pride in being one of India’s leading wholesale suppliers of premium Darjeeling and Assam teas. Whether you’re a retailer, distributor, café owner, or exporter, understanding the differences between these two teas can help you make smarter buying decisions.

Origin and Growing Regions

Darjeeling Tea – The “Champagne of Teas”

Darjeeling Tea comes from the misty hills of Darjeeling, West Bengal, located in the foothills of the Himalayas at elevations between 2,000 to 7,000 feet. The cool climate, rainfall pattern, and soil type create the perfect environment for tea plants to develop a delicate, floral flavor unlike any other tea in the world.

This uniqueness earned Darjeeling Tea the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, making it a protected product that can only be grown in the Darjeeling region.

Assam Tea – The Heart of India’s Tea Industry

Assam Tea originates from the lush, low-lying plains of the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam, India. The region’s tropical climate, heavy rainfall, and fertile soil make it ideal for large-scale production.

Known for its bold, malty flavor, Assam Tea forms the backbone of most Indian and international blends. It is widely used in CTC (Crush-Tear-Curl) teas — the preferred choice for Indian milk chai, hotels, and bulk catering.

Flavor Profile and Appearance

Feature	Darjeeling Tea	Assam Tea
Taste	Muscatel, floral, and delicate	Malty, strong, brisk
Color	Golden to amber	Deep reddish-brown
Aroma	Fruity and floral	Earthy and bold
Body	Light and smooth	Full-bodied and robust

Types and Harvest Seasons

Darjeeling Flushes

1. First Flush (Spring - March to April):
   The first leaves of the season, light and floral, with a greenish tinge. Known as the “champagne of teas.”

2. Second Flush (Summer - May to June):
   Rich amber color, fruity flavor, and the famous muscatel notes. Highly prized by connoisseurs.

3. Autumnal Flush (October - November):
   Smooth and well-rounded taste with mellow notes.

Assam Flushes

1. First Flush (March–May):
   Fresh, full-bodied, and slightly sweet; preferred for lighter blends.

2. Second Flush (June–August):
   Strong, malty, and rich in color — perfect for CTC tea production and Indian-style chai.

Prime Gold Tea offers both flush-based and blend-based teas for wholesalers seeking consistency in flavor and pricing.

Processing Method: Orthodox vs CTC

Tea processing defines its character as much as its origin.

• Orthodox Tea:
  Hand-rolled and minimally processed, preserving the leaf’s natural flavor. Darjeeling Tea is typically orthodox, offering delicate aroma and complex taste.

• CTC (Crush-Tear-Curl) Tea:
  Machine-processed for strong flavor, brisk liquor, and quick brewing. Assam is the global hub for CTC tea production.

At Prime Gold Tea, we supply both Orthodox Darjeeling Tea and CTC Assam Tea for wholesalers and retailers across India and abroad.

Caffeine and Health Benefits

Aspect	Darjeeling Tea	Assam Tea
Caffeine Level	Moderate	Higher
Best For	Relaxation and digestion	Energy and alertness
Health Benefits	Antioxidant-rich, improves metabolism, reduces stress	Boosts stamina, heart health, and circulation

Both teas are naturally rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, making them healthier alternatives to coffee and soft drinks.

Price Comparison (Wholesale & Retail Insights)

Type	Average Wholesale Price (per kg)	Retail Price Range (per kg)	Availability
Darjeeling Tea (Orthodox)	₹700 – ₹1500	₹1200 – ₹2500	Limited, seasonal
Assam Tea (CTC)	₹250 – ₹600	₹400 – ₹900	Abundant, year-round

Prices may vary based on grade (BOP, BOPSM, FOP, GFOP), flush, and leaf quality.
At Prime Gold Tea, we offer custom bulk pricing for distributors, wholesalers, and institutional buyers.

Which Tea Should You Choose?

Choose Darjeeling Tea if:

• You sell premium leaf teas, gift packs, or export blends.

• Your customers prefer floral, delicate flavors.

• You operate in the specialty or organic tea segment.

Choose Assam Tea if:

• You serve the mass market or hotel chains.

• Your customers love strong, bold tea with milk.

• You need cost-effective bulk tea for daily consumption.

 

Why Buy from Prime Gold Tea (Wholesale Partner Advantage)

At Prime Gold Tea, we’re not just tea sellers — we’re tea partners. Here’s why businesses across India trust us:

• Direct sourcing from Assam and Darjeeling tea estates.

• Bulk packaging options — 1kg, 5kg, 25kg, and 50kg.

• Custom blends tailored for your brand or café.

• Private labeling and white-label packaging support.

• Pan-India delivery with consistent quality and freshness.

• Dedicated B2B support team for bulk orders and quotations.

Whether you’re a wholesaler, exporter, or distributor, Prime Gold Tea ensures you get premium-grade teas at competitive prices.

Both Darjeeling Tea and Assam Tea represent India’s rich tea heritage — one offering sophistication and aroma, the other strength and depth.
Your choice depends on your market demand, customer profile, and blending goals.

At Prime Gold Tea, we bring both worlds together — the elegance of Darjeeling and the richness of Assam — ensuring every sip carries the purity, freshness, and authenticity India is known for.