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Nagaland
Seasonal plucking
2000-4000 ft
Wild assamica trees
Aged smoked green tea
The Naga tribes inhabit the wild forests of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Ancient wild tea trees of the assamica variety grow naturally in these forests. The Naga folk carefully climb these tea trees to pluck the choicest leaves. These leaves are then pan-fried and pounded into the hollow of a particular type of bamboo. The bamboo is sealed and placed in a makeshift swing over the fireplace. The smoke from the hearth will then naturally smoke the tea in the bamboo. Smoke and age lead to some oxidation of the tea; the older the bamboo tea, the more coveted it is.
This smoked, aged tea-filled bamboo is fondly called Khalap or Phalap by the locals, which in their native language means “what is this leaf”. The hearth of a Naga household is always burning, and you will usually find a boiling tea kettle over it.
This ancient practice of making khalap tea is a dying art. We are direct sourcing to avoid imitations, hopefully paying over fair trade prices will keep these khalap teas and the beautiful stories alive. This heritage Naga khalap tea is unique, difficult to find, and a limited edition.
Traditionally this tea is boiled by the Naga tribes in a kettle over a fire, but we prefer steeping it via gongfu style. On steeping, the tea is amber like honey with a mineral texture, good mouthfeel, and medium astringency. The aromas and flavors of a roaring campfire greet you with the first few sips. Intermingled with the smoky notes are earthy notes of manure, hay, camphor, and some hidden fruity sweetness.
Read more about the Traditional Indian Tea- Phalap & Khalap
Low-Moderate
We recommend 4 gm of tea
100 ml water at a temperature of 195°F - 210°F (90°C - 99°C) at 85°C - 90°C (or 185°F - 195°F).
Origin
The Naga tribes live in the remote areas of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh in the land neighboring the Mayanmar border. They were the last headhunters of India before it was banned in the 1980s. Today the Naga tribes practice shifting cultivation, fishing, hunting and foraging non timber forest products.The largest and most well known tribe is the Konyak tribe of Longwa where the chieftain, who is also known as Angh, has a house that sits right in the middle of the India-Mayanmar border.
Like many teas, smoked bamboo tea may contain antioxidants and potential health-supportive properties, offering a satisfying and beneficial beverage choice.
Yes, it can be steeped multiple times. We recommend using gongfu style of steeping tea.
It has mild caffeine levels. It is technically a smoked, aged green tea.
Traditionally it is as is and we enjoy it without milk and sugar. Having said that everyone's tea journey is so personal, you should prepare the tea the way you would enjoy most.
If you keep it in an airtight container it should stay fresh for years, just like a pu-Erh.
