Classic black tea from Assam, India. Rich aroma, starchy sweetness of roasted plantains, notes of molasses and dates in the flavor. Rounded mouthfeel and pleasantly malty. Brisk astringency without being extremely pungent. From the Meleng Tea Estate.
Black Tea | High caffeine | Steep at 212° for 3-5 mins
Our teabags contain the same high-quality tea as our loose-tea offerings. Their pyramid shape gives the leaves plenty of room to unfurl and infuse, placing more flavor in each cup. Enjoy the superior flavor of gourmet tea with the convenience of a disposable bag.
teabags
15 full leaf pyramids
$9
Fresh Portions
assam melody
Simplify your preparation of loose tea with our "portion" packets. Each holds the right amount of leaves for one serving to enjoy at home, work or on the go. Simply rip, pour and steep, with nothing to measure or clean. Includes 12 servings.
portions
12 single-serve
$8
Lore
You've all heard of teatime, that lovely slice of the afternoon where "everything stops for tea" (or, if you love tea as much as we do, the time known as "any time of the day"), but have you heard of Tea Garden Time? Also known as Bagan Time, it is one hour ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST), and is a time zone used exclusively in Assam's tea gardens. Originally introduced by the British to accommodate earlier sunrises in the region, it has been in place ever since, helping tea garden workers complete their work during daylight hours.
Part of teas of India and Sri Lanka sampler
Explore a variety of teas with our popular sampler set.
Four teas included are:
assam melody, ceylon sonata, darjeeling sungma summer, irish breakfast
Indian and Sri Lankan
will make 40 cups
$14
Questions and Answers
Ask a question about assam melody and have the Adagio Teas community offer feedback.
What is the difference between Assam harmony and Assam melody? I'm wondering which one to try and if with the price difference, if it matters to pay more for a better tea.
Asked by Misty Hoffmann
on January 19th, 2024
“ Start with Assam melody. At some point, get a sample of Assam harmony and taste the difference. Personally, I actually prefer the melody, it's all about your own tastes and preferences ”
Answered by Wendy W
on January 24th, 2024
“ Assam harmony has a deep, burgundy-red cup and a roasted grain aroma. It has a malty-rich flavor with notes of raisins, It has a bitting astringency, making it ideal to pair with milk and sugar. Assam melody has a deep, burgundy-red cup and a sweet and ro ”
Answered by Leonor B
on January 26th, 2024
“ Thanks for the information! I'm looking forward to trying them both ”
Answered by Misty Hoffmann
on January 28th, 2024
Is the 16 ounce size loose leaf tea only? I don’t want tea bags or premeasured portions.
Asked by Rita Wilson
on July 7th, 2025
“ Hello Rita! Our samples and anything listed in weight are going to be loose teas. Only sizes that say 'teabags' or 'singles' or 'envelopes' are not loose tea. Avoid any sizes with 'portions' in the name as well if you don't want pre-measured loose tea. ”
Answered by Adagio Teas
on July 24th, 2025
What is Assam tea and where is it grown?
Assam tea is a distinct and celebrated variety of black tea native to the lush Assam valley in Northeast India. This unique tea-growing area is characterized by its tropical climate, marked by abundant rainfall and high humidity, creating ideal conditions for the growh of the Assamica tea plant. The fertile alluvial plains flanking the Brahmaputra River provide the perfect soil composition, imbuing the Assam tea leaves with their signature characteristics. As the world's largest tea-producing region, Assam boasts sprawling tea plantations dedicated to cultivating some of the most full-bodied and intensely flavored black teas available.
What does Assam tea taste like?
The hallmark of premium Assam black tea is its profoundly bold, rich, and unmistakably malty taste. Unlike more delicate black teas, Assam delivers a full-bodied cup with a deep, satisfying malty flavor that is both invigorating and comforting. Expect a robust character, often enhanced by subtle hints of sweetness and a remarkably smooth, lingering finish. Its distinctive aroma is savory and deeply inviting, promising a truly authentic tea experience. This unique malty flavor makes it a favorite for those seeking a substantial and memorable cup, a departure from the nuances of Darjeeling, another famous tea from India.
Is Assam tea high in caffeine?
Yes, Assam tea is well-known for its significant caffeine content, making it an exceptional choice for a morning brew or an energizing afternoon pick-me-up. Typically, it contains a moderate to high level of caffeine, often comparable to or slightly less than a cup of coffee. This makes it a highly sought-after component in popular breakfast teas, providing the focused energy boost needed to power through the day. The natural caffeine present in Assam black tea leaves contributes to its invigorating properties, offering a substantial lift without being overwhelming, and is a key reason for its inclusion in many blends.
How should Assam tea be brewed for the best flavor?
To unlock the full potential of our premium Loose Leaf Tea, particularly our Assam FTGFOP grade, precise brewing is essential. We recommend using freshly boiled water, ideally around 205-212°F (90-100°C), accessible via an electric hot water heater or a stove top kettle, to thoroughly extract the rich flavors from the Assam tea leaves. Use approximately one teaspoon of tea for every 8 ounces (236ml) of water. Steep for 3 to 5 minutes, adjusting the time based on your preference for strength and desired depth of malty flavor. The resulting infusion will present a beautiful, deep amber or coppery-red hue, boasting that signature malty aroma and taste. Assam tea is remarkably versatile; it is delicious enjoyed black, but it also harmonizes exceptionally well with milk and sugar, making it an ideal base for classic breakfast teas. These brewing tips are designed to showcase the unique character of whole leaf black teas.
What are the health benefits of drinking Assam tea?
Beyond its exceptional taste and invigorating caffeine, Assam black tea offers a wealth of health benefits, largely attributed to its rich antioxidant profile. It is an excellent source of polyphenolic compounds, particularly theaflavins and thearubigins, which are naturally formed during the controlled oxidation process of the tea leaves. These potent antioxidants are known to combat free radicals in the body, which can help support overall well-being and potentially bolster a healthy immune system. Regular consumption of this delicious black tea can be a flavorful and enjoyable addition to a health-conscious lifestyle, contributing to a sense of vitality.
Where can I buy loose-leaf Assam tea online?
Buy premium loose-leaf Assam tea online at Adagio Teas. Choose from the solid and very affordable Assam Melody tea and the exquisite and memorable Assam Harmony tea. The former is from the popular Meleng Estate, the latter from the prestigious Mangalam Estate. Both teas are available in inexpensive sample packs, pyramid teabags, various bulk sizes, as well as single-serve portions.
1532
tons
Adagio ChatBot
Steeped in helpfulness - I'm your Adagio chat assistant. I'll do my best, but even I can over-steep an answer now and then!
