Puer Tea Price: A moment of great pride has emerged for the Assam tea industry. A special variety of Puer Tea Cake, a tea from the state, was sold at a record price of ₹12,000 per kilogram at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC). This auction has infused new excitement into the tea market in the Northeast.
How did this special tea sell?
The Gauripur Tea Industry produced this special Puer Tea Cake in Assam’s Golaghat district. It was put up for sale at an auction on Friday, where a 5-kilogram lot sold for ₹12,000 per kilogram. This historic sale was conducted through the renowned tea broker firm J. Thomas. Both producers and tea experts are delighted with the high price achieved.
Why is this a proud moment for the tea industry?
According to news agency PTI, Bidyananda Barkakoti, advisor to the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA), expressed his delight at this success. He said, “Aparaj Saikia, owner of Gauripur Tea Industry, is a respected member of our organisation. The sale of this special tea at such a great price is a moment of immense pride for the entire Assam tea industry.” He congratulated Aparaj Saikia and his entire team, saying that this achievement will help bring international recognition to Assam’s special teas.
What is ‘Puerh’ tea and how is it prepared?
Puerh is a traditional fermented tea native to China’s Yunnan province.
- Special Process: It is prepared from the large leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis (specifically the Assamese variety).
- Distinctive Appearance and Flavour: Instead of being sold as leaves, this tea is pressed into round cakes (tikkis) or bricks.
- Flavour Enhances Over Time: After production, it undergoes a lengthy fermentation process. The longer it is aged, the richer and more unique its flavour, colour, and aroma become.
New Doors Will Open for ‘Phalap’ Tea
Bidyananda Barkakoti shared another important insight. He explained that the successful sale of ‘Puer’ tea at the Guwahati Auction Centre will pave the way for another traditional Assamese tea, ‘Phalap’. In the future, Phalap tea will also be sold on a large scale through this public auction platform.
What is the speciality of ‘Phalap’ tea?
‘Phalap’ is a very old and traditional tea of the Singpho community living in the Tinsukia and Margherita regions of Assam. It is also prepared using a unique indigenous method using large leaves of the Assamese variety. It is believed that the Singpho tribe has been consuming this tea since before tea was discovered in India.
The overwhelming response to Puer tea at the Guwahati auction has raised hopes that other traditional and rare tea varieties from Assam will also receive recognition and excellent prices at the national and international level.
