Description

Assamica Green Tea from north Thailand’s native tea trees

DMS Bai Yai Assamica Green Tea is a loose whole leaf green tea from north Thailand’s native tea tree species. These trees, just like their close relatives from Yunnnan, are part of the camellia sinensis assamica family. In the mountain region of Doi Mae Salong, tea trees grow both wild and in cultivated form. Here, at altitudes between 1200 and 1600 meters, the plant finds optimal conditions. Among these is the climate, which is characterized by 3 seasons. These are a rainy period, a hot and dry period and a cold period. Notably, Doi Mae Salong is the center of tea cultivation in north Thailand. Since about the late 1980s, the local ethnic Chinese and hilltribe population have made tea the region’s major cash crop.

In the nomenclature of the DMS Bai Yai Assamica Green Tea, “DMS” means the cultivation region, Doi Mae Salong. Then, “Bai Yai” means “large leaf” in Thai language. Therefore, it is the designation common among local tea producers for teas of the region’s native tea trees.

When infusing, the large open-rolled leaf produces a clear and bright yellow-green liquor. There is none to only moderate bittering, depending on infusion period and water temperature. Also see our section “Preparation” below for relevant instructions.

Green Tea Processing

In the processing, to obtain green tea, the fermentation process of the tea leaves is stopped through heating right after a brief withering period. Apart from the characteristic taste and aroma of Green  Teas, this procedure ensures that nearly all active substances contained in the fresh tea leave remain preserved. However, the leaves of the native tea trees also make a fine Oolong tea (partly oxidized tea). Of course, we also offer you the resulting DMS Bai Yai Assamica Oolong Tea here at Siam Tea Shop.

Preparation