Many of the world's most renowned black teas are grown in India and the Indian sub-continent. The distinctive flavour of black tea comes from the fermentation process, which changes the leaf colour from green to dark copper. When infused with boiling water, the dried leaves produce the aromatic and invigorating beverage known and loved all over the world. Our Indian and Sri Lankan black tea selection includes some marvellous varieties from Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri and Sri Lanka. Darjeeling is nestled in the Indian Himalayas, where Thea Sinensis (Chinese Tea shrub) thrives in the cool climate. Darjeeling tends to yield a light-coloured cup with varying seasonal characteristics. Typically, the first flush produces a fresh, floral tea and the second flush a more rounded and stronger cup. In contrast to Thea Sinensis, the Thea Assamica shrub grows in the warm, tropical lowland region of Assam in north-east India. Teas from this region are known for their malty flavour and strong bright colours. Nilgiri, in southern India, is a lesser known growing region but it produces fine, lively teas reminiscent of high quality Ceylon. Sri Lanka became a prolific tea exporter along with India in the 19th century and Ceylon tea yields a boldly-flavoured, rich, amber cup with citrus notes.