Tea Cultivar · Camellia sinensis var. assamica
TV-1
- Origin
- India - Assam (Tocklai Tea Research Institute)
- Registered
- 1949
- Primary use
- black tea, CTC, orthodox
Overview
TV-1 (Tocklai Vegetative 1) was the first clonal tea cultivar released by the Tocklai Tea Research Institute in Jorhat, Assam, in 1949, and the first commercially deployed clonal assamica anywhere in the world. Its release marked the beginning of the modern vegetative-propagation era in Indian tea and made possible the consistent, high-yielding plantations that now define Assam production.
Characteristics
A large-leafed assamica with broad, dark green leaves, vigorous growth, and excellent drought tolerance - characteristics that made it well suited to the hot, humid plains of upper Assam. It buds early and yields consistently across multiple flushes.
Flavor profile
Classic Assam character - malty, brisk, full-bodied, with a strong coppery liquor and the characteristic 'second-flush' notes of malt, baked bread, and dark honey. As CTC it delivers the bold, brisk profile that defines commercial Assam breakfast blends; as orthodox tea it produces fuller, more complex cups with stewed-fruit and toasted-grain notes.
Where it grows
Assam · Dooars · Terai