Tea Cultivar · Camellia sinensis var. assamica
TV-23
- Origin
- India - Assam (Tocklai Tea Research Institute)
- Registered
- 1982
- Primary use
- black tea, CTC
Overview
TV-23 is one of the most successful of the Tocklai Tea Research Institute's vegetatively propagated assamica cultivars, released in 1982 and now planted across hundreds of thousands of hectares in Assam, the Dooars, and the Terai. It was bred for high yield, consistent CTC processing performance, and improved disease resistance compared to earlier TV-series clones.
Characteristics
A large-leafed assamica with broad, slightly drooping leaves and a vigorously spreading habit. It is moderately drought-tolerant, well-suited to the alluvial soils of the Brahmaputra valley, and known for very high yields, particularly during the second flush. Its uniform leaf structure makes it ideal for mechanized CTC processing.
Flavor profile
TV-23 produces a bright, brisk Assam liquor with strong malty character, good color, and a slightly sweet finish. It is one of the standard CTC clones underpinning India's domestic breakfast tea market and a major component of commercial blends worldwide. Less complex than premium orthodox-only cultivars but exceptionally reliable.
Where it grows
Assam · Dooars · Terai