GUWAHATI: In a groundbreaking find, scientists at Assam Agricultural University (AAU) have pioneered a novel technique for producing tea powder from raw tea leaves. This innovation is poised to benefit over 500 organic tea farmers in the state, as affirmed by a spokesperson from AAU on August 15.
Behind this transformative breakthrough is Dr Aditi Smith Gogoi, an associate professor in the Department of Tea Husbandry and Technology at the university, whose ingenuity has led to the development of a low-cost and easily implementable process; specifically tailored to cater to the needs of small tea farmers.
The journey from raw tea leaves to antioxidant-rich tea powder involves a process of gentle drying and precise grinding. This versatile tea powder can be sipped as a comforting hot beverage or seamlessly incorporated into various culinary delights. Enriched with antioxidants, it holds the potential to bolster the body’s defenses against ailments. Additionally, tea powder boasts of caffeine content, offering an invigorating energy boost, the university stated.
Expressing appreciation on the find, enthusiastic voices from the tea industry said that the birth of tea powder technology marks a pivotal juncture for Assam’s tea sector. By ushering in novel prospects for small tea farmers, this innovation breathes new life into the state’s tea economy.
Notably, consumers are poised to reap the rewards as well. Tea powder emerges as a convenient and affordable option for tea consumption, boasting extended shelf life and ease of transportability.
An AAU official emphasised the significance of this milestone, hailing it as a testament to the university’s unwavering dedication to research and innovation. This tea powder technology is poised to make waves not only within Assam’s tea industry but also beyond, potentially reshaping the future of tea production and consumption.
