Naga Khalap Tea (Smoked Aged Bamboo Wild Tea 2016)

The Enchanting Tale of Naga Khalap Tea: A Journey of Timeless Tradition

The Naga tribes inhabit the wild forests of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Ancient wild tea trees of the assamica variety grow naturally in these forests. The Naga folk carefully climb these tea trees to pluck the choicest leaves. These leaves are then pan-fried and pounded into the hollow of a particular type of bamboo. The bamboo is sealed and placed in a makeshift swing over the fireplace. The smoke from the hearth will then naturally smoke the tea in the bamboo. Smoke and age lead to some oxidation of the tea; the older the bamboo tea, the more coveted it is.

This smoked, aged tea-filled bamboo is fondly called Khalap or Phalap by the locals, which in their native language means “what is this leaf”. The hearth of a Naga household is always burning, and you will usually find a boiling tea kettle over it.

This ancient practice of making khalap tea is a dying art. We are direct sourcing to avoid imitations, hopefully paying over fair trade prices will keep these khalap teas and the beautiful stories alive. This heritage Naga khalap tea is unique, difficult to find, and a limited edition.

Traditionally this tea is boiled by the Naga tribes in a kettle over a fire, but we prefer steeping it via gongfu style. On steeping, the tea is amber like honey with a mineral texture, good mouthfeel, and medium astringency. The aromas and flavors of a roaring campfire greet you with the first few sips. Intermingled with the smoky notes are earthy notes of manure, hay, camphor, and some hidden fruity sweetness.