What Are Tea Cultivars and Why Do They Matter?
If you’re a tea lover, you’ve likely noticed how different teas have distinct flavors, aromas, and even appearances. While terroir and processing techniques play a big role, the foundation of every tea lies in its cultivar—a specific, cultivated variety of the Camellia sinensis plant.
How Many Tea Cultivars Exist?
There are hundreds of registered tea cultivars worldwide, with China, Japan, India, and Taiwan leading in development. Each cultivar is selectively bred for characteristics like flavor complexity, yield, resistance to pests, and adaptability to different climates. Some cultivars thrive in high altitudes, while others are suited to humid, lowland environments.
Understanding Camellia Sinensis Varieties
The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, has three primary botanical varieties:
- Camellia sinensis var. sinensis – Native to China, this variety has small, delicate leaves and is often used for white, green, and high-elevation oolong teas.
- Camellia sinensis var. assamica – Native to the Assam region of India, this variety has larger, robust leaves, making it ideal for bold black teas and dark oolongs.
- Camellia sinensis var. cambodiensis (Cambod cultivar) – Less commonly discussed, this variety is native to Cambodia. It has medium-sized leaves and is mostly used for breeding hybrid cultivars rather than direct tea production. However, some experimental teas are made from it.
What is the Assamica Tea Cultivar?
The Camellia sinensis var. assamica cultivar is best known for producing rich, malty black teas—including Assam, Yunnan, and several Nepalese black teas. The larger leaves allow for higher oxidation, resulting in teas with deep color, full body, and complex sweetness.
This variety thrives in warmer, humid conditions, making it ideal for lower-altitude regions. However, when grown at higher elevations, as seen in Nepal’s Ilam region, it develops a brighter, fruitier character with refined tannins.
What is the Cambod Cultivar?
The Cambod cultivar (Camellia sinensis var. cambodiensis) is lesser-known but plays an important role in modern tea cultivation. It is mainly used for hybridization, allowing breeders to create new cultivars that blend the resilience of Assamica with the delicate flavors of Sinensis.
Though Cambod teas are not widely available, the variety has contributed to developing high-yielding and drought-resistant hybrids, some of which influence Nepalese tea cultivation.
What Tea Cultivars Are Used in Nepal?
Nepalese tea farmers primarily cultivate assamica hybrids, along with a few sinensis-based cultivars that have adapted to Nepal’s high-altitude terroir. Some of the most notable cultivars include:
- AV2 (Ambari Vegetative 2) – Famous for producing aromatic, muscatel-forward teas, AV2 is one of the most sought-after cultivars for Nepali oolongs and white teas.
- T-78 – A hardy cultivar used in black teas, offering a smooth, malty profile with honeyed sweetness.
- B157 – Often used for white and oolong teas, this cultivar brings out floral, fruity notes with a soft mouthfeel.
- T-135 – Known for its brisk and bold character, frequently found in Nepalese black and breakfast-style teas.
How to Identify Tea Cultivars?
Identifying a tea’s cultivar requires understanding its leaf shape, aroma, and origin. If you want to experience unique cultivars firsthand, try:
- Himalayan Golden Organic Black Tea – Crafted from high-elevation Chinese Species hybrids T1/T78, it showcases stone fruit sweetness and honeyed malt.
- Annapurna Amber Oolong – Featuring AV2 cultivar, this oolong boasts floral notes with a silky texture.
- Spring White Buds – A delicate white tea from Nepal, crafted from fine, silver-tipped leaves with a fresh, sweet finish.
Why Cultivars Matter for Tea Enthusiasts
Understanding tea cultivars can deepen your appreciation for tea by helping you:
✅ Choose teas that match your flavor preferences
✅ Explore different growing regions with more confidence
✅ Recognize the craftsmanship behind high-quality, single-origin teas
Just as wine lovers explore grape varietals, tea enthusiasts can enhance their journey by discovering how cultivars shape each sip.
Explore Nepal’s Best Single-Origin Cultivars
If you're looking for authentic, small-farm teas crafted from Nepal’s finest cultivars, explore our collection of:
➡️ Black Teas – Bold and complex with unique terroir-driven character
➡️ Oolong Teas – Smooth, aromatic, and delicately oxidized
➡️ White Teas – Soft, floral, and naturally sweet
For more on what makes Nepalese tea special, check out our blogs:
🔗 Unique Flavors of Nepali Tea: The Role of Terroir
🔗 How Terroir Elevates Nepali Tea Flavor and Quality?
🔗 First Flush - Who's making your tea?
By understanding cultivars, you’re not just drinking tea—you’re tasting centuries of craftsmanship, innovation, and nature’s finest expression. Ready to explore the world of Nepalese cultivars? Start your journey today!
