Shape

• According to the Tea Board of India, the leaves of Darjeeling tea bush varieties are smaller in shape than Assam leaves. Darjeeling leaves may also have fine hair on the underside, but these hairs are lost during drying.

Color

• Brewed Assam tea is darker and redder in color than Darjeeling, which is often a pale gold color. Brewing Darjeeling longer does not change the color, as it does with Assam.

Flavor

• Brewed Assam tea is much stronger than Darjeeling. The Tea Board of India describes Darjeeling as tasting like a "delicate muscatel."

Availability

• Because of its strong flavor and easier growing conditions, Assam is the type of black tea preferred by commercial brands such as Lipton, Tetley or Celestial Seasonings. They usually do not use Darjeeling in their blends.

Price

• According to Tea Bliss, Darjeeling is usually far more expensive than Assam because the bushes are harder to grow. It also has a shorter harvesting season than Assam.