GAUHATI, India — In this humid, lush region where an important part of the world’s breakfast is born, the evidence of climate change is – literally – a weak tea.

Growers in tropical Assam state, India’s main tea growing region, say rising temperatures have led not only to a drop in production but to subtle, unwelcome changes in the flavor of their brews.

The area in northeastern India is the source of some of the finest black and British-style teas. Assam teas are notable for their heartiness, strength and body, and are often sold as ‘breakfast’ teas.

‘Earlier, we used to get a bright, strong cup. Now it’s not so,’ said L.P. Chaliha, a professional tea taster.

Rajib Barooah, a tea planter in Jorhat, Assam’s main tea growing district, agreed that the potent taste of Assam tea has weakened.

‘We are indeed concerned,’ he said. ‘Assam tea’s strong flavor is its hallmark.’

Tea growers want the Indian government to fund studies to examine the flavor fallout from climate change.

Assam produces nearly 55 percent of the tea crop in India, a nation that accounts for 31 percent of global tea production. But the region’s tea production has dipped significantly, and plantation owners fear it will drop further […]