The importance of biochemistry in tea manufacture was felt since the begining of tea research. Some biochemical investigations were taken up in the laboratories at Kolkata and Heeleakha T.E. till 1910 and in the Chemistry Laboratory, Tocklai till 1937 when this Biochemistry department was formed as per recommendation of Engledow Commission. At the same time, investigations on chemistry of made tea was started in Butler's Wharf Laboratory, London. A miniature tea factory and Tea Tasting unit were attached to the Biochemistry department, Tocklai till 1960. From 1962 to 1976, the work on tea chemistry was also carried out in the Chemistry Department, Sheffield University and thereafter the work on tea chemistry and biochemistry was carried out in collaboration with CDRI, Lucknow. At present the department is well equipped with modern sophisticated analytical facilities.