Darjeeling tea is a tea made from Camellia sinensis var. sinensis that is grown and processed in the Darjeeling or Kalimpong Districts in West Bengal, India. ... The tea leaves are harvested by plucking the plant's top two leaves and the bud, from March to November, a time span that is divided into four flushes.

What is so special about Darjeeling tea?

The unique flavor of Darjeeling comes from Chinese tea genetics mixing with Indian terroir—plus the intricacies of harvesting and processing. It's lighter and less astringent than most black tea, but more layered and complex than most greens.

How do you make Darjeeling tea?

1. Rinse the cup with hot water to warm it.
2. Put the tea infuser in the cup.
3. Add a tablespoon of tea into the infuser.
4. Pour freshly heated water.
5. Steep two times – for 3 and 5 minutes.
6. Take out the infuser.
7. You can now drink your tea.

How is Darjeeling tea processed?

In case of Darjeeling Green tea, the leaves are first withered. The withering takes place between 8 to 24 hours to remove the moisture. After that they are steamed, as a result the oxidation is prevented to take place and the enzymes are neutralized. Then the leaves are rolled to different degrees and again dried.

Why is Darjeeling tea so expensive?

Prices can start from INR 700/ kg and auctions are held for the finest varieties of teas where the price goes into several thousands of rupees per kg. This is because the production process is 'orthodox' (more on this later) and there is a very high cost of cultivation.

Glenburn Tea Estate: how the best Darjeeling tea is made!

What is the most expensive tea in India?

As per the reports, in 2018, Manohari Gold became India's most expensive tea. The tea estate sold the tea for Rs 39,001 per kg in 2018, Rs 50,000 per kg in 2019 and Rs 75,000 per kg in 2020. Ever tried this one?

Why is Darjeeling tea so hard to find?

Darjeeling has been in the clutches of a drought since 2012. Each year, the workers and farmers of the region hold their breath to see whether the mist will come and the rain will fall. Each year, this looks increasingly unlikely.

Which tea is better Assam or Darjeeling?

Darjeeling blends are a little bit spicier than Assam brews. Darjeeling brew tastes best without milk and sugar. Delicate muscatel flavor of Darjeeling tea makes it the “Champagne of Teas”. On the contrary, Assam blends taste best with milk and sugar because of their robust and full-bodied flavor.

How good is Darjeeling tea?

The polyphenols in Darjeeling tea stimulate good bacteria growth in your digestive system. Higher levels of bad bacteria may contribute to obesity, while good bacteria helps you lose weight. Compounds in black tea may help slow bacterial growth, preventing dental cavities and plaque.

What tea is similar to Darjeeling?

Both Assam and Darjeeling tea areas produce Black Tea and are derived from the same tea plant. They both have good amounts of caffeine. These were the similarities, now let us look the differences between the two of them. There is a big difference on where the tea is being cultivated.

Is Darjeeling tea bitter?

Black teas undergo full oxidization, but most Darjeeling teas are less than 90% oxidized. Because they are technically oolong teas, they brew to a light amber infusion with a fresh, floral aroma. They have a spicy flavor that is often described as “muscatel” and can have a slightly bitter finish.

Can I put milk in Darjeeling tea?

Darjeeling tea is among the most sought after teas by connoisseurs and avid tea-drinkers across the globe. It's a tea that's best enjoyed on its own without the addition of milk. Tea aficionados consider it sacrilegious to add milk to first flush varieties of Darjeeling tea due to its delicate flavour.

Is Lipton Darjeeling tea is green tea?

As its long leaves gently unfurl in boiling water; Lipton Darjeeling tea delivers a reddish brown brew with a distinctive aroma & rare flavour. It is normally savoured as a black tea with lemon or honey to add flavour.

What is the difference between green tea and Darjeeling tea?

Darjeeling teas are available as either black or green tea. Black tea and green tea are made from the same tea leaves. Black Darjeeling tea is a fermented tea; Green Darjeeling tea is an unfermented tea. To prevent fermentation, Green Darjeeling undergoes a process of steaming immediately after it is plucked.

What is the difference between Oolong and Darjeeling tea?

The difference? Mild variations in flavor. Some people prefer Darjeeling to other black teas because there's a subtle floral flavor to it. ... Oolong teas, from China and Taiwan, are partially fermented and withered, and the brew is amber-colored and medium-bodied.

Is Darjeeling tea high in caffeine?

Caffeine content

Darjeeling is made from younger leaves and buds that contain more caffeine than older more mature leaves. Research showed that with 1.7 grams of caffeine per 100 grams of leaf, it generally has more caffeine than other Indian loose leaf teas such as Assam or Nilgiri.

Is Darjeeling tea the Best tea?

The tea gardens of Darjeeling, in the foothills of the Himalayas, produced significantly less than 1 percent of India's 2.6 billion pound output last year. Yet Darjeelings are considered the "Champagne of teas," the finest in the country and some of the most exquisite and sought-after in the world.

Which is the best brand of Darjeeling tea?

• Best Overall Darjeeling Tea: Pantenger Darjeeling First Flush Loose Leaf Tea.
• Best Darjeeling Tea for the Money: Vahdam First Flush Darjeeling Tea.
• Best Low Cost Darjeeling Tea: Harney & Sons Darjeeling Tea.
• Best Darjeeling Tea with Muscatel Flavor: Golden Moon Darjeeling Tea.

Is Darjeeling tea high in tannins?

Teas which are lower in tannins can come across as more watery and thin. Some of the teas which are highest in tannins are East Frisian, while Darjeeling and Yunnan teas are very low in tannins.

Is Darjeeling tea strong?

Darjeeling first flush tea: The first tea harvested in the spring after the winter dormancy. Darjeeling second flush tea: It has a dark, amber color and strong flavor, especially in contrast to first flush teas.

Why is Assam tea so unique?

Assam tea is a variety of black tea made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis var. assamica. ... Assam tea is often described as having a malty flavor and a rich, savory aroma. These distinct features are typically attributed to the tea's unique production process.

Why is tea grown in Assam and Darjeeling?

Assam has shorter winters and hot, humid summers with exhaustive rainfall. This type of climate is perfect for tea cultivation. By comparison, Darjeeling has a smaller area with harsher and colder weather, which slows down the growth rate of tea.

What are the problem of Darjeeling tea industry?

Darjeeling tea industry currently employs over 70,000 people with an annual gross of 55 million pounds a year. In addition to pest attack and poor rains, falling demand, rising labor costs, and aging tea bushes have also contributed to a decline in production.

How do you identify Darjeeling tea?

To prevent fake teas being sold, the Tea Board now placed the “Darjeeling Logo” on each tea packet, which ascertains the authenticity and purity of Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Logo means that what you're getting is 100% pure.

What is the difference between Ceylon and Assam tea?

Assam Tea: What's the Difference? Ceylon tea is a black tea that originates from Sri Lanka with a bold, full taste that can vary based on where the tea is grown. Assam tea is a black tea from the Assam region in India. It is often used in tea blends, but on its own, it tends to have an earthy, malty flavor.