Are you a tea lover who has tried every tea variation out there? Or are you new to the tea game and looking for a flavor that will leave you wanting more? Either way, you have to try Darjeeling tea! Hailing from India's Darjeeling district, Darjeeling tea is one of the world's most well-known and well-liked teas. But what makes it so special? Why is it referred to as the Champagne of Teas? Keep reading to find out!
Darjeeling Tea: History and Cultivation
Darjeeling tea first came to be when British surgeon Archibald Campbell started experimenting with tea seeds he brought from China in 1841. Today, Darjeeling tea is made using the smaller-leaf Chinese variant of the tea plant Camellia Sinensis. The first and largest Darjeeling plantation is the Puttabong (formerly named Tukvar) Tea estate, established in 1852. This massive tea garden spans over 20 square miles and is situated in the northern district of the Darjeeling hills.
Harvesting Seasons for Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea is harvested in several seasons, each with its unique characteristics. More delicate leaves are harvested during the first flush, or “spring tea,” in March and April, giving the tea a softer color and aroma. The second flush, which takes place in June, results in a fuller taste. Leaves harvested during the rain periods are better oxidized and less damaged. The Autumn flush, harvested in October-November, is much darker and fuller while retaining its delicate flavor.
Unique Characteristics of Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea has a unique aroma, musky, sweet taste profile, and a hint of astringency or bitterness that tea lovers appreciate. Depending on the oxidation level, darjeeling tea is also available in different flavors. Black Darjeeling tea is highly oxidized, while green Darjeeling tea is less oxidized, resulting in a fresher and lighter taste. Similarly, Oolong Darjeeling tea falls somewhere in between the two.
To summarize, Darjeeling tea is the Champagne of Teas due to its unique musky and aromatic flavor profile, a favorite of many tea drinkers. Its harvesting process and the seasons in which it is harvested also lend to its unique taste profile, prized by all tea lovers. So, the next time you want to try a new type of tea, try Darjeeling tea. You will undoubtedly join the millions of tea lovers worldwide who have made it a staple in their tea collection!