Darjeeling Teas

Darjeeling is 6,562 feet above sea level and is nestled in the foothills of Himalayan Mountain Range.  This picturesque setting contains 42,008 acres of tea bushes (according to the Tea Board of India) producing the exquisite Darjeeling tea that is unequalled anywhere in the world.

The cool and moist climate, the soil, the rainfall and the sloping terrain all combine to give Darjeeling its unique "Muscatel" flavor and exquisite bouquet. The combination of natural factors that gives Darjeeling tea its unique distinction is not found anywhere else in the world, hence this finest and most delicately flavored of all teas has over the years acquired the reputation of being the "Champagne of Teas."

These high quality teas are full bodied, yet delicately flavored. Yields are very low for Darjeeling teas, since planters do not give up quality for quantity. They work had to maintain consistency year after year.

Three Flushes

Flush is the term used to describe when the tea plant produces new leaves. The same plant can produce three distinctive cups, simply by plucking the leaves at a certain time of year. Darjeeling teas are picked three times a year. The strength and taste vary according to the time the tea is picked.

Darjeeling first flush produces a gentle afternoon tea. A springtime harvest from late Feb. to mid April is the first picking of the tea leaves. The warmth of the sun stimulates the growth of the leaves, however the cool temperatures keeps the growth rate slow. The young leaves yield a light tea with an intense muscatel flavor.

Darjeeling second flush teas are considered by many as the best of the season and a superb afternoon tea. Second flush teas are harvested in June. The leaves are more fully developed to produce a bright liquor and a full muscatel flavor.

Darjeeling autumnal flush is the last flush of the season and depending on the weather, may not always be available. I t is gathered in the months of September and October after the monsoon season has ended. This final flush of leaves produce a full flavored robust cup and makes an excellent breakfast tea.