Darjeeling tea originated in India and has been considered the best among all black teas and also one of the most expensive ones. It has also been called the Champaign of teas and only the tea grown in Darjeeling, India is called Darjeeling tea. It has a light color and has a very nice, refreshing taste. It also as a slight spiciness which is what makes it popular. When one sips this tea, one gets a tingling sensation in the tongue; it is because of this property that it is famous. This tea, when brewed will give out a natural aroma and has a distinctive fragrance.
The tea has different tastes depending on when it is harvested. The first flush tea is very gentle and has a very light color. The tea harvested in the second flush, characterized by its purple bloom which is in June, will have a very strong astringency and will give a full bodied tea. The tea that is harvested in rainy season is more oxidized and is considered to be of lower quality. Also the leaves harvested in autumn, will have strong flavor and gives a full bodied cup.
This tea is very popular in India, United Kingdom and other countries where the English used to rule. For best results, fresh tap water should be used to make the tea. Water that's kept out for long or that has boiled for a long time won't bring out the best flavor. It right time to keep it boiling cannot be told and should be found out yourself by experimenting. In 2 minutes the stimulating caffeine gets its full energy and after that the tannin kicks in. more you boil it stronger the tea gets.
Strong Darjeeling tea can be enjoyed with milk and a little sugar. It shouldn't be too sweet and candied sugar is usually the sweetener of choice. It is generally brewed for three to four minutes when taken as black tea. When milk and sugar is added, it should be brewed for five minutes to make it a little stronger.
Darjeeling tea can also be had chilled, as iced tea. A hint of lemon will make it all the most enjoyable. Using false labels is a major problem. While buying Darjeeling tea, one should look for the logo which shows a Nepalese woman plucking tea leaves and Darjeeling written on the upper left corner section of the green circular logo.
High standards are maintained in making this tea. They have their own special ways of plucking the leaves, withering them, rolling, fermentation and drying, before they are sorted, packaged and sold. Before selling the tea, each batch is tasted by experts. It is a very widely liked beverage with an aroma that tickles your senses. When bought from the right place and brewed to the right taste, it can be a wonderful cup of tea to relax with after a tiring day. It can cheer you up with the wonderful aroma and fragrance.
To learn more about the equipment needed to brew Loose Leaf Tea and how to use it, see out Tea Equipment section
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