Darjeeling
Is the tea connoisseur's region known as the 'Champagne of teas'. The Darjeeling region refers to tea grown on the slopes of the Himalayas of India.
The mountain’s altitude combined with gentle, misting rain produces a first-grade tea.
The general characteristics of Darjeeling vary depending on when in the season they are picked but generally "Full-bodied but light in flavour with a subtle muscatel aroma"
The teas are categorised depending on when they are picked.seasonal picking - these are called 1st or 2nd Flush.
- 1st flush Darjeeling refers to the new shoots that are picked in April at the beginning of spring as the delicate leaves and leaf buds are plucked. They can sell for very high prices.
- 2nd Flush Darjeeling refers to the leaves picked next between May and June in the summer. The tea shrubs develop more strength and aroma by the longer exposure to stronger sunlight. The classic features of a second flush are a dark brown to black leaf with golden tips.
We have a selection of two very popular Darjeelings from the 1st Flush and 2nd flush for you to try.
Since Darjeeling teas are light and only mildly astringent they are perfect to drink without milk and in fact milk can ruin the delicate flavours.