What is Darjeeling Tea?
Most Darjeeling tea originates in China or Taiwan. However, our rare Darjeeling Oolong is exclusively from the Darjeeling region of India. Grown in the Himalayas and produced in low volume, Darjeeling Oolong is hand plucked, typically selecting one bud and two leaves.
The tea leaves are allowed to semi-oxidize and wither under open air and sun. The leaves are then rolled by hand, pan-fired creating a dark orange liquor with a muscatel flavor. Like other true teas, Darjeeling comes from a Camellia sinensis plant variety.
The master tea blender determines the processing method that will result in the tea becoming a black, green, white, or oolong tea.
What does Darjeeling tea taste like?
The aroma and flavor of Darjeeling awarded this high-quality tea the nickname "the Champagne of Teas".
Darjeeling tea can offer a range of flavor profiles from floral, fruity, or citrusy and vegetal. The variation comes from its growing environment factors: soil, climate, and elevation.
Darjeeling is harvested three times a year: First flush, Second Flush, and an Autumnal Flush.
The earliest harvest of the year, the First Flush, is during March and April. After the early spring rain has fallen on the Himalayas turning the tea estates a vibrant green, the leaves are gently plucked.
The Second Flush occurs from late April to June during the rainy monsoon season. The later flush allows the leaves to mature, creating a more complex, muscatel flavor in the infusion. This is evident in the rich color and body of the brew.
The Autumnal flush occurs in October-November. Leaves from this flush will be similar in color to the Second Flush. The body and liquor of the brewed tea will tend to be a bit lighter.
Our Darjeeling Oolong has a dried muscat grape and apricot pit aroma with a tangy dried fruit flavor and deep floral notes. The tea master used a special oxidation process for this Autumnal Flush tea. A process that retains the Darjeeling character with elegant autumnal leaves of gold, green, and brown hue.
Is Darjeeling Oolong a black tea?
Historically, India was known for producing Darjeeling black tea. As tea consumption grew around the world, this region saw the opportunity and started producing green tea, white tea, and oolongs as well.
Oolong teas combine the qualities of dark and green teas, providing several health benefits. Green teas have minimal oxidation whereas black teas are more heavily oxidized, turning the tea leaf black. Because Oolong tea is allowed to partially oxidize, it falls between green and black tea.
Darjeeling tea benefits
All tea that originates from the Camellia sinensis plant offers health benefits with beneficial polyphenols, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Darjeeling Oolong tea contains several essential vitamins and minerals that may help manage cholesterol and high blood pressure as well as promote heart health.
Darjeeling Oolong also contains the amino acid theanine, which creates the tea's relaxing effect. Some studies show that drinking oolong tea can help reduce blood sugar and therefore reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Regular consumption may also help improve bone density.
Does Darjeeling tea have caffeine?
The caffeine content of a cup of Darjeeling tea can vary depending on the flush, the processing method, and the brewing style. Younger leaves from the earlier flush can contain more caffeine, but Darjeeling Oolong still contains a moderate level of caffeine with about 70 to 120 mg of caffeine. Compared to coffee, it contains about half the caffeine level cup to cup.
Does Darjeeling tea need milk?
Would you put milk in champagne? It's not wrong to add milk if you prefer it that way. But Darjeeling Oolong is a prized tea that is best consumed without adding milk.
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Moderate
STEEP at 212° for 3-4 minutes.
INGREDIENTS: Darjeeling tea, muscat grape aroma, apricot pit aroma, tangy dried fruit flavor, and deep floral notes
- Variant: 3oz/85g
- Product Type: Oolong Tea