Mainly cultivated in India, Darjeeling black tea is the most consumed tea in the United Kingdom. Plain or with milk, it forms the essence of the famous "cup of tea" available at both "breakfast" and "tea time". This famous black tea, loose or in bags, has a unique taste that is both light and invigorating. Its preparation must be precise depending on its flush. Discover the mysteries of Himalayan tea.
What is organic Darjeeling black tea?
Darjeeling black tea is nicknamed the champagne of teas. Its exceptional quality and unique taste make it a highly sought-after infusion base. It is a legendary organic black tea particularly appreciated by the English.
Where does organic Darjeeling black tea come from?
Originally, India mainly produced Assam black tea. However, in the mid-19th century, the British wanted to develop a more flavored tea with more fragrant notes. They decided to plant tea bushes from China in the Darjeeling region. The city then became a vast garden. Very quickly, this tea became famous and increasingly sought after. Today, it benefits from a protected geographical indication.
It's at over 1300 meters altitude that the leaves of organic Darjeeling tea flourish. On the slopes of the Himalayas, in India, the leaves of this tea plant form vast gardens. Closest to the roof of the world, Darjeeling teas grow extremely slowly to produce leaves of exceptional quality. This organic black tea is harvested three times a year, which determines its flush, one of the essential pieces of information for its infusion.
What are the aromas of Darjeeling black tea?
Organic black teas from Darjeeling gardens develop an intriguing aromatic palette. Under its amber color, this infusion has floral notes in spring and woody notes in autumn. A delicate touch of spices flavors its bitterness.
In some Darjeeling gardens, the spring black tea produces notes of "fresh muscat". It is the quintessential first flush black tea. Delicately flavored, it is sold by weight in prestigious auctions. Its autumn version, with a fuller body, flavors the traditional "cup of tea" in France and England.
How to prepare a cup of organic Darjeeling black tea?
The preparation of organic Darjeeling black tea is sensitive to details. It depends on the harvest season of the leaves, as well as the product and water used.
How to determine your type of organic Darjeeling black tea?
All grown at high altitudes, there are three types of organic Darjeeling black teas. These are determined by flush, based on the season when the leaves are harvested. Each flush has an ideal steeping time:
- The loose "first flush" harvested in spring steeps for 2 minutes;
- The loose "second flush" harvested in summer steeps for 3 minutes;
- The loose "third flush" harvested in autumn steeps for 4 minutes.
Which infusion method to use?
Darjeeling black tea is available loose or in boxes of tea bags. While tea bags are more convenient, they don't produce a full range of flavors. Bagged products are indeed reduced to powder. They should be stored in a box or chest to preserve their aromas.
How to serve organic Darjeeling black tea?
In France, Darjeeling black tea is often consumed plain. In India and England, the traditional cup of tea is accompanied by a splash of milk.