Uncovering The Secret Behind Darjeeling Premium Tea?

India is the second largest tea-producing nation in the world. Ruled by the British for over 200 years, they were the ones who introduced tea cultivation in the country. And like our English counterparts, Indians too have a special affinity for drinking tea. Our country produces some of the best premium quality tea in the world.

And of course if we talk about premium tea in India, then Darjeeling Tea is the first name that comes into mind. Cultivated in the Himalayan slopes of Darjeeling and Kalimpong region in West Bengal, Darjeeling Tea is known for its distinctive muscatel flavour and sweet aroma that produces a perfectly golden coloured liquor. This premium quality tea is also referred to as the ‘Champagne of Teas’.

Darjeeling Tea enjoys global appreciation as one of the finest blends of tea in the world. It grows at an altitude ranging from 750 to 2000 meters above sea level. The moist and cool climate, optimum rainfall, and sloping terrain makes the region ideal for tea cultivation.

Darjeeling Tea is grown in four distinct seasons, also known as a Flush. Each Darjeeling Flush represents tea grown in a different season. Let us take a closer look at the different Flushes of this premium quality tea.

FIRST FLUSH

The Darjeeling First Flush refers to the tea leaves that appear during the spring season. This covers the period from late February to mid-April. After the freezing winter, new tender shoots can be seen growing on the tea shrubs. These tea leaves are delicate and fragile with a grey-green shade. The distinctive feature of First Flush Tea is its fragrance. This tea has a mild floral aroma. The liquor is a light translucent colour with a mild astringent flavour.

SECOND FLUSH

The Second Flush Tea grows during the summer months from May to June. Receiving warm sunlight, the tea leaves grow to be luscious, moist and juicy. The shrubs are characterized by attractive light purplish flowers and shimmering shiny buds. The tea leaves are a more vibrant green than that of spring. The summer season is also the time when the famous muscatel flavour becomes more pronounced. Darjeeling Second Flush Tea is the perfect premium quality tea with a bright copper liquor and strong muscatel aroma.

MOONSOON FLUSH

The months from July to September sees heavy rainfall in the Darjeeling region. As the rains stop in September, harvestable leaves start growing again. Most of the tea leaves produced during this season are processed as green tea. They produce a darker coloured liquor with strong flavour and aroma.

AUTUMN FLUSH (October to November)

The Third Flush, better known as Autumn Flush, is harvested between October to November. The tea leaves are a bit longer in size and have a golden coppery hue. They produce a gentle copper coloured liquor with fresh fragrance. The speciality of Darjeeling Autumn Flush is that the tea leaves are a mix of green tea leaves and brownish colour tea leaves. This gives the tea brew a very delicate taste.
Next time you are buying Darjeeling Premium Tea, remember the different Flushes to make the best choice.