Most veteran tea tasters agree that First Flush Darjeeling tops their list of favorite black tea. The first crop harvest of the year, known as first flush, commands the highest price of all Darjeeling tea. Each year the best of the first flush is often pre sold to buyers in Germany and Japan and is rarely if ever tasted by American tea drinkers. The distinctive flavor and aroma of Darjeeling tea cannot be reproduced anywhere else in the world, as its unique character is fully dependent on several factors; microclimate, harvest season, soil, elevation, tea bush variety and the particular processing style and partial fermentation method developed in Darjeeling. It is truly the Champagne of Teas
Tea planting in the Indian district of Darjeeling was begun during 1841 by a Dr. Campbell, a civil surgeon of the Indian Medical Service. Campbell was transferred to Darjeeling in 1839 and used seeds from China to begin experimental tea planting, a practice that he and others continued during the 1840s. The government also established tea nurseries during that period. Commercial exploitation began during the 1850s.
Traditionally, Darjeeling teas are classified as a type of black tea. However, the modern Darjeeling style employs a hard wither (35-40 % remaining leaf weight after withering), which in turn causes an incomplete oxidation for many of the best teas of this designation, which technically makes them a form of oolong. Many Darjeeling teas also appear to be a blend of teas oxidized to levels of green, oolong, and black.
1st Flush is harvested in mid-March following spring rains, and has a gentle, very light color, aroma, and mild astringency.
1st Flush is harvested in mid-March following spring rains, and has a gentle, very light color, aroma, and mild astringency.
Darjeeling Plant in Bloom
Prepared Darjeeling
Darjeeling Farms in India
City of Darjeeling, India
*Note:
I have been informed by our supplier that, due to extreme weather conditions, that the first flush crop was almost entirely wipped out this year. I am however working with them to be able to offer a very high quality Second Flush Darjeeling. Thank You for your understanding
Jerome
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