The 2015 crop of First Flush Darjeeling teas has arrived! So it is a good time to consider them, especially if you have never had the privilege of tasting one before. Though officially classified as a black tea, First Flush Darjeelings seem to fall somewhere between black and green teas.
Why Darjeeling Tea Stands Apart
Darjeelings are categorized by the time they are picked. When you see “1st Flush” in the name, it means that the leaves of that particular tea come from the very first harvest of the season. Consequently, the leaves take on a lighter color and have a more delicate liquor. Darjeelings are less oxidized and less astringent than most black teas, but they are much more complex in taste than green teas.
The tea is grown in the Darjeeling region of India and is tempered with high mountain air and rains. They can take on notes of flavor similar to those of wine. Musky, sweet, delicate and sometimes citrusy, these subtle tastes make savoring every sip interesting and worthwhile. Every year, we have the privilege of tasting a variety of Darjeelings and selecting what we believe to be the finest.
What Darjeeling Should You Try
First of all, you should know that a portion of the proceeds from each of our First Flush Darjeelings go to the Nepal Relief Fund. The region where these teas are grown was affected by recent earthquakes.
For a flavorful and consistent taste as well as the best value, try our Glenburn 1st Flush Darjeeling. For a smooth, sweet and floral taste, check out Giddaphar Estate 1st Flush. This is one of our very favorites. Or try Margaret’s Hope 1st Flush. It is one of the most famous tea estates in the world. Finally, for one of the most complex and well-developed tastes, try Organic Jungpana 1st Flush Darjeeling.
Check them all out, or read more about Darjeeling tea while you enjoy this season’s finest!