6 interesting facts about Darjeeling Tea

6 interesting facts about Darjeeling TeaNestled in the Himalayas in West Bengal is the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling. And Darjeeling is synonymous with its lush tea plantations. Darjeeling teas are highly popular all across India and the globe and tea connoisseurs can immediately pick out the muscatel and fruity notes of a good Darjeeling brew any day. However, there are a lot of interesting facts about the tea plantations in Darjeeling that tea enthusiasts must know about. Here we share some of these interesting facts:

Geographical Indication (GI) status:

Darjeeling tea was awarded Geographical Indication status in 2004. This means that all Darjeeling tea varieties henceforth were marked specifically as having originated from the Darjeeling district alone. This was done to ensure the authenticity of the tea and maintain its high quality. Only the tea produced in the Darjeeling region and cultivated using very specific cultivation and processing standards can now bear that name.

Distinctive flushes:

“Flushes” are the different periods of the year when tea leaves are harvested. Primarily, there are four distinct flushes for such teas, namely, first flush (spring), second flush (summer), monsoon flush, and autumn flush. Depending on the flush you choose, Darjeeling tea taste can differ significantly. Also, each flush leads to different aroma and characteristics as well. So, buyers always need to check the flush before making the purchase.

History:

The history of plantation in Darjeeling can be traced back to the mid-19th century when the British colonists in India discovered that the region's climate was ideal for tea growing. It was Dr Archibald Campbell, the superintendent of Darjeeling, who first had the idea of planting tea saplings in Darjeeling. At that point of time, the British were desperately seeking alternative sources of tea besides China. The British colonists had discovered tea grew well in Assam and Campbell decided to try his luck in a small town in Darjeeling, Lebong. That is where he planted the first tea seeds in 1846 and the impressive harvest pleasantly surprised all. By 1856, the first commercial tea gardens were established in Darjeeling. And, the number of tea gardens in Darjeeling grew to 39 within a decade.

Elevation factor:

Darjeeling tea is grown specifically along the hillsides of the Eastern Himalayas. The geography and climate are perfect in the region, leading to such a distinct cultivation of teas. The area lies between the Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal. This ensures that the temperatures are cool and the winter months (between November and February) are dry. Even during the monsoons, the slopes ensure that the soil is relatively drier and the tea plantation can have deeper roots. The elevation, coupled with prevalent foggy conditions, makes this region ideal for tea cultivation.

Flavour profile:

The first flush teas from Darjeeling tend to have a delicate flavour and a bright infusion. On the other hand, the second flush teas from the region have bolder flavours and a strong muscatel note. The fruity and flowery hints resonate with many consumers.

Cultural heritage and global demand:

Darjeeling tea holds special cultural significance for people residing in Darjeeling. Thousands of people in the region are employed across the tea estates, ensuring a decent livelihood. Also, the demand for Darjeeling tea is high globally and the limited production means this variety of tea is highly prized by tea aficionados.

Looking for quality Darjeeling tea?

Explore our collection of premium Darjeeling teas that are crafted with precision and care to capture the unique essence of this revered region. We take pride in offering a selection that includes Oolong, Black, White, and Green teas, each presenting distinct characteristics and flavours that exemplify the terroir of Darjeeling. Our first and second flush Darjeeling teas comply with international certifications and standards, such as Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, USDA, India Organic, and more. Our Darjeeling tea collection includes Darjeeling Turzum Second Flush Moon Drop Black Tea 2023, Darjeeling Turzum First Flush Enigma 2023, and Darjeeling Liza Hill First Flush Moonshine Tea 2023 to name a few.