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megadarjeelingtea-blog · 6 years ago

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Best Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling alone produces around 10000 tons of tea annually, out of which more than half is exported abroad. It is considered the best tea in the world. The taste of Darjeeling tea definitely leaves a lasting impression on anyone who drinks it. Though the tea packages come from within the same geographical location, there are variations. Each and every tea-estate in Darjeeling has a distinctive taste which can be separated only by experts and tea-lovers.

Moreover, it is impossible to decide which is the Best Darjeeling Tea amongst the lot. Mainly because of the differences in taste preferences of the people. For some, it is the benefits they come with, regardless of the taste it brings. Still, some determine the best based on the demand and popularity of the tea. And then, some may not really care about tea at all, and we won’t take their input into consideration here.

So you can understand, there is no Best Darjeeling Tea. But Darjeeling grown tea is the best amongst the others and there is no typical Darjeeling Tea either. The teas are marked by variety, range, and price. They have increasingly different leaf characteristics and fineness in their own flavor and aroma. Which makes it rather difficult to judge and rate being a common person. However, it is possible to rate them according to their taste and aroma, their benefits and their popularity.

TASTE AND AROMA

No doubt, the best in taste and aroma goes to Darjeeling Black Tea. The fragrant leaves of the first flush black tea when brewed give us a vibrant golden-yellow concoction. And with it a crisp and fresh sensation in your mouth. At first sip, the tea tastes like wildflowers with a distinctly bright note of grapefruit and lemon. Thereafter like some wildflower honey with a finish of hay. There are many different varieties of Black tea alone which are equally famous because of their properties. For instance, Arya, Darjeeling Masala Chai, Broken First Flush, Earl Grey, Puttabong Moondrop, just to name a few.

Darjeeling Green Tea is also not far behind the pecking order for the best taste and aroma. Mostly ordered and drunk by people wishing to revitalize their body or burn some body fat. The Green Tea beautifully weaves the flavours of Darjeeling Autumn-flush with notes of ripe grapes and berries. Leaving a typical vegetable flavor on your taste buds. Some of the types of Green teas are Arya Emerald, Giddapahar Green, Tulsi Lemongrass Green Tea, and so on.

2. BENEFITS OF HEALTH

There are Darjeeling teas that are beneficial to your health and helps in preventing some critical diseases. They are a powerhouse of antioxidants, with enhanced taste and health benefits. They get this benefit from the addition of beneficial herbs, spices, fruits and flowers, and its essence. In this, a balance of both black and white teas and even green tea comes into consideration. Some of these teas have the presence of phenolic compounds with exhibit-antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-cancerous properties. They also have a mixture of some vitamins like Vitamin B3, vitamin A, C, D, and E. Thus a perfect concoction to invigorate your senses and rescind ailments. Some examples are Orange Peel Black Tea, Rose Chamomile White Tea, Tulsi Lemongrass Green Tea, and others.

The benefits of Oolong tea can also be considered for teas having medicinal value. Oolong tea contains antioxidants called polyphenols. These magnificent compounds prevent (to some extent) grave diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. They, like green tea, can aid in weight loss and helps in fighting obesity. Oolong tea also helps in improving skin health. The traditional home of Oolong tea is in China and Taiwan. Darjeeling Oolong tea is an exquisite blend of Indian and Chinese expertise. It is a successful combination of the woody muscatel notes of Darjeeling tea with the floral aromatic notes and lingering flavor of the Chinese oolong. Classic examples of Oolong tea are the Darjeeling Oolong Tea and the Glenburn Oolong Tea.

3. POPULARITY

This is one category that varies from region to region, sometimes between different tea estates. But on the whole, we can say that Darjeeling Black tea is the most popular amongst the others. Nearly 6000 tons of the produce in Darjeeling is exported abroad every year. It is the most preferred tea worldwide by tea connoisseurs. The tea they serve in high-class cafes and hotels abroad or in India is the Darjeeling Balck Tea. Due to its taste and popularity, the price of Darjeeling tea is also rising each year.

The list then goes on to the other types like Darjeeling Oolong Teas, Darjeeling White Teas, and Darjeeling Green Teas. And the demand is variable for each of the three across the globe. But undoubtedly, Balck tea is the one which has won the hearts of millions of tea drinkers in the world.

RE-USE OF TEA

Apart from Drinking, tea leaves have other functions and benefits, not related to drinking. Therefore, apart from being the most marketable beverage (after water) in the world, it doesn’t limit itself only for consumption. So after the benefit of health and medicine, the utility of tea leaves can be massive too.

Firstly, it helps improve the nature of your soil. After your first brew, most of the nutrients will have been consumed. But you will still have some left that you can put to use. Tea contains tannic acid, that helps with the speedy decomposition of the soil and it acts as a natural fertilizer. Acid loving plants like tomatoes or roses, grow healthier when used tea leaves are sprinkled along the base.

Secondly, it helps remove humidity. Who would’ve thought of that? To see this miracle, place the sun-dried tea leaves in the corner of your room, to reduce excess humidity.

It is also helpful in neutralizing bad odours. You can leave some used green tea leaves in a bowl and place it inside your refrigerator. This reduces the strong smell of garlic and onion inside. Even previously used tea bags can be placed inside the refrigerator to absorb bad odours. Green tea removes bad odours from your hands after you wash your hands with green tea leaves. Especially after you prepare some stinky foods like fish or meat.

Used Tea can act as a natural pesticide. Just sprinkle the infusion from used tea leaves at the base of your plants. This will help you avoid garden pests like mice and other bugs. At the same time improving the quality of your soil. It also protects the plants from fungal infections.

Tannins present independently in black tea makes up for an amazing taste. And they are also great in shining the hardwood floors. Without the use of too much water, apply and rub some used tea-leaves brew on hardwood floors. And let it air dry. You can also dip a soft cloth and use it to wipe and shine your wooden furniture. Or use it to sparkle the mirrors and windows of your house. Similarly, you can also use tea bags to remove stains at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Just leave those used tea bags in the toilet for several hours, or at night, then flush the toilet. Don’t forget to brush the bowl.

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megadarjeelingtea-blog · 6 years ago

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Darjeeling Tea Garden

When we say “Darjeeling”, we are referring to so many things about the beautiful place. Frankly, Darjeeling is famous for various reasons and the main reason can be a bit controversial, to say the least. Well, to most, Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination, and to some, it is the different flavors of Darjeeling. Many may even point out the famous temples and monasteries in and around Darjeeling. Or the world heritage toy trains of Darjeeling. In fact, while driving towards Darjeeling, many just look at the view and claim it to be a wonderful hill station. So, we normally miss out on the biggest industry in Darjeeling right before our eyes. Yes, it is the Tea industry which is the biggest industry in Darjeeling. Our main focus in this content is the tea gardens found here. The content is subdivided under the following heads:

Darjeeling

Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling Tea Gardens

Types of Darjeeling Tea

Top Darjeeling Tea Plantations

Darjeeling

A hill station which has become the leading producer of tea in India and the world is Darjeeling. It is a hill station and one of the most important districts in West Bengal. Being a popular tourist destination, Darjeeling has a lot of tourists arriving and leaving almost the whole year-round. But there are still more than a lakh people in Darjeeling, who still call it their home. And they work in various aspects of a working economy to make their hometown a better one. The fact that there are numerous valleys in Darjeeling makes it an appropriate sub-division for tea plantation. Not only the valleys but also the apt climate, the workers and soil texture along with the landscapes. All this and more made Darjeeling the best exporter of Tea in the world.

Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling Tea has often been referred to as the “Champagne of Teas” and coveted as ‘the world’s best tea’. Darjeeling can be thankful to the British for many things and tea is one of them. In 1835, when Darjeeling was passed on to the East India Company, a certain Dr. Campbell brought some tea seeds from Kumaon(Uttarakhand). The tea seeds were of Chinese origin. It was just as a test since he believed the climatic conditions in Darjeeling were compatible with tea plantation. But unlike the other regions growing the same variety, Darjeeling has a unique and magical effect on the plants. The experiment was fruitful and the plantation started rapidly since the year 1841. The rest is history.

Darjeeling Tea, when brewed properly, has a thin and light-colored drink with a floral aroma. In a year, tons and tons of tea beverages are produced in Darjeeling. A huge portion of which is exported to other parts of India and abroad light-colored. So if you have ordered tea say in a cafe in Italy, and you see “Darjeeling Tea” on the menu. Do not hesitate. It is quite possible that the cafe got imports of Darjeeling tea to Italy. The names on your Darjeeling Tea package includes the name of the tea garden where they were grown and manufactured. This is the best way to identify and authenticate the credibility of the Darjeeling tea in your possession. You can also clearly fathom the difference in taste between the various tea gardens in Darjeeling. And each garden has its own signature taste and quality.

It is impossible to grow or manufacture Darjeeling Tea anywhere else in the world. And its flavors cannot be copied since Darjeeling Tea has a Geographical Indication (GI) status which is protected worldwide. Currently, only 87 tea-estates within the GI (Geographic Indicator) defined areas as listed out by the Tea Board of India.

Darjeeling Tea Gardens

When the British left India they gave up ownership to some of the locals they were familiar with. Some were sold and some were merged, still, some went with partnerships. Currently, there are over 90 tea plantations in Darjeeling, fully functional and active. Among them, you can find variations ranging from high grade first flush tea to exotic flavored teas. It takes years of hard work and diligence to earn a name and reputation as a manufacturer of the best tea in the world. The employers and employees in these gardens work extremely hard to maintain the standard and to protect its own brand.

An average tea garden in Darjeeling ranges anywhere from around 300 acres to 1300 acres. Since running a tea garden requires huge manpower, there are hundreds of workers with families living within the tea estates. Most of the workers come from Nepal and the surrounding smaller villages in and around the Darjeeling district. They get trained and briefed about how the whole thing works, which is then passed on to the next generation. And so on and so forth.

The Darjeeling tea was first planted considering the similarity in the soil and climate required to grow tea. However, other features also play a big role in shaping the taste of the tea in a tea garden. For instance, how much sun a tea bush gets can determine the taste of the brewed tea. Likewise, the taste of the tea-bush receiving more rain also stands out from the others that didn't get enough rain. The slopes of the tea estate also help drain excess water from harming the plants.

Therefore, it is possible to differentiate tastes between teas from two or more tea gardens. And many tea lovers in Darjeeling tend to prefer one tea brand from the others. While many just speculate and experiment.

Types of Darjeeling Tea

There are many different types of tea grown in different tea estates, and the name varies accordingly. The main types which Darjeeling Tea Direct deals with are listed below.

BLACK TEA- Black Tea is generally stronger in flavor than the less oxidized teas. It offers a variety of health benefits as it contains antioxidants. It also helps improve the digestive system and reduces cholesterol among other benefits.

WHITE TEA- White Tea generally feature young or minimally processed leaves. The antioxidants and anti-aging properties, help in maintaining good health and wrinkle-free skin by impeding UV rays. It also helps in a healthy weight loss.

Wrinkle-free WELLNESS BLEND- Wellness Blend is a composure of equally beneficial essence of herbs, spices, fruits, and flowers. It is a power-house of antioxidants, with enhanced taste and health benefits.

GREEN TEA- Green tea is those whose buds and leaves have not undergone the same oxidation process as the black or oolong teas. It is one of the healthiest beverages, considered as an “anti-aging beverage”. It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that are great for your mind and body.

OOLONG TEA- Oolong Tea leaves are semi-oxidized to produce the rare Darjeeling Oolong Tea. The benefits of Oolong Tea can be attributed to the antioxidants (polyphenols) that it contains. These compounds prevent grave diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart diseases.

Top Darjeeling Tea Plantations

It is quite unfair to rate tea estates based on their performance since various factors affect their overall ranking. However, we have placed the top 5 tea estates based on viewers and customer’s choice of tea. Please note that the ranking is not as per the Tea Board of India or other governing bodies. But it comes from a smaller survey. Plus the list is made randomly and not from top to bottom or vice versa methods.

Puttabong

Risheehat

Singbuli

Sungma

Balasun

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megadarjeelingtea-blog · 6 years ago

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Darjeeling Tea Online

One of the most popularly sold and consumed beverages in the world is Darjeeling Tea. Probably the main reason as to why Darjeeling is so popular. Currently, there are about 87 tea estates in Darjeeling, supplying tea across the world. Each tea estate in Darjeeling has its own signature taste and label, which sets them apart from the others. Darjeeling Tea is available for purchase in all the grocery stores and tea houses found in India. Due to the rising demand for Darjeeling Tea, few establishments have taken the initiative to sell tea online. Consequently, many people buy their tea online or want tea delivered at their doorstep.

Origin of Darjeeling Tea

Types of Darjeeling Tea

Seasons for Darjeeling Tea

Where do we get our tea from?

Darjeeling Tea Direct products

Origin of Darjeeling Tea

The origin of Darjeeling tea takes us back earlier than 1835 when Dr. Archibald Campbell first introduced tea in Darjeeling. He established the Beechwood Tea Estate in 1841, at Darjeeling. This was the first tea estate to be established in the district. The weather conditions in Darjeeling were perfect for tea plantation. But a mystery still baffles the most brilliant of mind as to why Darjeeling tea is so exotic in taste. By the year 1846, there were a lot of tea estates established in Darjeeling district. The rest is history. Currently, Darjeeling produces 10,000 tons of tea products each year and a portion of it is exported abroad.

Types of Darjeeling Tea

There are basically 4 types of Darjeeling Tea produced annually by the 87 tea estates. Each type has a distinct flavor and aroma, and anyone will be able to differentiate between them. Out of these, black tea is the most popular and is widely preferred by tea connoisseurs worldwide. It is also the most widely sold Darjeeling Tea in India. Darjeeling tea estates also produce Green tea, White tea, and Oolong tea.

Black Tea- Darjeeling Black tea offers a variety of health benefits. It contains antioxidants and compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. The major benefits of this tea include- improved digestive system, good heart health, reduce cholesterol and lowers stress level.

Green Tea- The Darjeeling Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages and is considered to be an “anti-aging beverage”. It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that are great for your mind and body. It boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol.

White Tea- The Darjeeling White Tea has antioxidant and anti-aging properties. It helps in maintaining good health and wrinkle-free skin by impeding UV rays. Its antibacterial properties protect the body from various infection-causing bacteria. Intake of white tea also helps in healthy weight loss by burning fat.

Oolong Tea- The Darjeeling Oolong tea attributes its benefits to the antioxidant called polyphenols. These compounds help to prevent grave diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. They also aid in weight loss and helps in fighting obesity. Oolong tea is also known for improving skin health.

Seasons for Darjeeling Tea

There are mainly 3 seasons when the tea is harvested in Darjeeling, Spring, Summer, Monsoon, and Autumn seasons. Also known as First Flush, Second Flush, Monsoon Flush, and Autumnal Flush respectively. Quite rightly, the taste and the texture of the brew differs based on the seasons they were plucked and processed in.

The most preferred tea is the First Flush that is the Spring harvest. It is harvested in mid-March and lasts through April. The tea leaves are light green in color and the tea has a gentle, light color aromatic acetic flavor.

Then the Summer Flush or the Second Flush. The harvesting is done through the months of May and June. This period brings out the popular ‘muscatel flavor’ in the tea. It has a mature and mellow brew. The color of the infusion becomes purplish.

Produced between July and September, the Monsoon Flush is darker bolder and stronger. It is commonly used as iced tea, masala tea, breakfast tea, and commercial tea bags.

Autumnal Flush tea is harvested during the months of October and November. It brews a concoction that imparts a delicate, silvery gentle coppery glow , with less spicy tones. It has a mixture of green tea leaves with that of a blackish or brown color.

Where do we get our tea from?

We have conducted surveys and researches for over a decade to determine which tea estates produce the best Darjeeling tea. And we are proud to say that we get the tea directly from the below-mentioned tea gardens. Out of the 87 tea estates producing tea, we have carefully selected and linked up with the following establishments:

Arya Tea Estate

Giddapahar Tea Estate

Avongrove Tea Estate

Risheehat Tea Estate

Puttabong Tea Estate

Turzum Tea Estate

Glenburn Tea Estate

Goomtee Tea Estate

We are the locals of Darjeeling and we have our main procurement center located in Darjeeling. Our IT cell is located in Kalimpong, while the business head office is in Pedong.

Darjeeling Tea Direct products

We only deal with the best products Darjeeling has to offer. We have consigned people to test the products before packaging and distributing. So you have our guarantee that the products you receive from us are genuine. We are from Darjeeling, the land of Tea Gardens. Darjeeling Tea Direct is a locally based company from the region of Darjeeling. We aim to provide our patrons with the finest of teas, Darjeeling has to offer, directly from the source. With our motto as “DARJEELING TEA AT YOUR DOORSTEP DIRECTLY FROM DARJEELING,” we are in the constant perusal of authenticity, to ensure that your cup of Darjeeling tea, comes to you directly from Darjeeling. We have an online market and you can order your choice of Darjeeling tea from our website as well. Here are a few of our products.

Arya Diamond Black Tea- The Arya Diamond Black Tea is a superb selection from the second flush produce of the Arya Tea-Estate. It contains the highest quality of two leaves and a bud with a very delicate tippy appearance. This stimulating dark orange cup possesses a very nice aroma of wildflowers and fresh berries. With flavors that are felt instantly with very prominent complexity and range of notes. And you are left with a very nice aftertaste coupled with floral fragrance lingering in your mouth.

Broken First Flush- The Broken First Flush comes from the famous Giddapahar Tea estate, which is famous for its exquisite tea. The century-old china bushes and the first flush teas are well renowned. The leaf of this flush's appearance is a grayish-greenish broken leaf. This broken first flush brews into darker golden liquor with light, resh, and astringent flavor.

Broken Muscatel- Another masterpiece from Giddapahar is this traditional Darjeeling Black Tea produced from an organic broken-leaf selection. The Broken Muscatel invigorates the senses with its pleasing aroma acquainted by a rich, full-bodied cup with hints of honey and nuts.

Arya Ruby- Arya Ruby is a pursued drink by Darjeeling tea aficionados for its complex notes of rich muscatel and floral-fruity. The teas produced by Arya Tea Estate are named after precious jewels. This tea delivers a crisp and sprightly flavor with milder astringency than the typical black teas.

Avongrove Euphoria- It comes from the 100% organic Avongrove Tea Estate of Darjeeling. This autumn flush black tea has a delicate yet sparkling appeal. With rounded flavors distinct from the sharpness and astringency of the first and second flush. It has a coppery gold finish with is naturally fruity with delectable sweet nose and mellowness..This flush of the Avongrove Euphoria is preferred by tea enthusiasts for its delicate, well balanced and awakening taste.

Darjeeling Handmade- This exceptional handcrafted organic Darjeeling tea is grown and produced at the Kanchan View Estate in the Darjeeling region. The fragrant leaves of this first flush black tea when brewed produces a vibrant golden-yellow liquor with a crisp and fresh mouthfeel. It has a distinctly green note along with fresh citrus-like brightness. At first sip, the liquor tastes of wildflowers with a distinctly bright note of grapefruit and lemon and wildflower honey with a finish of hay.

Darjeeling Masala Chai- The muscatel character of this signature Darjeeling orthodox black tea leaves is beautifully blended with fresh aromatic Indian spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. This tea is popular for its unique and refreshing aroma. It has many Ayuvedic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also relieves fatigue.

Earl Grey- Darjeeling Earl Grey is an exceptional blend that brings together the second flush black tea with a sweet and citrusy flavor. It gives you the sweet muscatel character along with the prominent fruity character. The tea is good in relieving anxiety, improving energy levels and help fight Oxidative stress. It is also good for weight loss, heart & dental health, helps to regulate digestion and strengthens the immune system.

Giddapahar Wiry- This tea is produced in the Giddapahar tea estate and belongs to the first flush selection of teas. It consists of large and slightly twisted leaves of brownies hues. The concoction when brewed it produces a beautiful amber liquor of diverse colors on a base field of forest brown. This shows how the leaf and the tips responded to oxidation during manufacture. It has a classy and delicate floral aroma.

Rose Chamomile White Tea- This is the best choice for all white tea lovers who prefer the delicateness of white tea and the floral sweet fragrance of the chamomile and rose. It is a good balance of Darjeeling White tea blended with rose petals and chamomile, which provides health benefits. Chamomile has long been perceived for its medical and beauty advantages. The presence of phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and anti-cancerous properties. Also, vitamins like vitamin B3, vitamin A, C, D, and E, in the rose is good for human health. Chamomile is a calming, soothing herb and the perfect drink to invigorate your senses and guard against ailments.

Silver Needles White Tea- This is a product from the tea estate of Puttabong surrounded by the mountain air, unique soil and high altitude. The Silver Needle includes only top buds (leaf shoots) that are hand dried and produces distinct light liquor. It has a subtle sweet-scented flavor that is very soothing to your senses. This is a perfect combination of relaxation after a hectic day.

leave

Goomtee White Tea- Coming from the gardens of Goomtee tea estate which is famous for its black tea and exquisite teas made from special clones. These white tea leaves are made with the most tender shoots of the tea estate. It provides a perfect amalgamation of the sweet floral character with the musical notes transported by the fresh Himalayan wind. The floral notes with hints of the softest peach leaves a fresh mark on your palette.

Darjeeling Oolong Tea- The Darjeeling Oolong Tea is an exquisite blend of Indian and Chinese expertise to make a rare cup of tea. It has a combination of woody muscatel notes of Darjeeling teas, with floral aromatic notes and lingering flavor of the Chinese Oolong. The resulting brew is a bold, full-bodied and complex orchid undertones. This tea is normally made of two leaves and a bud. Which is then processed much like Darjeeling Black Teas but goes through less oxidation?

Glenburn Oolong- The Glenburn Oolong is an exquisite tea with a fine balance and of smooth taste and flavor. This product is brought to you directly from Glenburn Tea Estate. It is made in small batches towards the close of the season, using only the most experienced tea pickers. The brew gives a complex, fruity and sweet flavor with the leaf remaining intact and unbroken right through to the infusion.

So here you have it. You can check the variety of our collectibles listed on our website as well. Normally, items related to tea drinking and tea making that are also alongside our tea products.

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