The Legacy of Darjeeling Tea...

Think Darjeeling, and tea gardens would most probably be one of the things you associate it with. They’ve earned their dues with some of the highest quality teas in the world being produced by prominent tea estates of Darjeeling!

But Darjeeling’s tea gardens didn’t come into existence till the 1800s, and the British could be thanked for that.

 

It all started with the British making Darjeeling their summer retreat, providing its soldiers with respite from the sweltering heat of the plains. Darjeeling was then a part of the Kingdom of Sikkim and was leased out to the British. Later, a war broke out between the British and Sikkim, resulting in the British winning the war. A treaty was then signed between the two in 1865, leaving the British with full control over Darjeeling.  

 

THE BRITISH AND THEIR TEA

The British, as we know it, are the world’s largest tea consumers. In the 1800s, the Britishers were heavily dependent on China for their growing tea trade. However, strained relations prompted the British to look elsewhere, namely India, and specifically Darjeeling. Darjeeling’s ecosystem, which has traits of the temperate, alpine, and subtropical, along with its mineral-rich soils and strong unfiltered sunlight, offered ideal conditions for the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) to grow unabashedly.

In 1841, the East India Company, led by Arthur Campbell the British superintendent of Darjeeling, planted tea bushes on the slopes of Darjeeling’s hills, creating the first Darjeeling tea garden. The treaty opened the perfect opportunity for the tea-loving Britishers to expand their tea business in Darjeeling.

In 1841, the East India Company, led by Arthur Campbell the British superintendent of Darjeeling, planted tea bushes on the slopes of Darjeeling’s hills, creating the first Darjeeling tea garden. Nepali immigrants were hired to work in the tea gardens in exchange for a paltry wage along with food, medical care, and education.

 

WHAT MAKES DARJEELING TEA EXCEPTIONAL?

Darjeeling tea’s quality is exceptional for many reasons surpassing its counterpart Assam tea, which is still produced in impressive volumes. Foremost, it has the ideal growing conditions owing to the topography, altitude, soil, and unique climate. Rapid advances in agricultural techniques and processing methods also lend to the distinct flavour and aroma of each flush (periods when new leaves grow and are harvested from the tea plant).

The ever-growing demand for tea in Europe led to the explosion of Indian tea sales, with Darjeeling tea earning the prestigious name of "Champagne of teas”.  

 

WHICH DARJEELING TEA IS PERFECT FOR YOU

 Darjeeling tea is known for its fruity, sweet, muscatel notes and a light astringency. It comes in 3 major flushes:

• First flush, also known as spring flush, usually occurs from mid-March to May. This flush is considered the start of the new season. It is characterised by a light, floral flavour. Mostly, the first flush has the best quality, and for that reason, it also costs more than others.
• The second flush is harvested in the peak summer months. It is characterised by distinct muscatel notes and bold character. You can also find hints of floral and nutty notes.
• The third flush, commonly called autumn flush, is cultivated from October to November. It’s a full-bodied and naturally fruity flavoured tea.

DON'T MISS...

Whenever you get the chance to visit Darjeeling, drop by any of its charming tea boutiques and opt for a tea tasting. From black teas to white teas, and different flushes, you can experience the finest quality teas of Darjeeling through a guided session by a tea expert. Some boutiques we recommend are Golden Tips, Mayukh Tea, and Nathmulls Tea Shop.