The Preparation of Darjeeling Teas

> Information Flyer: Preparation of Darjeeling Teas

Our Darjeeling Teas are of the highest quality. They have gone through the most careful selection; they have passed the most stringent tests for quality and purity. Now it is up to you to allow the "champagne of tea" to achieve its peak flavor.

Green Darjeeling Teas and Black Darjeeling Teas (First Flush, Second Flush, Garden Tea) require a different preparation. It is essential to know the right method for each type of tea.

A few basics apply for Green Darjeeling Tea and Black Darjeeling Tea:

Storage
Always keep tea in a well-sealed container. If you store it in our silver bag, an odor-free closet shelf will do. Always close the bag tightly, e.g. with a binder clip.

Water
The water used in the infusion is very important. Use fresh tap water. Water quality varies by region. If necessary, use a water filter or buy non-carbonated mineral water. Do not use water that has been standing in a container for a long time or water that has boiled for a long time.

Brewing
For best results, brew tea in a container without net. Tea nets and especially tea infusers compress the leaves too much.

Measuring and Time
The tea's stimulating caffeine (only in Darjeeling Black Tea) develops its full energy within two minutes. Longer infusion adds tannin, which has a calming effect on the gastro-intestinal tract. If the leaves are steeped for too long, the tea's taste might become too strong. To figure out the right balance of steeping time and amount of tea leaves, you should experiment until you have discovered your personal preference.

Pouring Off
Before pouring the steeped tea into a teapot for serving, pre-heat the teapot with hot water. Warm water is not sufficient. Pour through a tea strainer into the pot.

Serving
Darjeeling, especially the Second Flush, may be enjoyed with a drop of milk. Do not sweeten tea too much; just balance the natural bitterness. Because of its delicate character, we recommend white candied sugar. The best way to keep the tea hot is to use a tea cozy; heat under the pot spoils the tea.

Black Darjeeling Tea (First Flush, Second Flush, Garden Tea)

Always boil the water, and let it boil for about 1 minute.
Rinse the cup or pot with hot water.
Measure your tea, use approximately 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams) per cup (6-8 ounces).
Pour the boiling water over the tea leaves and steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the taste you desire.
Remove the tea leaves or pour off the tea.

Green Darjeeling Tea

For green tea, a temperature of 65 to 80°C (150 to 175 F) is best, because it preserves the color, the flavor, and the nutritional value of the tea. Never use boiling water. “Cooking” the leaves will spoil the tea and its flavor.
Use 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams) for 8 to 12 ounces of water.
Put the tea leaves into the teapot; pour in the water. Steep for 2 to 3 minutes only.
While steeping, do not cover the pot, so as not to scald the leaves.
Green tea leaves may be used for a second or third infusion.