Tea is the second-most consumed beverage in the world. Naturally, with time, tea has been served in several variations and blends that are enjoyed by people as per their tastes. However, tea connoisseurs over the world would agree that there is rarely any type that could compete with Darjeeling tea when it comes to superior taste and quality. Over centuries, Darjeeling tea has been counted as one of the best types of tea in the world, so much so that the variety has earned the title of Champagne of Teas among tea-lovers. Let us unveil the reasons to understand the supremacy of Darjeeling tea.
- The Geographical Factors:
The topography and geographical factors of Darjeeling are naturally beneficial for tea growth. The cool climate and optimum rainfall contribute to its uniqueness as well as the water that cannot get stagnant because of sloping land. As a result, the plantation receives water in perfect quantity, allowing its efficient growth. As the leaves continue to get frequent rainwater, it generates the terrific flavor of Darjeeling blends.
Darjeeling Tea is the only tea in the world to receive protection under the GI trademark that gives Darjeeling tea an exalted status among other teas. It means that these teas belong to the Darjeeling area only and are not grown elsewhere.
- Famous Muscatel Flavor:
The muscatel is a unique taste of the Muscat family of grapes. When it is experienced in Darjeeling teas, the muscatel presents itself as an outstanding combination of grapey fruitiness and a sort of buttery oven-baked brioche aroma that complements the tea’s usual grassy character at its best. The remarkable flavor that brings with it a mind-blowing after-taste would enrich your tea experience like no other. The musky spiciness or muscatel flavor is more profound in the teas harvested during the Second Flush in June.
- Attention to Harvesting:
The harvesting process of Darjeeling tea is another important factor that adds value to the quality and freshness of the blends. Darjeeling tea leaves are handpicked with a careful selection to provide the real, authentic flavor of Darjeeling tea.
- The Old School Technique:
Nowadays, most teas are cultivated through modern, machine-based production models that have significantly impacted the output quantity, making them high levels. On the other hand, this approach leads to an apparent drop in quality.
Such is not the case with Darjeeling tea, with tea producers continuing with the old ways. It means that it is still cultivated with the methods from the 1800s when it was first produced in the region. The steps involved in Darjeeling need a considerable set of experience and expertise, allowing the manufacturers a higher degree of flexibility with the different variables that influence the chemistry of the leaves. The change may seem minor, it leads to the unique characteristics of Darjeeling tea.
- The Unbeatable Quality of First Flush:
Although every Darjeeling flushes assure tremendous quality, the first flush is a niche of its own. It is derived from the most tender and youngest leaves of the tea plant, renowned for its complex and delicate flavor. It is well-known because of its astringency, but its nuanced flavor profile contains muscatel and floral notes, along with a dash of stone fruit. Therefore, it is obvious that the first flush of Darjeeling tea is considered a treasure among tea-lovers around the globe each year.
- Tea tasting before final nod for the market:
There is a fine difference between drinking tea and tasting tea, especially when it comes to Darjeeling tea. The tea tasting sessions in Darjeeling are heaven for the latter, with the sight and flavor of perfectly brewed tea in a porcelain cup are tested by tea connoisseurs. After harvesting, tea experts taste all varieties of Darjeeling to ensure it retains its original flavor. Only the approved teas are deemed suitable to be sold in the market.
- Social and Economic Dependence:
The social and economic importance of the Darjeeling tea gardens is immense as it is heavily dependent on tea and tourism. The tea gardens are a source of livelihood for many people in the region. The Teesta tea and tourism festival has gained momentum in Darjeeling by attracting an international audience and patronage, providing the locals in Darjeeling a platform to showcase their cultural heritage through tea. Since the economy of Darjeeling mainly revolves around tea and tourism, it is noteworthy that the Toy Train and the Ghum Railway station, both promoted by the state government, are famous attractions, giving a glance at the breathtaking rolling tea plantations.
As one of the best tea manufacturing companies in India, Vardhaman Tea Trading Company provides the highest-quality tea varieties to customers. We ensure authentic taste and aroma with our wide range of best quality tea in India, including Darjeeling tea.
For more details on our products, visit www.vardhaman.group
