Tea Forté - Estate Darjeeling - Organic Whole Leaf Black Tea - 80g

Although it is classified in the "black tea" category, one of the unique characteristics of Darjeeling is that it varies from green to oolong to black. During the oxidation process (the level of oxidation of tea is one of the main differences between green tea, oolong tea and black tea), Darjeeling tea is rarely raked or mixed. This means that some parts of the tea are not exposed to as much air as others, leaving these less oxidized parts closer to the green end of the spectrum. Looking at the Tea Forte Estate Darjeeling in bulk, we can see this mixture of colour shades in the leaves.

Our classic Darjeeling tea comes from the Golden Valley of Darjeeling. The most famous and geographically protected origin in the world is located at the northern tip of West Bengal State in India. Located in the South Kurseong Valley, in the Indian district of Darjeeling, the Monteviot estate is now one of the smallest and oldest tea plantations in India. Tea Forté is proud to offer this well-made organic leaf from the Monteviot estate.

DARJEELING COLLINES:

Darjeeling tea is produced in West Bengal from a particular variety of the Camellia Sinensis plant known to make most black, green, white and oolong teas. With only a few dozen tea gardens in the Darjeeling Hills of India allowed to call their product by its name, Darjeeling tea varies considerably in flavor according to a variety of factors. With five separate harvests per year, each season brings its own aromatic profile and body. Darjeeling is generally classified as black tea, but there are also interpretations of green, white and oolong tea.

With a particularly hilly landscape, the Darjeeling region of West Bengal has an average elevation of 6,710 feet above sea level. In summer, the region is affected by monsoons, which often generate 100 inches of rain. This climate is ideal for growing several types of black tea and, according to some experts, the temperate climate contributes to the unique taste of the drink. Monsoon tea, as it is called when harvested during the rainy season, is often used as the basis for masala chai, while the other crops each have their own flavor.

Except for rare blends, Darjeeling tea is moderately spicy and sweet. It is known for its pleasant musky profile, sometimes called locally "muscat" as the muscat grape variety, which is lush and almost animal in flavor. Because of this, and because of its slight astringency, it can also evoke the sensation of drinking wine or grape juice.

Darjeeling tea used by Tea Forte is grown organically in tea gardens approved by the Tea Board of India. Each year, 20 million pounds of tea are produced in the region, and the region's production represents seven percent of all tea grown in the sub-continent.