In India, tea plantations have the poetic name of "gardens." High in the mountains, in northeastern India, Darjeeling gardens have grown. Black fog, bright sun, heavy rains and thin air determine the absolutely extraordinary properties of tea leaves. It is not possible to grow such a product in any other territories. Therefore, Darjeeling is tea that is deservedly considered to be elite and is highly valued on Earth. The drink got its name from the name of the area in which it grows.
Tea Description
Darjeeling is one of the finest Indian black teas. A distinctive feature of this drink is its slightly astringent taste, with a nutmeg or fruity hue, often this bouquet complements the beautiful floral smell.
Darjeeling tea is often referred to as champagne or mountain champagne. The first name is related to the value of the product. Darjeeling is a tea that, in comparison with other black teas, has the highest value. The second variant of the name of the drink is due to its ability to raise the mood, invigorate, energize.
The degree of fermentation of this variety of tea reaches approximately 90%. It is impossible to accurately determine the shade of Darjeeling: it seems to be black, but if you look closely, it seems that in places it is greenish.
Varieties of Indian Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a tea that comes in three varieties:
- Darjeeling of the first collection: assembly time - end of February - mid-April. The scale of production of this variety is very small, as they collect only the first couple of leaves with a kidney. To get one kilogram of Darjeeling of the first collection, you need 22 thousand young shoots. As a rule, processed and packaged tea is sold through auctions and try to do it as quickly as possible due to the fact that in a short time it loses its aroma and taste. The taste of Darjeeling of the first collection is soft, slightly tart, the color is light amber, and the aroma is sophisticated, nutmeg.
- Darjeeling of the second collection: harvesting period - end of May - beginning of July. This variety is characterized by a darker shade of infusion, from which comes the amber of fruit notes. The taste of such a drink is rich, full, at the same time resembling almonds and nutmeg. If the storage rules of Darjeeling for the second crop are to be followed properly, then the shelf life reaches five years.
- The third grade is Darjeeling of the autumn harvest: tea leaves are harvested after the end of the rainy season. Therefore, tea leaves are juicy and large. Due to the minimum content of tannins, the drink acquires an incredibly mild taste and a weak aroma. Like the first variety, the autumn one has a minimum shelf life. The infusion of tea of this collection is distinguished by a honey shade with a pleasant light smell.
Brewing Rules of Indian Darjeeling
Darjeeling Indian tea is recommended to be brewed with purified water, the temperature of which reaches 90 degrees. It is best to brew a drink in a vessel made of yixing clay. But if there is no such capacity, then an ordinary teapot with a strainer is also suitable. About five grams of tea leaves are used per 200 milliliters of water. Darjeeling must withstand three to four tea leaves. After three to five seconds of steaming, it is necessary to drain the first infusion. The second infusion is aged for half a minute. The time for each subsequent brewing should increase by 30 seconds.
In principle, the volume and brewing time depend on your own preferences and, as a rule, are selected empirically. In order for Darjeeling's taste to be fully revealed, you should learn to brew it in the right way. If you overexpose the brewing time of the drink or use too many tea leaves, then the resulting infusion can acquire a very astringent or bitter taste.
Beneficial features
Darjeeling black tea has various positive properties. This drink is an excellent alternative to black coffee. Everyone wants to feel cheerful, and therefore in the morning needs a serving of coffee, which will charge him with energy. But excessive caffeine negatively affects health. Therefore, it is better to use Darjeeling, which will also fill with vigor. It gives energy without affecting the nervous system.
Darjeeling is a tea that reduces the risk of cancer. The drink contains TF-2 - a substance that suppresses cancer cells.
By using Darjeeling, you can reduce weight. This is facilitated by the antioxidants and caffeine contained in the drink.
How to choose the right tea
To get the best pleasure from the product, you need to buy Darjeeling tea (description - above) only buy one that has been packaged in India itself. Pay attention to the date of collection of leaves, as the most delicious is the crop that was harvested in March. The original packaging with tea will contain information from the manufacturer about where the product was grown (name of the place and plantation), the time of harvest and the age of the tea bushes.
Indian companies that manufacture Darjeeling draw a lamb head on their packaging. The print indicates that the drink will be as strong as the forehead of this animal. Therefore, look for the packaging on which this symbol is drawn.
Darjeeling Storage Rules
After you have bought tea, it is better to pour it into some sealed container and put it in a cool place. The shelf life of Darjeeling usually does not exceed two years. The exception is varieties marked Vintage: such a product can be saved for five or more years. Over the years, such a variety only ripens, and its taste and aroma become more saturated.