A Guide to Darjeeling Tea

Famous amongst tea connoisseurs, across the world. Darjeeling Tea evokes a sense of one of the finest full leaves. Globally known as the Champagne of Teas, India proudly produces this distinct full leaf. At No.3 Clive Road, we explore fine teas of Indian origin. Let's delve deeper into the world of Darjeeling tea, exploring its unique characteristics, and the coveted GI tag, taking a walk through the Himalayan tea gardens, knowing its flushes, harvest cycles and why it might make for the perfect addition to your tea pantry.
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Darjeeling Full Leaf: An Indian Legacy Steeped in Flavor

The Champagne of Teas owes its uniqueness to a combination of cool mountain air, high altitude, and well-drained, fertile soil. Darjeeling tea's reputation was further enhanced when it was issued the first GI tag, by the Indian Government. GI Tag is a prestigious mark that signifies its authenticity and adherence to stringent quality standards. This ensures that every cup you enjoy embodies the true essence of Darjeeling Tea.
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The Four Seasons of Harvest
Harvested four times a year, the tea gardens of Darjeeling unfold seasonally and yield distinct variants with each flush!
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First Flush: Harvested in Spring, these delicate hand-plucked leaves produce a light, floral flavour - it is light in colour with mild astringency.
Second Flush: Cultivated during summer - the climatic conditions during late May - June lead to a fuller body, offering a rich and malty flavour.
Third Flush: Also known as the Monsoon flush. The abundant showers brew a distinct full-bodied tea, perfect for those who appreciate a bold, robust cup.
Autumnal Flush: Harvested in October & November, the fourth season produces an abundant coloured tea, rich in flavour with nutty undertones.
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Darjeeling Tea Brands
Buy the finest Darjeeling First Flush tea online by No. 3 Clive Road. Enjoy premium grade full leaf, directly sourced from plantations - bringing you closer to the producer of your tea. Carefully packaged in a sustainable and reusable tea tin, adorned with a vintage map of the Himalayan regions - illustrating iconic landmarks and tea gardens of Darjeeling. Clive Road’s Darjeeling tea is available for delivery in India and 24-hour dispatch for Delhi NCR. The Tea is also available for worldwide shipping. Shop Now.
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Your Brewing Guide to Darjeeling Tea - How to make Darjeeling Tea?
To unlock the full flavours of your Darjeeling tea, consider these simple brewing tips:
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Use filtered water: Avoid unfiltered tap water, as it can alter the taste of the brew
Ideal water temperature: Aim for 80-85 C (176-185 F) to prevent bitterness.
Steeping time: Depending on the flush and your preference, steep for 2-3 minutes for a delicate cup or 3-4 minutes for a stronger brew.
Serving: Use a full-leaf strainer, sieve the tea and serve warm, without milk and sugar.
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The next time you seek a cup of tea that transcends the ordinary, consider Darjeeling First Flush. With its unique flavour profile, rich heritage, and the assurance of the GI tag, it's a true testament to the art of Indian tea.
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Explore a variety of Single-estate teas by No.3 Clive Road.