As all tea aficionados know, Darjeeling tea is something special. More complex than other black teas due to the special process it takes to create it, Darjeeling is grown in only one region in the world: the district in India after which it takes its name. Its flavor profile is sophisticated, nuanced and never tannic.
HOW TO MAKE DARJEELING TEA
Preparing this elixir requires more care than the process of making other teas. The compounds responsible for Darjeeling’s subtle aroma and taste can easily be damaged by impurities. So, never use soap to clean a pot or cup destined to hold Darjeeling tea. Instead, thoroughly wipe the inside of the vessel with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue
Bottled spring water or filtered tap water is fine, but make sure it’s nice and cold.
Water is another important consideration. Bottled spring water or filtered tap water is fine, but make sure it’s nice and cold. Never make tea with distilled water, which will dull the quality of the steep.
Now, to bring about a balanced flavor, heat water to 205 degrees Fahrenheit (just below the boiling point of 212 degrees). To do this without a thermometer, simply bring the kettle just to a boil, turn off the heat, and let it sit for a moment before steeping your tea.
SHOULD A TEA INFUSER BE USED WITH DARJEELING TEA?
Some Darjeeling enthusiasts claim that tea infusers should never be used with this remarkable tea. Their view is that traditional infusers crowd the leaves. From their perspective, the only way to make Darjeeling tea is to steep loose tea leaves in a pot.
Perfectly golden color of a Darjeeling tea.
Others, however, prefer the convenience of steeping their tea in a cup. The trick is to use an infuser that allows proper water flow, and the simple act of using a larger infuser provides enough space for the leaves to work their magic. Tea Forté’s pyramid infusers offers space for the leaves to unfurl and release their nuanced flavors. With the right design, a single cup can possess all the complex flavor of an entire teapot.
CURIOUS HOW TO PREPARE DARJEELING TEA?
Whether using a Tea Forté’ pyramid infuser or loose leaf tea, the steps remain the same.
- Rinse the cup or pot to warm it, then pour out the water.
- Bring a kettle of water just to a boil and let sit for a moment. 205 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
- Use two teaspoons of leaves (one Tea Forté silken infuser) for each eight ounce cup.
- Pour the hot water over the tea and steep for three to five minutes.
- Savor and enjoy.
At Tea Forté, we offer a single-origin Estate Darjeeling and a zingy, citrusy Darjeeling Quince Tea blend to delight the senses. Both are available in loose leaf form and in our exclusive silken pyramid infuser. Discover your favorite blend and elevate your personal tea ritual to an even higher level.
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