Darjeeling Tea occupies a place of pride for the whole of India. The aroma and taste of Darjeeling orthodox tea is unparalleled in the world. There are a total of 78 tea estates in the hills which have been accorded the status for its produce, as Darjeeling Tea by the Tea Board of India. These estates cover over 17,500 hectares producing over 9 million kg of tea engaging about 50 percent people of the district.
The Darjeeling Tea industry is the mainstay of the economy up in the hills and provides a rewarding life to its workers by way of a steady livelihood and other facilities like housing, statutory benefits, allowances, incentives, creches for infants of working monthers, children’s education, integrated residential medical facilities for employees and their families and many more.
In Darjeeling the first trial plantation of seed was planted at an altitude of 700 ft. by Dr. A Campbell and in 1845 an experimental nursery in Darjeeling was set up by the Government. In 1847 the Government planted a nursery at Lebong and the rest, as they say, is history. Tea plantations in Darjeeling are restricted to Darjeeling and Kurseong sub-divisions only. Kalimpong sub-division was left out as it already had agricultural holdings and reserve forest.
Tea is grown at an altitude ranging from 600 to 2000 meters above mean sea level and requires a minimum of 50″ to 60″ of rainfall in a year and for this Darjeeling did not lack. The cool and moist climate , the soil, the rainfall and the slopping terrains all combine to give Darjeeling tea its unique “Muscatel flavour” and “Exquisite Banquet”. The combination of natural factors give Darjeeling tea its unique distinction not found anywhere else in the world. Thus, it is the most sought after and highly valued. In the affluent Western and Japanese markets, 80% of the total produce is exported every year
Darjeeling still manufactures the original methods of tea manufacture, known as the “Orthodox” tea manufacture, as against the “C.T.C.” type of manufacture adopted in the plains, now.(C.T.C. stands for Curling, Tearing & Crushing). ‘Organic tea’ is a name given to tea grown using natural manure and ecologically sustainable practices. There is no use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in an organic tea garden. In recent times growing appreciation and demand for the organic products in the western countries have driven some tea gardens of Darjeeling to produce organic tea. ‘Tea tourism’ is the latest concept being popularised in India. The tourists are encouraged to stay in tea garden Bungalows with all amenities during which apart from enjoying serene atmosphere of tea garden they can also see the tea manufacturing process and the unique culture of tea garden. Nature walks, tea plucking session, trekking, rafting and golf is also on offer.
The Darjeeling logo is a hallmark of excellence. Launched in 1986, the Darjeeling logo has come to represent high quality muscatel flavoured tea with the unmistakable class that only Darjeeling can offer. The logo is a significant landmark in the history of the tea industry. Conceptualized by the Association in Darjeeling and launched in the international and domestic market by the Tea Board, it guarantees genuine Darjeeling tea, tested, and packed for the connoisseurs of tea throughout the world. The Darjeeling tea industry is a happening place and has more surprises to unfurl.
Different types of Darjeeling Tea
Black Tea
Black tea accounts for over 90% of the tea consumption in the western world. During theproduction process of black tea the leaves are changed substantially, allowing the characteristic flavors of black tea ranging from flowery to fruity, nutty and spicy to emerge.
Oolong Tea
Also known as partially or semi-fermented tea, the oolongs have some of the qualities of both black and green tea. At their best, oolongs are beautiful, full-bodied tea with a fragrant flavor and fruity, sweet aroma..
Green Tea
Green tea, for centuries the beverage of choice in Asia, is rapidly gaining popularity in the western world. Its natural aroma and widely acclaimed health benefits make green tea appealing to both the tea lover and previously non-tea drinker.When preparing green tea, it is important to use water below the boiling point and to carefully watch the infusion time to avoid bitterness.
White Tea
White tea are the most delicate of all tea; the finest varieties are appreciated by tea connoisseurs for their unmatched subtlety, complexity and natural sweetness. The production of the most delicate white tea consists of only two steps: Steaming and drying. The absence of withering, rolling and oxidation leaves the appearance of the leaves essentially unaltered.
Blended, Flavored & Scented Tea
Blended Tea : Earl Greys, Breakfast & Afternoon Blends, Russian Caravan Tea and Lapsang Souchons.
Flavored Tea : Flavored Black Tea, Flavored Oolong Tea, Flavored Green Tea.
Scented Tea : Jasmine, Litchee and Rose Tea.
Seasonal Blends : Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter & Holiday Blends.
