* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Second flush Darjeelings are typified as being more complex and fuller in the cup than the first flush varieties which tend to be a little greener and lighter. Darjeelings are considered among the rarest and most prestigious of the black teas. The best grades are the whole leaf types with lots of "tip." This tea is the grade FTGFOP. (finest tippy golden flowery orange pekoe) and is in the upper 10 percentile of Castleton's quality.
The estate is near the town of Kurseong in the Darjeeling district of northern India. Castleton is one of the top estates in Darjeeling and consistently produces top teas - and not surprisingly obtains the top prices. The major method of transportation to Darjeeling is road (very treacherous) and a narrow gauge railway. In world terms the railway is almost considered a toy railroad system. The narrow gauge does not support large engines or carriages, also the steep inclines necessitate a cog system to prevent to trains from rolling backwards. Despite all the difficulties that must be contended with, the area produces the "Champagne of Tea."
Produced in the Himalayas, Darjeelings are grown in the shadow of Kangchenjunga, the snow capped mountain said to be home of the Hindu God "Shiva" -the Destroyer. Darjeeling means land of the Thunderbolt and it is in fact the weather, combined with the attitude, soil and bright sunlight that results in an incomparable beverage.
There are 3 main times of year for producing good quality Darjeelings:
1st flush - Springtime harvested teas from late February to mid-April. The young leaves yield a light tea with generally intense muscatel with "point." A gentle afternoon tea.
2nd flush - Harvested in June, these teas are more fully developed. The liquor is bright and the taste full and round excellent muscatel. An superb afternoon tea that is especially good with scones and raspberry conserve.
Autumnal - Not always available depending upon the weather, they are typified by a round taste and coppery liquor. Excellent as a breakfast tea with milk.
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Directions
Hot tea brewing method: This tea is best enjoyed using 2-3 tea bags for a 6 cup teapot. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, remove the bags and pour. We do not recommend adding milk or sugar since this can mask some of the intrigue and subtle nuances of this vintage tea.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the bags. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water].
Label Information
Shipping Port: Calcutta/Haldia
Altitude: 4200 - 6300 feet above sea level
Manufacture Type: Orthodox
Cup Characteristics: Bright liquoring, full round and fruity
Infusion: Tends light liquoring with subtle astringency and classic muscatel character
Additional Information
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
