I stumbled across a great blog about White Tea when looking at my blog comments earlier today. White Tea Central has everything you could want to know – history, varieties, brewing methods, health and where to buy. I like to think I know a lot about tea but this gent is an expert on white tea far surpassing anything I knew about it.
If you’re interested in finding out about this less well known variety of tea then I suggest you check out White Tea Central.
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varieties, white tea
Click for Samples
As part of a new series I plan on doing here at the WoT blog I’ll be introducing teas from around the world and giving a short history, introduction and brewing guide. For my first of this new venture it’ll be the champagne of the black teas: Darjeeling.
What is It?
A light and refreshing black tea from India. As true Champagne can only come from Champagne in France the true Darjeeling tea can only come from Darjeeling’s surrounding provinces in India.
Origin
As with many teas the Darjeeling variety gets its name from the place it was born – Darjeeling, India. It was first cultivated in West Bengal in the town of Darjeeling around 1841 by a Dr Campbell. The Darjeeling seeds were originally sourced from China being part of tea planatation experimentation common at the time in which many teas were established and cultivated.
Counterfeiting
As with anything so sought after Darjeeling suffers its fair share of counterfeit produce. With an estimated 40,000 tonnes sold worldwide every year that far outstrips the actual 10,000 tonnes produced by the small Indian region around Darjeeling. The Tea Board of India have released a certification and mark to ensure those wanting true Darjeeling can be sure they’ve got it.
The Perfect Brew
Darjeeling is a light tea so this is one brew you’ll not want to add any sundries to such as sugar, milk, honey, etc. Simply boil fresh water and pour onto a teaspoonful of tea leaves. Allow to steep for 3 to 4 minutes before straining then drink. Although being a black tea it may seem a better idea to allow a longer brewing time Darjeeling is meant to be a light taste and so too long and it is quick to spoil through bitterness.
As this is my first in the Introducing Tea series I’d be more than happy to answer any questions or add sections or other information for future posts.
facts, history
darjeeling, varieties
Gray for the Americans I believe?
A FINE tea with a definate citrus twist. Often goes nicely with a bit of lemon or on its own. Milk is a definate no-no but sugar is a little more acceptable but not by much!
Its very similar to Earl Grey tea but has extra orange and lemon zest in it – hence the citrus.
I always feel a little self concious (as a man) drinking Lady Grey. It feels worse than buying a gin and tonic! At our office I keep a box of Lady Grey on the shelf with the cup. When I shuffle in there for some I look like your average anaorak-clad flasher grabbing it quickly form the shelf and shuffling about with it as discreetly as possible.
Alas I am rewarded with a fine brew. I recommend it to all those brave enough to give it a go!!
Indcidentally. My foray into the world of tea began with Lady Grey so it has a special place in my heart.
facts, history, review
black tea, lady grey, tea, varieties
