As a Darjeeling tea-lover have you ever thought if Darjeeling tea is black or green? Well, if you have never given it a thought fret not, for SipperSneha is here to take you out of your misery through 27 awe-inspiring facts that will make you see your cup in a new avatar.
I am an avid tea-lover and a passionate Tea-blogger. My love for the beverage made me open a tea cafe in an upcoming Northern area of Kolkata city. I love my milk tea and recently, the tea leaves that make for a perfect cup has me fascinated and thus, my main reason for this blog.
Is Darjeeling Tea Black Or Green: 27 Focal Points That Will Make You Reconsider Your Brew
Have you ever wondered about the intricacies that goes into your favorite cup of Darjeeling tea that gives it the color? If you have and are unsure my 27 points will make you see the tea in a new light. Let us find out if Darjeeling tea is black or green?
1. Ever Wondered About The Origin of The Brew?
The history of a tea is one fascinating aspect for its patrons and as a tea-enthusiasts and a blogger, I have always been in awe of its rich brewable history which I am sharing with you.
As is evident from the name, the tea is grown in the hilly region of Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Grown at an elevation of 5500-700 above sea level makes it the highest elevated tea in the world.
This sure is an aspect worth crediting the tea for.
2. The Varieties That Darjeeling Tea Offers To Its Takers
Darjeeling tea is considered amongst the most lovable and popular tea in India and comes only 2nd after Assam tea. While sipping my morning tea my peace was disturbed by the options the tea offers and I couldn’t resist writing them down.
So, talking about the varieties or types there are 4 common ones namely, White, Black, Green and Oolong.
I am in love with all its hues as long as I can enjoy a perfect cup of milk tea. What about you?
3. A Synopsis That Best Describes The Tea Is Worth A Few Lines
Let us now consider the taste or flavor of the tea.
By now, we know about the area that the tea is grown in. Apart from Darjeeling, the tea is also grown in Kalimpong(West Bengal), India. The taste or flavor is another meritorious aspect that has earned its place here. The taste on many fonts can be described to be similar to Muscatel Wine(which has earned the tea, The title of “Champagne of Wines”).
Wasn’t that fascinating to know?
4. The Factors Responsible For A Good Harvest of The Tea
Any tea requires certain conditions to grow and we shall see how our favorite tea is grown.
The hilly regions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong together are responsible for a good harvest.
Grown at an elevation of 5500-7000 feet above sea level, the region is frequented by strong winds, hail and is also frequented by frost. The rainfall is quite heavy too and all these factors have aided the temperature to be anywhere from 18 degrees to 30 degrees.
The above mentioned conditions are ideal for the tea and the reason why the area is so chosen.
5. Retrospecting The Color of The Tea Leaves
The color depends on the harvesting or flush cycle which is quite interesting to know. Let us get to know the shades better in this section.
The color ranges from dull green to brown. At times you may see dark brown leaves too in tea terms and is best described as red or rusty. So, you see how the color changes depending on the cycle or time it is harvested?
I hope that before buying your tea you will give the color a thought and choose your brew wisely.
6. Reviewing A Popular Brand Based on if It is Green or Black?
Lipton is a popular tea brand in India that has its roots in The UK and this point will cover if the brand sells black tea or green tea. Ready to find out?
Lipton, as a brand, markets both black and green tea leaves. Needless to say that both are popular and their ability to blend perfectly with milk & sugar makes it an ideal choice for milk tea lovers like me.
Now, this is a perfect incentive for me to buy Lipton more.
7. So, Then Which Flush Can The Tea Be Attributed To?
Let us now get to know the flushes better and which cycle the tea can be categorized into.
To start with let me tell you what a flush is. Four harvesting seasons or the time when a tea is harvested is called flush. This varies from one tea to the other.
The popular teas sold in the markets are either first or second flush and Autumn flush is best suited for Darjeeling tea. Though this flush has the best tea, unfortunately, it is yet to be discovered. Thus, the first and second flush teas are more in demand.
8. How Is Darjeeling Tea Different From Green Tea?
Let us now get to know how the tea is different from Green tea and why you should not consider them as one.
Black Darjeeling tea undergoes a rigorous withering and oxidation process and if you prefer first flush milk should be avoided. Also, the tea is an anytime drink and the best way to enjoy a cup is to add a few drops of lemon and honey for a sweet and citrus note.
Green tea on the other hand, doesn’t undergo any withering or training process nor is milk & sugar added to it. Drunk mainly to lose weight the best time is after workouts.
9. Let Us Now Examine How The Green & Black Varieties of Darjeeling Differ from The Other.
The green and black varieties have some polarities that need to be noted and our point of discussion.
As mentioned earlier black tea is a kind of tea that has undergone oxidation and withering or the drying process and can be had with milk or sugar.
On the other hand, green Darjeeling tea hasn’t undergone any withering or oxidization process. Also, since it makes a light tea, you may prefer to just add the leaves to boiling water and have it without milk.
10. Considering The Benefits That The Tea Offers
Let us now take a close look at the advantages the tea offers.
So, what are you waiting for? Go and grab your cup of tea right away.
11. The Trademark That Has Given The Tea A Cut Above The Rest
Did you know that the tea has received a GI tag from the government? Let me tell you about it in detail. The green & white tea varieties have been given The Geographical status for the Indian market in the year 2003. The year 2011, saw the tea getting the Geographical Indication(GI) tag from the European Union which was beneficial to mark the authenticity of the tea.
Also, it is worthy to mention that the step had been taken to stop fake teas from doing the rounds and at the same time helped to keep a check on the ever-changing price.
12. The Ways That The Tea Is Preferred Is Another Interesting Aspect
Let us now see the different ways in which the tea can be drunk.
Without milk or sugar: Add one teaspoon of leveled Darjeeling tea to a warm teapot. Let the water boil and after it has cooled down pour it over the tea letting it steep for 3-5 minutes.
TIP: Always use filtered water and never refrigerated water.
With milk: Once the liquid has reached the desired consistency, add the milk(depending upon the serves) and strain. Autumn flush is the best bet when choosing tea flavored with milk.
13. Why is First Flush Tea Green?
Let us now understand why first flush tea is always green in color.
First flush tea leaves are always less oxidized than compared to second, third or fourth flushes. The color is a result of the level of oxidation and withering(drying) processes the leaves undergo.
Since green leaves are picked right at the beginning of the harvesting season they do not get time to dry and thus, are oxidized less. This is why first flush tea is always green.
14. Knowing the Caffeine Level From One Tea Leaves To The Other
Let us now see how the level of caffeine differs.
Depending on the level of oxidation the caffeine content in a typical serving of Darjeeling tea can vary anywhere from 40-70 mg.
If you want a low or decaffeinated tea, I suggest you opt for the de-caffeinated options like Tippy Golden Fancy Orange Pekoe(TGFOP)that involves CO2 method(beneficial to remove 98% caffeine).
15. Getting To Know The Grades As a Classification Method
Grades are a method of classifying the tea leaves based on their quality and condition and we shall see the grades Darjeeling tea offers mentioned below.
Do give it a read when you feel. Trust me, you will not be disappointed with it. I have my own notes on it too which I can gladly share with you. Just drop a line in the comments section below or better yet, sign up for my newsletter from my site & click on the Contact tab.
16. What Makes Darjeeling Tea So Special?
Let us get to know the reasons that have made the tea so unique.
We all know that the tea is sourced from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant that grows in either Darjeeling or Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, India. But, did you know that part of the leaves are of Chinese origin? Yes, the tea is made by combining the leaves of the plant grown in India and China.
This method lends it the distinguished taste ofMuscatel Wine and outshines other teas.
17. How Then Do We Know The Difference Between Darjeeling & Assam Tea
Assam tea and Darjeeling tea are both sourced from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant but, are quite different. I have written a blog on 27 differences between Darjeeling tea and Assam tea. Do give it a read and am sure you will be able to understand them clearly.
Darjeeling tea is a spicier blend of tea and thus advisable to consume without milk or sugar Moreover, the leaves are a blend of the Indian and Chinese counterparts.
Assam tea tastes best with milk and sugar and the leaves are Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica. Also, it is known to be a strong-bodied tea.
18. The Variety That Is Best Suited With Milk & Sugar
Yes, Darjeeling tea can be had with milk and sugar though tea experts would advise against it.
Indian Masala Chai cannot be made without milk which happens to be my favorite.
I use the tea at my home and shop too when tea is on my mind. So, I can say that the tea can be made by using milk and sugar. However, there is a slight catch here which is choosing the flush. Autumn flush or the second flush is ideal for milk tea.
19. A Few Options To Buy Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea can be bought online or from your local market. I am suggesting some names that are at the top of their game when it comes to the tea.
Makaibari Darjeeling tea(a renowned tea estate), Bigelow, Harney and Sons, Goodricke, Lipton, Sancha Rose, . BreatheAgain Darjeeling First Flush tea, Golden Moon Darjeeling Tea are some brands that should be considered.
20. Considering Some Organic Buys That Ought To Be On Your List
Let us now have a look at some brands that are pioneers in selling natural Darjeeling tea.
Goodricke Roasted Organic Tea, Teaswan, Badamtam, Londoners, Tazo, Equal Exchange, Danta Herbs White Peony, Golden Tips Tea, Makaibari Tea, Vahdam, Teafields, Pure & Organic, Top Quali Tea are some names that have earned a name for themselves and if organic tea is more your style, these are a few names worth exploring.
21. Some Unique Flavors That Deserve A Special Mention
Apart from the above mentioned names Darjeeling tea has more to offer than meets the eyes and I will tell you about some unique buys.
Tea from Jungpana and Makaibari Estates, Teafields(Second Flush), Rohini ‘Jethi Kupi’, Pekoe Tea(First Flush 2017), Summer Solstice Muscatel(Second Flush)by Makaibari Tea Estate are some recognized names.
22. Guide To Buying The Perfect Darjeeling Tea
This guide has been designed by me keeping the novice in mind. Now, tea-experts or tea-bloggers know their blends well, but this can be overwhelming for beginners. Bookmark this blog, so you can quickly refer to it in case you are stuck.
Do Not compare the tea with other black teas in the market. Opt for a sampler’s pack so you can decide your ideal variety, understand the grade and most importantly look for the GI tag. Also, the taste and the aroma is another thing that cannot be missed.
23. The Ideal Variety That Can Be Drunk Everyday
Now, this can be a debating one and to curb any argument that may arise, let me tell you that this completely depends upon your perspective.
If someone asks me, I would say that I can drink the tea any day and at any given part irrespective of the fact if it’s green or black. However, my choice would be more inclined towards the variety that is best suited to be used with milk.
So, for me the black tea leaves does the trick as milk helps by cutting the acidity and adds sweetness to tea.
24. Ever Thought of The Side Effects of Darjeeling Tea?
Like all elements, Darjeeling tea too has its own flip side and that is the disadvantages or the side effects when consumed too much. So, time to see some side effects.
When drunk right before bed the caffeine level especially in the case of black Darjeeling tea can cause insomnia or sleeplessness amongst some known disadvantages. Other negativities include dizziness, nausea or vomiting, Now, you needn’t be upset. Just drink in moderation and you will be fine.
25. How Does Darjeeling Tea Differ From Black Tea
I was recently asked this question by a customer at my shop who is a frequent customer and while explaining the intricacies to him, I thought why not include this in my blog too. So, I am sharing my learnings with you.
Darjeeling tea is known to be less oxidized and this is the case in the black tea version too. Also, it can be had with milk and sugar depending on your preference. Remember Autumn Flush tea(in the case of milk tea).
Black tea is highly oxidized and is best drunk without milk and honey though some prefer to add sugar as it helps them to strike a balance against the acidic taste.
26. Ever Heard About Amway’s Venture Into Tea?
Amway is a household name and like many I too wasn’t aware that the company has started selling tea too until a salesperson approached me. Deciding to see how my customers react I decided to buy one as a tester and the mentioned points are feedback shared by my dear customers & my loyal staff.
Reduces wastage so it lasts longer, calls for a refreshing cup(I didn’t like it), ensure you drink tea on the go as it was in a powdered form. Now, if these points excite you then, go ahead and buy one.
27. What Is Darjeeling Green Tea?
By now you know quite a lot about the tea though there is still a lot that you need to know. For that just head to my blog section and read the newly published ones. Now, so you do not miss out join my newsletter by clicking on The About tab and scrolling down to the bottom.
So, then how does one explain Darjeeling green tea? Simply put, the leaves are less oxidized compared to its black counterpart. Also, right after plucking the leaves are steamed or boiled.
This is what basically sums up green Darjeeling tea.
I conclude my blog and if you want to know more about Darjeeling tea or any tea in particular just head to my website for your daily tea fix. I will be back with another piquing topic centered around tea. Watch my space and if you need to ask or share something, drop them in the comments section below and I will happily answer them for you.
Happy Sipping!
Hi. I’m Sneha. Each day, I brew, relish, study and sell tea in my Cafe based out of Kolkata, India. My current blog, ‘Sipper Sneha’ is an expansion of my real life love for tea into an online space for all dedicated Tea enthusiasts.