Darjeeling, The "Champaign" of TeaThis "best" of teas comes from the Darjeeling region in West Bengal, India. This particular type of tea cannot be grown or manufactured any other place and is considered the best of the black teas. It is sometimes referred to as “The Champagne of Teas”. When this tea has been properly brewed it gives off a sweet, floral aroma. It has a very pleasant aftertaste.First Planted in 1841Dr. Campbell of the Indian Medical Service first planted tea in that beautiful region in 1841. The seeds planted had been brought over from China. Experimental tea planting took place in the 1840’s during which time the Indian government established tea nurseries. The 1850’s brought about commercial development of the new industry.Counterfiet TeaIt is interesting to note that there are 40,000 tons of tea sold as "Darjeeling" each year. However, only 10,000 tons of tea are actually produced there. Unfortunately, the global tea trade has a tremendous problem with falsification. To help remedy this problem, the Tea Board of India has sole control of authenticating the real tea with its logo and certification mark.VarietiesVarieties include:• First Flush: This tea is light in color and aroma. It has a mild astringency. It is harvested in the middle of March after the spring rains.
• Second Flush: This tea is amber in color and has a musky spiciness to it. It is harvested in June.
• Autumnal Flush: This tea produces a less delicate flavor. It is harvested in the autumn after the rains.
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