"First Flush" Darjeeling Black Tea | Organic

The location and climate of the tea-growing region determine which Flush is obtained. The first plucking of a tea plant's harvest season, which occurs between early March and early April, is referred to as the first flush.

The young and sensitive new growth leaves picked during First Flush are supposed to give the finest and tastiest cup of tea that the tea plant is capable of producing. As the growing season on that tea plant unfolds, each subsequent Flush yields unique flavor and fragrance properties.

Darjeeling First Flush tea is praised for its delicate, flowery, and astringent qualities, as well as the distinctive light golden color and mellow, yet seductive scent that is known across the world.

The exquisite and refreshing tea prepared from the first flush has a number of advantages that you won't find in subsequent harvests. The first flush is preferred by tea lovers because of its excellent flavor, smoothness, and purity. Several antioxidants in the outstanding first flush Darjeeling tea help to eliminate free radicals and promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Notes
◉ Green, Black, White, Oolong, and Pu-erh all come from the same plant, containing variable amounts of caffeine. In general, black and Pu-erh teas have the highest amount, followed by oolong teas, green teas, and the lowest amount found in white teas.
◉ Should be stored in airtight glass containers -in a cool, dark, and dry place- to preserve the flavor, texture, and properties.

Black Tea Brewing Instructions

• Hot Brew

1. Heat the water to just the point when it starts to boil (95° C).
2. Add 1 teaspoon of loose tea to a tea infuser or tea bag, for every 180ml - 240ml of water. If you prefer a stronger cup, include more tea instead of a longer steep time to prevent the likelihood of a more bitter flavor.
3. Pour the heated water over the tea, cover your cup, and steep for 3-5 minutes or more. Small leaves infuse more quickly than large leaves. The amount of time you steep your tea depends on your taste preferences; a longer period equals a stronger tea. At the three-minute mark, taste the tea, and then every 30 seconds after that until you find the flavor that you like most.
4. Black tea can often be steeped 2 or 3 times, producing new flavors with each cup. Slightly increase the water temperature and steeping time for each brew. 
5. Add milk and honey, or stevia for sweetness, if desired.

• Cold Brew

A cold infusion delivers flavors that are sweeter, smoother, more complex, and can be made in a number of different ways.

1. The Fast Way
   Follow the steps as shown in the "Hot Brew", but use less water, and perhaps even more tea, in order to produce tea concentrate.
   Strain and pour over ice or cold water.
2. 15' to 60' Ready
   Add 1-2 teaspoons of loose tea to a tea infuser or tea bag, for every 200ml - 250ml of water. Pour ice-cold water over the tea, stir, cover, and steep for 15 minutes at least. If you're making iced tea with green, black, white, oolong, or Pu-erh, make sure you taste it every now and then after the first 15', as it might get bitter. Serve over ice and enjoy. 
   

Follow these additional steps to make the perfect cup of tea!