Tea time and the Queen of hills!

My love for Darjeeling tea is intense. Tea for me has always been synonymous to it. During my visit to Darjeeling, after 13 years, in 2012, I bought tea leaves enough to last for over a year, because I could never find those premium quality Darjeeling tea in Chennai.
So just wanted to talk a little bit about this love of mine, its a interesting read for those who share the same fervor!

Back into the pages of history, ‘Tea’ in Darjeeling was first grown in the year 1841 and then almost 9 years later in the year 1852, it started to be raised commercially in many districts of Darjeeling and its adjoining regions. Today Darjeeling valley region produces roughly 11 million kilos per year. It is an exclusive beverage that fetches high revenue too.

Darjeeling-the queen of hills

There are about 64 tea estates in the Darjeeling valley region. Though few more states in India grow tea however; fine tasting tea is synonymous to Darjeeling tea. Two leaves and bud are hand plucked and processed to perfection that emancipates the strong essence that it is famous for. Darjeeling tea is popular especially in countries like France, Germany, Russia, and China. Darjeeling organic tea is in demand in the US and UK too. It has huge demands across most continents and is a pride of the nation. Makaibari, Castleton, Ambootia, Goomte, Happy Valley and Jungpana are some of the important tea gardens of this region.

Talking about Darjeeling tea, the first name that comes to my mind is Makaibari tea. Makaibari Organic Green tea is not only 100 percent organic, but also the worlds only bio-dynamically cultivated tea garden. Makaibari produces an authentic, world-class, un-blended Darjeeling tea without any artificial ingredients. This multiple-award winning tea has elegant, long, full leaves that infuse several times. This tea exhibits the aroma of Darjeeling tea and the lightness of a green tea and this unique blend is intensely delightful. It is a pioneer in the tea industry.

Castleton tea is another variety of beautiful aromatic Darjeeling tea, infusing every flavor that is so strongly refreshing. Castleton is one of the top estates in Darjeeling and consistently produces top teas – and not surprisingly obtains the top prices. It starts from anywhere between INR 568 to INR 600 for about 25-50 gms. It is very famous for its un-parallel flavour and the clear liquor. Castleton tea is also hugely popular in the western countries, for its unprecedented features. Castleton tea has long fetched high price in the market, with reaching an all time high of $16,630per kg! Castleton Tea Estate, owned by the Goodricke Group, is also the first garden to receive the ISO 9002 certification.

 You will find Makaibari tea within a range of INR 150 to INR 5000 a Kg. You can find these varieties at almost all tea shops in and around the Darjeeling-Kurseong valley region. Besides that here are a few destinations in India, where you may get to buy these exclusive tea leaves.I have to now do some research to see if I can get these here in the US:)

So when you visit this queen of hills, don’t come back without few packs of beautiful wooden boxes of 'Makaibari' or 'Castleton' or 'Long view'   tea. There is nothing as refreshing as a cup of nice hot clear Darjeeling tea.

The Majestic Kanchenjunga Range of the Himalayas!