The Tao of Tea First Flush Darjeeling Loose-Leaf Black Tea, 3.5 oz Tin — Organic, Floral Muscatel Cup

The Tao of Tea First Flush Darjeeling is a USDA organic, light-bodied loose-leaf black tea from Mirik, prized for its floral muscatel aroma and brisk, refreshing cup.

Harvested during the first plucking season (March to mid‑April) in the Mirik district of Darjeeling, this First Flush offering comes from a certified organic garden and is selected for consistent varietal and plant age. The leaves are processed with lighter oxidation to retain greenish tips and delicate complexity. Small batch picks—each varying slightly in leaf mix—deliver nuanced flavors that highlight the bright, floral character Darjeeling is celebrated for.

What makes this First Flush Darjeeling different from other Darjeeling teas?

This tea is from early spring plucks and comes from a dedicated organic garden in Mirik, where new-growth leaves and selected varietals are prioritized. Lighter oxidation and a higher proportion of tips produce a livelier aroma and cleaner finish compared with later-season flushes.

• Early-season harvest (March–mid-April) for fragrant, lighter cups
• Selected varietal and plant-age for consistent flavor profiles
• Lighter oxidation to preserve greenish tips and floral notes
• Small, batch-based production creates subtle vintage differences

How should I brew this loose-leaf Darjeeling for best results?

Use water just off the boil (around 195–205°F / 90–96°C) and a short steep to balance brightness and body. Measure about 1 teaspoon (about 2–3 grams) per 6–8 ounces of water; steep 2–4 minutes depending on preferred strength.

• Water temp: 195–205°F (90–96°C)
• Leaf: 1 teaspoon (2–3 g) per 6–8 oz
• Steep time: 2–4 minutes; shorter for brighter cups
• Multiple infusions possible—adjust time slightly longer each steep

What flavor profile and mouthfeel can I expect from this tea?

The cup is light and crisp with a distinct muscatel aroma and a gentle sweetness that lingers. Texture is lively and slightly springy due to the tip-heavy leaf, creating a clean, dry finish that pairs well with light foods or solo sipping.

• Primary notes: floral, muscatel, light sweetness
• Mouthfeel: crisp, slightly dry, with bounce from young tips
• Best paired with: mild pastries, fresh fruit, or plain biscuits
• Works well hot or slightly cooled for a refreshing sip

How is the tea sourced and processed to ensure quality?

The leaves are hand‑plucked in Mirik and sorted by batch size, typically ranging from 60 to 200 kg of raw leaf per pick. We collaborate closely with the garden to use a consistent varietal and plant age; processing favors lighter oxidation to maintain the green profile and tip content.

• Origin: Mirik district, Darjeeling, India
• Certified USDA Organic garden
• Small-batch harvesting—each batch creates a unique flavor nuance
• Processing aimed at lighter oxidation and tip preservation

Who is this for: This First Flush Darjeeling is ideal for tea enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety and floral muscatel character, home brewers seeking a delicate black tea that supports multiple infusions, and anyone who prefers organically grown single-origin loose-leaf teas. If you enjoy bright, aromatic cups with a refined finish, this tin offers a classic Darjeeling experience suitable for daily sipping or special moments.

Ingredients

tea