The Tao of Tea, First Flush Darjeeling Black Tea, Loose Leaf, 3.5-Ounce Tins (Pack of 2)

This First Flush Darjeeling is grown in the Mirik district (about an hour’s drive from the town of Darjeeling), at a Certified Organic tea garden. Due to its location and the age of the plants, the garden typically produces very robust, flowery teas. The term “First Flush” refers to the first plucking season of the year, which is March to mid-April. Teas from the First Flush are generally more fragrant and lighter than those from the following second flush. Within the First Flush, tea gardens will generally produce many batches, as the tea pickers work daily to cover the vast garden.Each batch is different due to the mix of leaves, and therefore unique in its flavor. The batch size can vary from 60 kgs to 200 kgs (it takes about 3-4 pounds of raw leaf plucked to make 1 pound of finished leaf). The garden areas plucked first are generally those where plants have new leaf growth. Darjeeling tea gardens also enjoy several varietals (native and clonal) as well as diversity in plant age. We work with a particular garden to select leaf from a consistent varietal and age for our First Flush Darjeeling. Also, as a guideline for the processing, we prefer the First Flush to be less oxidized (thus maintaining a greener leaf profile) and to comprise more tips, giving it a complex texture and bounce in flavor.

• Light brew, slightly dry and crisp, with a distinct muscatel flavor and sweetness.
• Ingredients: 100% Organic Black Tea Leaves.
• SERVING KNOWLEDGE We learn and share about tea through service and daily practice. Our teahouses are located in Portland, Oregon.
• Like Tao, the art of tea is universal. We began our work with tea with the intent to be a connecting thread for tea culture. Based in Portland, Oregon, we are a pure leaf tea company comprised of tea enthusiasts from different backgrounds and countries.
• MORE THAN FAIR TRADE We believe in being socially conscious with all of our teas. We were among the first group of tea companies to join the Fair Trade movement in the United States, and we pledge actions that better people’s lives through a healthy environment and a future for children.