The Tao of Tea, Pure Leaf, Organic, Teaware, Herbs, Yixing

Queen Darjeeling
White Teas

Origin: Darjeeling. West Bengal, India

Introduction: White Tea
White teas are made from the newly sprouted buds with silvery white hair ‘down’ that provide a honey texture to the brew. In making white tea, the buds are ‘heat braised’ in covered pans or dried in direct sun. As such, there is little or no oxidization of the buds and results in very low caffeine content. White teas are also high in antioxidants.

Darjeeling History
Located in the Northeastern Himalayas, Darjeeling is an area regarded to produce the ‘Champagne of teas’. It is one of the four main tea growing regions in India and the highest in elevation at 6,000 feet. The area comprises approximately 86 tea estates covering three districts (Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong), with almost 30 percent now offering certified organic teas. The Darjeeling tea industry at present employs over 52 thousand people during the plucking season which lasts from March to November.

Queen Darjeeling
In 2000, we initiated a project in Darjeeling to make white teas. We believe, it was one of the first such projects for the Indian tea industry and included identifying appropriate ‘tea plant varietals’ growing across the various tea gardens in Darjeeling. In general, the tea plant varietals can be categorized into the Assam Jaat, China Jaat and Clonals. Second, we focused on quality processing. In most of Darjeeling’s tea estates, processing was being conducted in a very similar manner. After withering, the leaf has traditionally been passed through mechanical rollers to bruise and start oxidization (a process that makes the leaf darker). As such the leaves get broken, and the flavor profile filled with complexity. We defined a new process, cross-pollinating white tea making skills of China to make Queen Darjeeling. It would be an 'apples to oranges' comparison of White Darjeelings to that of Fujian Chinese whites. Both have their own flavor profiles and distinct, enjoyable qualities.

We have a very small quantity available of this batch.

Darjeeling Flora
Darjeeling is a plant lover's paradise. Four thousand species of flowering plants, three hundred varieties of ferns, including tree fern and many types of mosses, conifers, spruces, birches and of course, the prized orchids.

Flavor Profile: Crisp, floral brew.

Ingredients: White Tea Leaves

Brewing Suggestions

Water Temp °F (°C)	Quality of Water	Quantity of Leaf (tsp / 8oz water)	Steep Time (minutes)	Infusions
170°F (77°C--18°C)	Best with Spring water	2	3-5	3-4

To learn about Water Quality click here

The young tip buds used to make this tea are very tender. As such, we recommend using mineral or spring water at a lower temperature (150-170 F) to avoid ‘stewing’ the leaves and to bring out a more balanced flavor. This tea is much lighter in weight and requires a little more leaf to make a full flavored cup. Around two level teaspoons per 8 oz of water is a good place to start. Steeping time can range between 3 to 5 minutes. Although the amount of re-infusions possible can vary to taste, the above guidelines usually provide 3 to 4. As a general rule of thumb – the longer the steeping time and/or the higher the water temperature, the less leaf needed and fewer re-infusions possible.

Although white teas can be brewed in any vessel, teapots and gaiwans made from porcelain, glass, delicate ceramics, and other materials that release heat quickly work best. If you wish to use an yixing, cast iron, or any vessel made from a heavy material, it is a good idea to tilt open or remove the lid so that some heat is released and the leaf is not stewed.

Traditionally, white teas are enjoyed from porcelain gaiwans. Not only does a gaiwan make it easy to stir the leaf and control the temperature, but also to view the leaf as it is steeping, an important aesthetic in drinking these beautiful teas. Another common method for brewing and drinking white teas is to just place a few of the leaves in a clear glass, add heated water, and wait for the leaf to infuse and submerge. The beverage can then be enjoyed directly with the leaves and more water added as needed.


Purchase Options
By the Ounce - $ 6.50