Simplest Explanation of Darjeeling Black Tea and its Four Flushes

January 29, 2023

Written by Dorje Editor

Simplest Explanation of Darjeeling Black Tea and its Four Flushes

January 29, 2023

Written by Dorje Editor

“India makes some very good things from the earth. However, we don't have very much that is world-class. Indian wine is now more drinkable than it used to be, but no it's not world-class. Indian coffee is much better than it used to be, but no it's not world class. But when it comes to Tea, Darjeeling Tea is, in my humble opinion, the best tea in the world.”

What makes Darjeeling Tea so special?

Darjeeling as a region is perfectly suited climatically and geographically

for growing this magical, mystical, Himalayan herb.

The characteristic Darjeeling Tea and its world famous flavours are got only due to the below mentioned factors:

Altitude: Darjeeling Teas are grown between 200metres and 2000 metres and above the sea level.
Rainfall: Average annual rainfall ranging from 1700mm to 2500mm is desirable.
Humidity: High humidity, fog, moisture and gentle breezes.
Soil: Rich, organic soil.
Slope: A gradient of a little above 40 degrees is essential to provide natural drainage, especially during the bountiful rains received during the monsoons.
Temperature: Ideal temperatures are above 5degrees and below 22 degree centigrade.
Sunshine: Abundant sunshine with intermediate showers of rain.

What do you mean by FLUSH?

Flushes simply mean the harvest.

Darjeeling Tea Bushes are unique. They yield Four Harvests with a short resting period between any two harvests. The tea leaves are harvested four times a year and according to the time of harvest, the names and flavour profiles change. The Four Flushes of Darjeeling Tea are - First Flush, Second Flush, Monsoon or Roasted Flush and Autumn Flush.

How are the Four Flushes different from each other?

The comparative table below will help you to understand -

	When is it plucked?	Colour of the Cup	Flavour Profile	Additional Remarks
First Flush	February, March, April	Light, bright and clear	Fresh and flowery	Enjoy from Morning to Evening with a cookie or cracker
Second Flush	May, June,	Dark and Amber	Fruity and muscatel	Drink through the work day to keep you alert.
Monsoon/Roasted Flush	July, August, September,	Dark and Coppery	Bold	Add a few drops of milk for the extra zing.
Autumn Flush	October, November	Light Amber	Airy and light	For warmth in the winter months.

Which is the best Flush?

Every person has their own choice of flavour profile and liqouring. Some may like it delicate and subtle, some may prefer a bolder more pronounced flavour.

At Dorje Teas, we cater to all the different taste and personalities.

Why should I buy Dorje Teas and not some other brand?

Dorje Teas is the best choice because -