Mim is in the Darjeeling area of Northern India. From the town centre on a clear day the peak of Mount Everest can be seen. The genus of the Darjeeling tea bush is the Chinese Jat, which gives it the distinctive muscatel character. Because the tea is grown at such high altitudes and in relatively cool weather the bushes do not grow quickly, and as such the production is limited. The best time of the year for quality is during 'second-flush' (end May - end June). During this time Darjeelings are incomparable to any other tea in the world. The fragrance and taste is a complex bouquet that reaches right out of the cup. Some would describe the taste as nutty; others find it reminds them of black currants, but most often it is described as similar to the taste and fragrance of muscat grapes. The tea is hand picked.
Due to the superb taste and limited production of Darjeelings, these teas are quite expensive. There are many who wish to take advantage of the high prices and as a result there are Darjeeling 'blends'. Regrettably these blends are quite often very poor facsimiles of Darjeeling and in some cases only contain 10% true Darjeeling teas; the balance made up from other production areas.
A true estate Darjeeling is your guarantee of quality and genuine Darjeeling tea. There are 4 main times of year for producing good quality Darjeelings:
1st flush - springtime harvested teas from late February to mid April. The young leaves yield a light tea with generally intense muscatel with 'point'. This is a gentle afternoon tea.
2nd flush - Harvested in June, these teas are more fully developed. The liquor is bright and the taste full and round excellent muscatel. A superb afternoon tea that is especially good with scones and raspberry conserve.
Moonsoon Flush -(Late Summer): The monsoon flush produces a more robust tea with earthy undertones, typically used in blends or for creating stronger teas.
Autumnal Flush - Not always available depending upon the weather, they are typified by a round taste and coppery liquor. Excellent as a breakfast tea with milk.
Health benefits: Darjeeling tea grown at high altitudes in the Himalayan foothills has many health benefits due to the climate and soil conditions. The cloud cover and less intense sunlight at high altitudes can increase the concentration of L-theanine in the tea leaves. The tea is full of antioxidants (Ultra High Levels) and contains natural thermogenic properties, which can help boost metabolism and support weight management.
Good body with a classic muscatel character. This quality is only available in June when the 2nd flush growing season is at its peak. A cup full of goodness and antioxidants.
