At the moment I’m tasting some delicious teas from Darjeeling. The autumn harvest (third flush) is early, and I have just chosen a Phuguri DJ168 as well as a Margaret’s Hope Pure Clonal DJ512; both are quite exceptional. They should arrive in France in about 10 days. As connoisseurs know, and to simplify a little, autumn Darjeelings are generally more woody than summer Darjeelings (second flush), which in turn are fruitier than spring Darjeelings (first flush). Whatever the season, though, these teas grow on mountains that offer breathtaking views.
India
Political turmoil in Darjeeling
Don’t you think this landscape evokes calmness and tranquillity? Yet I took the photo in Darjeeling, a region that has been in political turmoil for more than 30 years. At regular intervals the local party calls for strikes in the hope of achieving some autonomy in the Indian Union, and the creation of a new state, Gorkhaland. Nowadays, all roads in the region are blocked, and the shops are shut.
The steep slopes of Darjeeling
Camellia sinensis grows very happily on steep terrain, as it doesn’t like water stagnating around its roots. In some regions of the world, like Nepal, or here in Darjeeling, the slopes are very impressive. As I travel around the countryside I often discover a little village clinging onto the hillside above a field of tea. Sometimes you wonder how the pluckers manage to harvest the leaves in such conditions.
The Toy Train of Darjeeling sets off!
This summer, a number of you will be heading off on your travels. The Toy Train, too, is preparing for a scenic journey, as it leaves the station in Darjeeling. In eight hours it will be on the Terai plains, two thousand metres lower.
Big blue sky above the tea plants
Assam teas are worth a detour
Powerful and full-bodied, Assam teas are worth a detour. Yet these teas are still not that well known. If you like Burgundy wines, I recommend them. You will find the same astringency and lovely finish in the mouth, the spicy, woody notes sometimes accompanied by tobacco and honey aromas.
Don’t these cheerful pluckers make you want to learn more about their tea?
The Palais des Thés team discovers the plantations of Darjeeling
Every year I set off on an exploration of the tea plantations with senior staff from Palais des Thés. It is an opportunity to introduce them to an extraordinarily beautiful region of the world and it allows them to familiarise themselves with different cultures and, of course, to learn about every stage in the production of tea.
It is also a chance to spend some good times together, like here at Tumsong, where we are enjoying a delicious meal.
Delicious iced tea
It’s summertime! I’d like to welcome you into the new season with a delicious iced tea. Steep your tea in water at room temperature and then chill in the fridge. Before serving, add a spoonful of honey, a slice of orange and perhaps a few mint leaves, and you will have a drink that is both delicious and refreshing.
There is nothing better than an iced tea to serve friends, young and old, like here on the veranda at Tomsong in Darjeeling. Here’s to tea!
In Darjeeling, some very experienced planters act as mentors
In Darjeeling, some very experienced planters supervise a number of plantations. This is the case with Anil Jha, for example, or Gopal Somani, pictured here in the company of Rajesh Pareek, Manager of Puttabong Tea Estate and Ravi Jakhmola, Manager of North Tukvar Tea Estate.
Gopal fulfils this role of mentor brilliantly.
Rain in Darjeeling
After several days of fine weather, the rain has returned, incessantly, in Darjeeling. Day and night. Heavy rain – without a break. Sometimes accompanied by strong winds and hail. With rain like this, nobody can produce good tea because the leaves grow too quickly.
Luckily, just as the rains started I bought three incredible batches: Puttabong Clonal Queen DJ232, Puttabong Kakra Muscatel DJ223 and North Tukvar Delmas Bari DJ101.