For those of you who are getting your first taste of a first flush Darjeeling, I’d like to remind you that these are rare and fragile teas that need to be prepared with care. The infusion time, for example, should not exceed three minutes and 45 seconds. A fine tea is all about harmony. We look for a balance between the textures, flavours and aromas. With first flush Darjeelings, the best way to find this harmony is to keep the infusion time to between 3’30 and 3’45.
The best way to make a cup of first flush Darjeeling
29 March 2013
Thanks for sharing this. I would have needed your advice when I was a tea newbie and I did the mistake of oversteeping my black teas and thinking that it’s strange they have such a bitter aftertaste.
I just want to say how much I enjoy this information. François-Xavier, What motivated you to call this blog “The best way to make a cup of first flush Darjeeling”, not that the title does not go with the content, I am just wondering. Great job François-Xavier.
Well, if you don’t prepare Darjeeling teas carefully you may get too much bitterness and astringency. That’s why for those teas especially one should be carefull while infusing them.