Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling tea is a type of black tea grown in the Darjeeling region of West Bengal, India. Known for its unique flavour and aroma, it is often referred to as the ‘champagne of teas’ thanks to its exceptionally high quality and reputation as a luxury tea. It has a delicate and floral aroma and can be enjoyed with or without milk.

Made from the Camellia sinensis plant leaves, grown at high altitudes in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling tea is an exquisite black tea that can enjoyed on its own or with milk and sugar.

It is believed that Archibald Campbell first planted the Camellia sinensis plant in Darjeeling in 1841. It was during a time when the British were looking for a tea that they could source outside of China. Thanks to the environment, good soil conditions and a unique climate, high-quality tea could be produced in this region.

Over time, Darjeeling tea became very popular and gained a reputation for being a luxury and highly sought-after beverage. Darjeeling tea has what is known as ‘geographical indication’ status (GI), which means that only tea produced in the West Bengal region of India can be called Darjeeling. Similar to champagne, which can only be referred to as such if produced in the Champagne region of France.

The tea leaves are harvested from the top two leaves and the bud of the plant. Darjeeling tea is made up of four flushes.

• The first flush occurs during winter, creating a light and floral Darjeeling tea.

• The second flush is harvested during late May and early June and has a richer and fuller flavour.

• The third flush occurs around monsoon, or the rainy season from mid-June to mid-September, giving it a stronger and earthier taste.

• The fourth flush happens during autumn, from mid-September to mid-November, giving a full-bodied yet mellow flavour.

The flavour of Darjeeling tea is determined by the flush and season in which it is harvested, resulting in various types of Darjeeling tea.

We celebrate variety at Twinings and offer many types of Darjeeling tea to suit different drinkers and moments. Take your pick from a wide selection of loose-leaf Darjeeling tea and tea bags.

• Darjeeling tea: Darjeeling tea bags with a subtle fragrant edge.

• Darjeeling Castelton Moonlight Oolong tea: From the Castelton estate, a Mellow and fragrant Oolong with slight peach sweetness.

• 2nd flush Darjeeling tea: A light and elegant black tea with a citrus finish.

• Darjeeling loose tea caddy: Loose black tea in a caddy with a light and delicate yet fragrant edge.

The way you drink your tea is all down to preference, but there are a few top tips when it comes to enjoying a cup of Darjeeling tea. To get the most out of every cup

• Always use freshly drawn cold water.

• Never pour boiling water over loose-leaf Darjeeling tea or tea bags.

• Use one Darjeeling tea bag per drink.

• Flavour with a splash of milk or drink as it comes.

Fancy trying something new? Try this delicious apple-flavoured Darjeeling tea cocktail.

With over 300 years of tea blending behind us, you can count on Twinings Darjeeling tea for the perfect cup, every time.

• Exceptional quality: Our Master Blenders source from the best producers globally.

• Diverse selection: We've innovated since day one to introduce people to new blends and flavours. From our Darjeeling tea bags to our loose-leaf and 2nd flush Darjeeling tea, diverse and exquisite tea is what we do best.

• Preferred by tea drinkers: Looking for the best Darjeeling tea blend in the UK? We're the number one choice for Out of Home Tea.

• Committed to Sustainability: Our teas are responsibly sourced, preserving the environment and treating suppliers and workers fairly. Discover our commitment to communities.

Shop our Darjeeling tea today and experience more. Got a question? Check our FAQs or contact us.