Loose Leaf Tea - The Story of Darjeeling Tea
Loose leaf tea from Darjeeling is located in the state of West Bengal, India and sits at the edge of the famed Himalayan mountain range. The resulting cool temperatures and high altitudes produce one of the world’s most famous teas. First cultivated in the mid-1800s, Darjeeling loose leaf tea has a long and rich legacy. This mighty beverage continues to forge it’s destiny in the modern world as a drink that is second to none. This is why Darjeeling tea is referred to as “the champagne of teas”.
Tea Manufacturing- Loose leaf Darjeeling tea
Darjeeling still follows the original method of loose leaf tea manufacturing, known as the ‘orthodox’ method. This style of production aims to preserve as much of the tea leaf as possible, regarding it as superior in quality. The most delicate leaves are hand-picked and then air-withered for many hours to remove moisture. Cast iron rollers are then used to give them a twist-shape which ruptures the cells to let enzymes act upon the leaves. This is followed by the process of fermentation, the critical stage which releases the leaves’ unique flavour. They are then dried and sorted into different grades and packed, ready to be shipped to their destination.
Tea ‘flushes’ refer to the specific crop of the season. ‘First flush’ is picked first in mid-March. That is followed by the ‘second flush’ in June and the ‘autumn flush’ is the last crop of the season, usually cultivated in November.
Our Story
Kia Ora, my name is Sagar and my partner Laura and I are the founders of One Eighty South. I was born and raised in Darjeeling, India and now reside in Te Anau, Fiordland and Laura is a born and bred Southlander. We want to share our love for Darjeeling loose leaf tea with the world and we want to bring the experience of indulging in a genuine cup of Darjeeling tea to your lives. Having grown up around tea plantations I have always been passionate about loose leaf Darjeeling tea and Laura has become a bit of a tea connoisseur herself. We truly believe that a cup of Darjeeling tea is one of the finest in the world.
Our Philosophy
Life is not something that we should rush through and we believe that something as simple as a cup of tea can change the world. Enjoy our loose leaf teas with an open heart and let all things wondrous come to you. Take the time to sip and enjoy each variety, carefully picked and crafted to perfection. Our love for tea inspires us to share it with the world. We bring you teas of the highest quality, hand-plucked and hand crafted from the tea plantations of Darjeeling. Embark on a journey with us where time slows down and every moment is to be cherished. Enjoy your cup of One Eighty South Tea.
Loose Leaf Tea - The Story of Darjeeling Tea
Loose leaf tea from Darjeeling is located in the state of West Bengal, India and sits at the edge of the famed Himalayan mountain range. The resulting cool temperatures and high altitudes produce one of the world’s most famous teas. First cultivated in the mid-1800s, Darjeeling loose leaf tea has a long and rich legacy. This mighty beverage continues to forge it’s destiny in the modern world as a drink that is second to none. This is why Darjeeling tea is referred to as “the champagne of teas”.
Tea Manufacturing- Loose leaf Darjeeling tea
Darjeeling still follows the original method of loose leaf tea manufacturing, known as the ‘orthodox’ method. This style of production aims to preserve as much of the tea leaf as possible, regarding it as superior in quality. The most delicate leaves are hand-picked and then air-withered for many hours to remove moisture. Cast iron rollers are then used to give them a twist-shape which ruptures the cells to let enzymes act upon the leaves. This is followed by the process of fermentation, the critical stage which releases the leaves’ unique flavour. They are then dried and sorted into different grades and packed, ready to be shipped to their destination.
Tea ‘flushes’ refer to the specific crop of the season. ‘First flush’ is picked first in mid-March. That is followed by the ‘second flush’ in June and the ‘autumn flush’ is the last crop of the season, usually cultivated in November.
Our Story
Kia Ora, my name is Sagar and my partner Laura and I are the founders of One Eighty South. I was born and raised in Darjeeling, India and now reside in Te Anau, Fiordland and Laura is a born and bred Southlander. We want to share our love for Darjeeling loose leaf tea with the world and we want to bring the experience of indulging in a genuine cup of Darjeeling tea to your lives. Having grown up around tea plantations I have always been passionate about loose leaf Darjeeling tea and Laura has become a bit of a tea connoisseur herself. We truly believe that a cup of Darjeeling tea is one of the finest in the world.
Our Philosophy
Life is not something that we should rush through and we believe that something as simple as a cup of tea can change the world. Enjoy our loose leaf teas with an open heart and let all things wondrous come to you. Take the time to sip and enjoy each variety, carefully picked and crafted to perfection. Our love for tea inspires us to share it with the world. We bring you teas of the highest quality, hand-plucked and hand crafted from the tea plantations of Darjeeling. Embark on a journey with us where time slows down and every moment is to be cherished. Enjoy your cup of One Eighty South Tea.
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