What Is Green Darjeeling Tea and Why Is It So Special?

Darjeeling tea often brings to mind visions of steaming mugs, tiny milk jugs and plates of biscuits. It’s a comforting classic for many people, but Darjeeling is not your average brew. High-quality Darjeeling is known as the ‘Champagne of teas’ and is prized as a delicacy by tea connoisseurs.

Though Darjeeling is typically thought of as a black tea, it comes in white, oolong and green, as well — and the latter variety, Green Darjeeling, is quickly gaining popularity. What makes Green Darjeeling so special? Read on to discover how Green Darjeeling tea is made, the health benefits it provides and the qualities that set it apart.

Producing Green Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling tea is grown on 87 estates in the foothills of the Himalayas in India. It’s named for the region in which it is grown. Tea production is a way of life in Darjeeling, and the planters and harvesters have perfected the art of growing and making tea.

Each variety of Darjeeling tea starts out the same, as leaves on the Camellia sinensis plant. These leaves are then picked and processed to achieve various colours and flavours. For Green Darjeeling, leaves are plucked and withered. The withering process dries out the leaves. For black Darjeeling tea, withering is followed by rolling and fermentation, processes which give tea flavour but also deplete some of its nutrients. In the making of Green Darjeeling, the leaves are steamed instead of fermented, which allows them to keep their green colour and stops oxidation. The leaves are then rolled, dried and finally ready to be brewed into a beautiful cup of tea.

The Health Benefits of Green Darjeeling

The fermentation that creates black tea leaves reduces the potency of the tea’s antioxidants, but the steaming of Darjeeling leaves maintains their integrity, making Green Darjeeling a nutritional powerhouse. Green Darjeeling has high levels of polyphenols, the antioxidants that protect against free radicals. Research shows that the polyphenols in green tea could potentially reduce the risk of cancer, guard against sun damage and improve the immune system. Sounds like a good reason to put the kettle on!

‘The Champagne of Teas’

Flavour-wise, Green Darjeeling takes the ‘Champagne of teas’ title to a new level. It is characterised by vegetal, delicate, musky notes, and it is lighter than a typical Darjeeling (though just as complex).

It is no surprise, then, that Green Darjeeling is becoming more and more popular. Many people are replacing their typical afternoon brew with a cup of Green Darjeeling — its fruity aromas add a bit of luxury to a busy day, and it’s got caffeine to keep you going. The tea is even making its way into other drinks, such as Green Lady Sparkling Tea, which pairs Green Darjeeling with carob fruit, nutmeg and rose oil for a refreshing, effervescent beverage.

Think you know Darjeeling tea? Think again. From a warm cup of freshly brewed tea to revitalising, bubbly chilled tea drinks, Green Darjeeling brings something different to the table. At once familiar and new, light and satisfying, it can liven up your day in a healthy, delicious way.