Darjeeling Tea: My Latest Tea Time Favorite

Darjeeling, the Champagne of Teas

As much as I love coffee (and I really, really love coffee), some freshly brewed tea can really hit the spot. I’ve been a tea drinker for some time. I really picked up the habit in the past two years, though. My mom and I found our new favorite loose leaf tea companies while in Scotland — Whittard of Chelsea (some of which I just realized is available on Amazon here) and Rosevear Tea (which I mentioned here) — and now they’re part of my daily routine.

Black tea has been my go-to. Darjeeling Tea is a lighter black tea, a bit on the more floral side. Interestingly, like Champagne, Darjeeling tea comes from a particular region in India. So, only tea from the Darjeeling District can be called Darjeeling.

Darjeeling, the Champagne of Teas; iced tea photographed by Christine Csencsitz

Why I’m Loving Loose Leaf Tea

I am a total loose leaf tea convert. As handy as tea bags are (and I do keep some around), loose leaf tea is typically much richer and fresher. Plus, the leaves can be re-steeped a couple times, so loose leaf tea is pretty efficient.

One of my favorite things about loose leaf tea, though, is the sustainability aspect. While many brands have compostable bags, tea bags oftentimes contain plastic. Some brands, many of which I have enjoyed for quite some time, have “heat sealed” bags made with plastic parts. By skipping the tea bag entirely, there’s no need to do the research or to bother tea companies about the makeup of their products.

That being said, tea bags are a lot more convenient. It’s so handy to keep a few around for when you’re in a rush. I really am liking the Whittard tea bags (especially this decaf English breakfast and this Russian Caviar), but an all-time-favorite is now and will always be this Celestial Seasonings Rooibos.

Darjeeling Iced Tea; iced tea photographed by Christine Csencsitz

Whittard of Chelsea’s Darjeeling Tea

I’m onto my third loose tea pouch of Whittard’s Darjeeling at this point. The tea leaves have a vibrant scent and a little goes a long way. I like to use my electric kettle, since I brew a bunch of tea at once for iced tea. So, once the water boils, I let the tea infuse for three to four minutes — or longer if I’m looking for a stronger brew or, more honestly, I get distracted. Unlike some other teas, I haven’t found that Darjeeling becomes bitter when it brews for too long.

Darjeeling Iced Tea; iced tea photographed by Christine Csencsitz

I usually order this tea from the Whittard site, but, like I mentioned, I found it on Amazon, as well.