Skip to content

Darjeeling Soom 1st flush (TGFOP1)

Original price $11.99 - Original price $55.95
Original price
$11.99
$11.99 - $55.95
Current price $11.99

Produced during March at the height of 1st flush, this tea is alive with muscatel flavor. An excellent example of a 1st flush Darjeeling.

  • Information

    INGREDIENTS: Black tea
    INGREDIENTS FROM: India
    REGION(S): Darjeeling
    GROWING ALTITUDES: 3500 - 7000 feet above sea level
    GRADE(S): TGFOP1 (Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe #1)
    MANUFACTURE TYPE(S): Orthodox (Traditional leafy)
    ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL: Ultra High
    CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
    KOSHER: Yes
    VEGETARIAN: Yes
    VEGAN: Yes
    ARTISANAL NOTES: Small batch blended and packed in Canada
    INFUSION: Bright and coppery tending slightly greenish


  • Description

    1st Flush occurs in Darjeeling from March through to mid April, during this period the tea bushes have once again begun 'flushing' (read growing) after the winter dormancy period. Vigorous flushing occurs because the daytime temperature has risen 5 to 7 degrees Celsius (from 10/12 C to 20 Celsius); the hours of daylight have increased (the vernal equinox has passed); and despite the fact that the weather is dry there is excellent moisture retention in the soil from the winter rains. All these factors in the rarefied mountain air help produce this stunning tea. The plucking fields of Soom are about 5200 feet above sea level and the terrain is very severe with some of the slopes approaching 45 degrees. The slopes are so steep that the estate still carries the green leaf to the factory by mountain pony. Many of the bushes are over 130 years old but produce remarkable tea; in fact it is not uncommon for some 1st Flush teas to be rushed to Germany in a race similar to the Beaujolais Run.

    There are several theories about the origin of the name of the estate. 'Soom' in Lepcha Language (local dialect) means 'Three' or 'Triangular.' Interestingly the estate is bounded by three streams and is somewhat triangular in shape. Another school of thought is Soom also means 'holy abode' and as Soom has a holy deity who is worshipped, it is possible the name originated from here. The factory burned to the ground in 1995 and was out of production for 1 1/2 years. The new factory has all modern equipment, which now produces some of Darjeeling's best teas. Top tea estates perform a social function and Soom is exemplary in this regard. The estate not only employs 700 people, but provides housing, food and medical needs for the families resulting in about 2000 people living on the estate in full view of the Himalayan Mountains.

    There are 3 main times of year for producing good quality Darjeelings:
    1st flush - Springtime harvested teas from late Feb. to mid April. The young leaves yield a light tea with generally intense muscatel with 'point'. A gentle afternoon tea.
    2nd flush - Harvested in June, these teas are more fully developed. The liquor is bright and the taste full and round excellent muscatel. A superb afternoon tea that is especially good with scones and raspberry conserve.
    Autumnal - Not always available depending upon the weather, they are typified by a round taste and coppery liquor. Excellent as a breakfast tea with milk.


  • Allergen Declaration

    Allergens controlled by robust HACCP and GMP manufacturing protocols.
    SCROLL SIDEWAYS OR USE SLIDER AT THE BOTTOM TO VIEW FULL CHART

    PRODUCT NAME: Darjeeling Soom 1st flush (TGFOP1)

    PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Estate Tea

    KNOWN OR CLAIMED SOURCES OF FOOD ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES

    Present in the product

    Present in the same manufacturing factory

    Tree Nuts and Derivatives of Tree Nuts

    No

    Yes

    Almonds

    No

    Yes

    Brazil Nuts

    No

    No

    Cashews

    No

    No

    Chestnuts

    No

    No

    Coconut

    No

    Yes

    Hazelnut

    No

    No

    Hickory

    No

    No

    Macadamia

    No

    No

    Pecan

    No

    No

    Pine

    No

    No

    Pistachio

    No

    No

    Walnut

    No

    Yes

    Peanuts and Derivatives of Peanuts

    No

    No

    Peanuts

    No

    No

    Peanut Oil

    No

    No

    Sesame Seeds and Derivatives of Sesame Seeds

    No

    No

    Sesame Seeds

    No

    No

    Sesame Oil, refined

    No

    No

    Wheat and Derivatives of Wheat

    No

    Yes

    Wheat Starch Hydrolysates

    No

    Yes

    Egg and Derivatives of Eggs

    No

    No

    Milk, Dairy and Derivatives of Dairy

    No

    No

    Soybeans and Derivatives of Soybeans

    No

    Yes

    Soy Oil/Soybean Oil

    No

    No

    Soy Lecithin

    No

    Yes

    Crustaceans and Derivatives of Crustaceans

    No

    No

    Abalone

    No

    No

    Clam

    No

    No

    Crab

    No

    No

    Crayfish

    No

    No

    Cuttlefish

    No

    No

    King Prawn

    No

    No

    Krill

    No

    No

    Lobster

    No

    No

    Mussels

    No

    No

    Oysters

    No

    No

    Scallop

    No

    No

    Shrimp

    No

    No

    Snail

    No

    No

    Squid

    No

    No

    Fish and Derivatives of Fish

    No

    No

    Anchovies

    No

    No

    Bonito

    No

    No

    Coal Fish

    No

    No

    Mackerel

    No

    No

    Perch/Tilapia

    No

    No

    Salmon

    No

    No

    Cod

    No

    No

    Tuna

    No

    No

    White Fish

    No

    No

    Fish, unspecified

    No

    No

    Mustard and Derivatives of Mustard

    No

    No

    Sulfur Dioxide and Sulfites at concentrations of more than 10mg/kg expressed as S02

    No

    Yes

    Gluten and Derivatives of Gluten

    No

    Yes

    Gluten from Barley

    No

    No

    Gluten from Kamut

    No

    No

    Gluten from Oat

    No

    No

    Gluten from Rye

    No

    No

    Gluten from Spelt

    No

    No

    Gluten from Triticale

    No

    No

    Gluten from Wheat

    No

    Yes

    Celery and Products thereof

    No

    No

    Lupin and Products thereof

    No

    No

     Column 'Present in the product' indicates the allergens that may be found in the product, from addition or cross contamination. Column 'Present in the same manufacturing plant' indicates whether any allergens are present in the factory.

  • Steeping Instructions


    PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Black Tea

    IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF

    TEA CUP

    8oz (237ml)

    10oz (296ml)

    12oz (355ml)

    AMOUNT

    1 heaping teaspoon of "The Perfect Measure Spoon"

    1 heaping teaspoon of "The Perfect Measure Spoon"

    1.5 heaping teaspoon of "The Perfect Measure Spoon"

    MILD

    2-3 min

    2-3 min

    2-3 min

    MEDIUM

    4-5 min

    4-5 min

    4-5 min

    STRONG

    6-7 min

    6-7 min

    6-7 min

     

    TEA POT

    18oz (532ml)

    36oz (1064ml)

    48oz (1419ml)

    AMOUNT

    2 heaping teaspoons of "The Perfect Measure Spoon"

    1 heaping teaspoon of "Pot of Perfect Tea Spoon"

    2 heaping teaspoons of "Pot of Perfect Tea Spoon"

    MILD

    2-3 min

    2-3 min

    2-3 min

    MEDIUM

    4-5 min

    4-5 min

    4-5 min

    STRONG

    6-7 min

    6-7 min

    6-7 min

     

    MILK

    SUGAR

    LEMON

    MINT

    OK

    OK

    OK

    OK

    ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

    FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

  • Epic Iced Tea Instructions

    Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

    ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

    1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
    2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
    3. Steep for 5 minutes.
    4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
    5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
    6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
    7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
    8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

    Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

    ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):
    1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
    2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
    3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
    4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
    5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
    6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

    Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

    HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

    1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
    2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
    3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
    4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
    5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
    6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
    7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.


    HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

    1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
    2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
    3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
    4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
    5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
    6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.
Choose a Size

Compare products

{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}

Select first item to compare

Select second item to compare

Select third item to compare

Compare