Darjeeling Tukdah (TGFOP)

Description

Tukdah estate, nestled high in the hills below the soaring majesty of the Himalayas is one of the shimmering jewels in the Darjeeling crown. The 557-hectare estate clings to the steep banks of the Teesta river valley downstream from Sikkim. It goes without saying that this corner of the globe is home to some of the most beautiful and arduous terrain on planet Earth. Even by Himalayan standards, the Teesta valley receives incredible amounts of rainfall. This comes in the form of great monsoons that wash across the landscape like a vast barrel being emptied from heaven. Accompanying the rain are great bolts of lightning that shake the hillsides like a passing elephant herd. Interestingly, the actual name Darjeeling means place of lightning. In Hindu mythology, legend has it that a thunderbolt thrown by Lord Indra, king of heaven, struck the ground in the surrounding woods. Tibetan monks subsequently began referring to the place as Dorje-Ling - Dorje meaning "thunderbolt" and Ling meaning, "place".

The monsoon rains appear during the first flush, a period of peak seasonal quality. The rain ensures that estate's soil remains sufficiently wet for cultivating tea while the steep hillsides ensure that all rootstock is kept perfectly drained. Temperatures are cool - much cooler than in the neighboring growing region of Assam resulting in a markedly lighter cup overall when the product of the two are compared. Currently, 228 of Tukdah's 557 hectares are under tea, a remarkable number when one considers the steep, mountainous conditions. The estate employs over 780 people and produces 220 Metric tons of finished tea per annum. All 220 of these are superb. And so they should be, as the estate is run and operated by a well cared for workforce. The management of Tukdah provides all workers with free housing, schooling, hospital care and places of worship. (Production and operational excellence has earned the estate HACCP certification certified by SGS India.)

And the tea? As mentioned, every drop of it is superb. For the full effect, begin with a pure white cup in order to fully appreciate the light, bright, golden liquor. Next, inhale the aromas and take note as your mind attempts to decipher wisps of sandalwood, the sweetish smell of damp forest canopy and plum. On the tongue, the unmistakable muscatel character for which Darjeelings are praised washes over your taste buds and fills the mouth with a lingering nutty finish. A cup fit for the god of heaven himself!

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Black Tea

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF

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.