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Darjeeling Second Flush

Darjeeling Second Flush

Black Tea

India — Darjeeling, West Bengal

Oxidation: medium

Harvest: summer

40-55 mg/cup
🌡85-95 °C
3-5 min
🔄2 infusions

Tasting Profile

Aroma

Rich muscatel, fruity with grape-like notes

Flavor

Full, muscatel with stone fruit complexity

Mouthfeel

Medium to full-bodied, rounded

Aftertaste

Long muscatel, sweet finish

Brewing Guide

Temperature

85-95°C

185-203°F

Steep Time

3-5 min

Leaf Amount

2g / 100ml

Max Infusions

2

About This Tea

From the renowned tea-growing region of Darjeeling, West Bengal in India comes Darjeeling Second Flush, a tea prized by connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. The leaves are fully oxidized through a careful process of withering, rolling, oxidation, and firing that develops its characteristic dark color and robust flavor, a method that has been refined over centuries to capture the essence of the terroir in every cup. The specific microclimate of Darjeeling, West Bengal — its rainfall patterns, altitude, and soil composition — contributes to a flavor profile that cannot be truly replicated anywhere else in the world.

A well-prepared cup of Darjeeling Second Flush is a multisensory experience. The fragrance immediately conveys rich muscatel, fruity with grape-like notes, while the palate encounters full, muscatel with stone fruit complexity. Experienced tea drinkers often note how the flavor evolves as the tea cools, revealing new dimensions of taste with each sip. In terms of stimulation, Darjeeling Second Flush is moderately high in caffeine at 40-55 mg per cup, offering a noticeable energy boost while remaining gentler than coffee.

India is one of the world's largest tea producers, with a tea culture that blends ancient Ayurvedic traditions with colonial-era plantation heritage.

To brew Darjeeling Second Flush properly, water should be heated to 85°C to 95°C and the leaves steeped for 3 to 5 minutes. Using approximately 2.0g of tea per 100ml of water produces optimal results. The tea can be re-steeped up to 2 times, with each infusion offering a slightly different expression of the leaf's character. Many experienced drinkers find that the second or third infusion reveals the tea's true depth.

Today, Darjeeling Second Flush continues to be celebrated both in its homeland and by tea enthusiasts around the world. Its unique flavor profile has earned it a devoted following among those who appreciate the art and science of fine tea. Whether enjoyed as a daily ritual or reserved for special occasions, Darjeeling Second Flush represents a connection to centuries of tea tradition and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in every cup. The growing global interest in specialty teas has brought renewed attention to this variety, ensuring that the artisanal techniques behind its production continue to thrive.

Health Benefits

Contains theaflavins and thearubigins, antioxidants unique to oxidized teas
May support heart health and healthy blood pressure levels
Provides a natural energy boost from moderate caffeine content
Contains polyphenols that may support gut health
May help improve focus and mental alertness

Caffeine Deep Dive

compared to coffee (95 mg)

Darjeeling Second Flush48 mg
Coffee95 mg

Based on the FDA guideline of 400 mg/day, you can safely drink up to 8 cups per day.

Track your daily intake with the Caffeine Calculator →

Serving Suggestions

Pairs Well With

Spiced samosasNaan bread with curryCardamom cookiesMasala-spiced nutsChai-spiced desserts

Recommended Teaware

English-style ceramic teapotFine bone china cup and saucerTea strainer

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Nutrition Facts

Per 240ml serving
Calories2 kcal
Caffeine40-55 mg
L-Theanine8-15 mg
Polyphenols80-150 mg
Vitamin C0-1 mg
Protein0.3 g
Total Carbohydrates0.4 g
Total Fat0 g
Potassium20 mg
Magnesium3 mg
Calcium3 mg
Sodium1 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Darjeeling Second Flush taste like?
Darjeeling Second Flush has a Full, muscatel with stone fruit complexity taste with Rich muscatel, fruity with grape-like notes aroma. The mouthfeel is Medium to full-bodied, rounded with Long muscatel, sweet finish aftertaste.
How much caffeine is in Darjeeling Second Flush?
Darjeeling Second Flush contains 40-55 mg of caffeine per cup.
What temperature should I brew Darjeeling Second Flush at?
Brew Darjeeling Second Flush at 85-95°C for 3-5 minutes.
What are the health benefits of Darjeeling Second Flush?
Key health benefits of Darjeeling Second Flush include: Contains theaflavins and thearubigins, antioxidants unique to oxidized teas, May support heart health and healthy blood pressure levels, Provides a natural energy boost from moderate caffeine content.
What foods pair well with Darjeeling Second Flush?
Darjeeling Second Flush pairs well with: Spiced samosas, Naan bread with curry, Cardamom cookies, Masala-spiced nuts, Chai-spiced desserts.
Can I drink Darjeeling Second Flush before bed?
Darjeeling Second Flush contains 40-55 mg of caffeine per cup. It is best enjoyed earlier in the day. If you are sensitive to caffeine, avoid drinking it within 6 hours of bedtime.