… And especially about Darjeeling first flush maharani 2010

The following text was originally a letter to my friend, Massimiliano Mirra, along with a pack of the aforementioned tea, reproduced here as it was written, in the public library of Amsterdam, as he said it’s a text which shouldn’t be enclosed into a single letter. This story was told before to a few tea-loving friends already, but this is the first written version. In case you spread it, please drop me a mail, and at least also mention my name. Creative commons nc-sa…

Darjeeling tea is known as the Queen of black teas and not without a reason.

Darjeeling is in the Indian part of Himalaya, with a breathtaking view of the tschomolungma, and an also a breathtaking height of 6000 meters. Mount Everest seems like a small bump from there. Its slopes makes it ideal for tea, as they get so much sunshine, just like the slopes of Tokaj are ideal for wine. 

Darjeeling tea is harvested three times a year, called first flush, second flush, and autumn flush. Since they are queens, let’s look at them as women, and be sure we won’t miss a point.

First flush is like a sixteen years old girl. She’s really fresh, but also don’t have too much experience of the intercourse with hot water. Therefore, you have to brew it carefully: don’t use too hot water with it, as it would make her closed, and you can’t really enjoy your meeting with her. 70 degree celsius or a little more is about enough. Also make sure you always use clear water with her: mostly we recommend spring water, but having a usual bottled water without gas is enough.

The advantage of her, that if you are careful enough, she has the curiosity and strength to be with you multiple times in a day;that is, if you don’t pour too much water on her - just about one deciliter per 2 teaspoons - you can enjoy her 3-4 times without getting another portion. 

The problem with such a 16 years old that she will spend only her summer vacation with you: after that, girls go back to school, and either become more serious, or unenjoyable at all.

First flush is harvested in late march, and usually gets into the stores early may. Be sure to drink it before september.

Second flush is harvested in mid-may: she’s about 26 years old. already has some experience with hot rains of the himalaya, you don’t have to teach her everything. Also she is more serious and more colorful: knows more of the world, and has more to tell you. However, she isn’t that interested in you: maybe you can go two rounds with her, but after that she won’t be really part of your experience. Yet you can enjoy her year-round. 

Autumn flush is 36 years old: full of experience, full of shades and secrets which shine through her personality. You can only experience her once per session, but what an experience it will be! Also, she has the dark colour you would expect from most of the black teas. Be careful with her too, however: pour water just below the 100 degrees, 95 should do fine.

The tea I gave you is a first flush maharani from this year. I have an autumn flush maharani at home, she’s my celebration tea, along with a 30 years old pu-erh. Maharanis are a bit sad, sour like a lemon: you will feel it. She’s an emo kind of girl: this will grow into the experience of the autumn Diva later. I hope she can grow up at you - some first flushes turn into older by themselves - but I’m not sure, so enjoy her through the rest of the summer.