Quick answer
Brew organic Darjeeling tea with water at 195°F (90°C) and steep for 3 minutes. Use one teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup for a balanced, aromatic cup.
Why water temperature matters for Darjeeling
Darjeeling tea is delicate. Boiling water at 212°F (100°C) will scald the leaves, releasing bitter tannins. Use water just below boiling to preserve its floral and muscatel notes.
Loose leaf vs. tea bags
Loose leaf Darjeeling gives the leaves room to expand, releasing full flavor. Tea bags restrict space and often contain lower-grade fannings. For the best cup, choose loose leaf.
Steps to brew the perfect cup
- Heat fresh water: Bring filtered water to a boil, then let it cool to 195°F (90°C). Without a thermometer, let the kettle sit for 30 seconds after boiling. Boiling water is the most common mistake—it makes Darjeeling bitter.
- Measure the tea: Use one teaspoon of loose leaf Darjeeling tea per 8-ounce cup. For a stronger cup, add more leaves, not more time. Oversteeping is the second most common mistake—it extracts harsh tannins.
- Steep for 3 minutes: Pour the hot water over the leaves and start a timer. Steep for exactly 3 minutes. Do not guess the time. Steeping longer than 3 minutes makes the tea bitter, not stronger.
- Strain and enjoy: Pour the tea through a strainer into your cup, leaving the leaves behind. Serve without milk or sweetener to taste its full character. Darjeeling is best enjoyed plain—additives mask its delicate flavor.
Our recommended Darjeeling tea
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Organic Darjeeling - Loose Leaf Tea: This Darjeeling tea is light in color with bright aromatics and crisp flavor, grown in the Darjeeling district of India. Its light body and bright flavor make it ideal for the gentle brewing method described here, rewarding careful temperature control.
Organic Darjeeling - Loose Leaf Tea
