FAQs About Tea

Tea that is grown in northeast India, also known as the Himalayan foothills of the Darjeeling district, is known as Darjeeling tea. The Darjeeling district produces some of the most exquisite teas in the world and is often referred to as "the champagne of teas."

Darjeeling tea is adored by so many not only because of its flavor but because of its subtle beauty. This tea has a light, yet memorable scent of fruity and floral aromas.

Darjeeling tea first flush season lasts from the end of February to the end of April. Darjeeling tea second flush is grown during the summer. First and second flushes are the most sought-after by Darjeeling tea lovers. Learn more about the history of Darjeeling Tea.

Majority of Darjeeling tea is pure unblended premium tea. Like any high quality tea in its different forms Darjeeling tea has all the health benefits attributed to black, green, oolong or white teas. Majority of Darjeeling tea estates are certified organic, and many of them are located in pristine areas of eastern Himalayas in India. This makes Darjeeling teas both delicious and healthy.

Darjeeling tea is grown Darjeeling district, a small region located in the eastern Himalayas of India. There are around 80 tea estates of different sizes and elevations spread across the district. Tea is the mainstay of the region’s economy, besides tourism. See more about Darjeeling tea gardens.

It’s important to know the caffeine content of your favorite drink. If you love Darjeeling tea, like so many of us, you should know that there is, in fact, caffeine found within. All types of tea made from leaves of the Camellia sinensis species, including Darjeeling (and black tea) contain some caffeine. The average cup of Darjeeling tea contains around 120 mg of caffeine.

Yes, Darjeeling tea is a type of black tea that is produced in the Himalayan foothills of India. While Darjeeling black tea is a favorite of exquisite tea fans, it can also be green, white, or oolong.

Black tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, trailing only water and is consumed by more than two-thirds of the world population. And for good reason, because, yes, black tea is healthy.

Especially when it comes to loose leaf black tea, since it isn’t packaged into a teabag, allowing it to keep all its natural flavors, aromas, and health benefits. The various compounds and antioxidants found in black tea help reduce inflammation in the body and offer plenty of potential health benefits:

- Black tea contains flavonoids, which are beneficial for heart health.

- Some studies have shown that drinking black tea helps reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Too much “bad” cholesterol in the body can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease.

- Drinking black tea consistently may help decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure.

- One study of 365,682 people found that those who drank at least two cups of tea had a 16% lower risk of stroke.

- Black tea is a healthy non-sweetened beverage that may help reduce blood sugar and even improve the use of insulin.

Yes! Black tea is actually a great cold remedy because of the anti-inflammatory qualities found within. Black tea helps reduce inflammation commonly brought on by the common cold. This strong and flavorful tea relieves additional flu symptoms like coughing and runny noses, as well.

Similarly, black tea is a great source of vitamin B, which provides a boost to the body's defense system and keeps energy levels up - a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy immune system and fighting off colds.

If you are dealing with unwanted cold symptoms, drink a hot cup a black tea two times a day and you should start feeling better soon!

Black tea is rich in antioxidants that can provide health benefits like improved heart and gut health and lowered bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Consuming antioxidants helps protect cells against free radicals, which are unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. Polyphenols are a type of antioxidant found in certain foods and beverages, including black tea. These groups of polyphenols are the primary source of antioxidants found in black tea.

Black tea has a strong flavor and contains caffeine, however less caffeine than coffee. This tea is made from oxidized Camellia Sinensis, a plant common in most teas, and the oxidization gives black tea leaves its dark color. Strong black tea is also a popular choice for making iced teas. On average, black tea contains around 55 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per 8 ounces, compared with 100 mg in the same serving as a cup of coffee.

High quality black teas can be enjoyed as is. But black teas that full body with a “malty” character like the ones from Assam do benefit from addition of milk and sweetener. It not only reduces the tannic quality of such teas but addition of milk results in a nice creamy, chocolaty cuppa.

Yes, drinking tea is loaded with antioxidants and certainly can aid in weight loss, lower cholesterol, and an overall boost in your immune system.

Not only does drinking green tea help with weight loss, but there have also been many scientific studies that found drinking green tea can additionally help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and decrease inflammation.

Green tea does taste great and has proved to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet.

First flush tea is picked and manufactured during spring season. In Darjeeling, where this term is most widely used, the first flush season lasts from end of February to end of April. The tea of this season is characterized by remarkably light body with flavors that are a mix of floral, peach and earthy. It is brisk and can have a sweet finish. First flush tea is generally highly prized among tea connoisseurs. Learn more about first flush tea.

The optimal shelf life of a green tea is a year from the time of manufacture and two years for black tea. However, if good quality tea is stored well the life span of a tea can be extended considerably! We have found couple of years old green tea still delicious and a six year old black tea still holding its flavor. We would advise you to make a cup and taste before discarding a surprise find way back in your pantry!

Organic tea is much more sustainable in the long run.

At Happy Earth Tea, we prefer organic teas over conventional teas because of its ecological benefits - and it's delicious! Organic tea uses no chemicals like weedicides, pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Instead, farmers are using a natural process to create a more viable tea crop.

Many tea gardens are opting for held-held sickles for weeding, which is then used to mulch and adds to the carbon content of the soil. Over time, this organic tea farming increases the health of the tea bushes.