Featuring Indian Teas from the Assam and Darjeeling Regions of India.
Assam tea is its own unique species of tea, Camellia sinensis var assamica. This particular variety of tea is only grown in the Assam region of India which has unique growing conditions unlike any other place tea is grown. Instead of growing in the mountains, Assam tea thrives in the lowlands of the Brahmaputra River valley. With a rich clay soil, this area is very moist and often flooded. The low altitude, rich soil, abundant rainfall, and unique variety of tea plant produces a tea unlike any other tea in the world.
Darjeeling tea is grown in a specific area of the Himalayan mountains and has its own unique flavor. This flavor comes from a few particular factors. First, darjeeling tea is from the Camellia sinensis var sinensis species of tea plant. This tea plant is native to China and therefore thrives in China. In the Himalayan foothills of Darjeeling, the plant is not quite as content! And it is the stress of growing in this region which produces its special flavor. In India, this plant grows slower and smaller than in China. This slower growth produces more tannins and astringency than if it grew at its normal rate. Growing in the Darjeeling region, it is subject to different insects than where it grows native in China. To fight off these insects it produces terpenes which actually creates the sweet notes Darjeeling is famous for.
You’ll find the following three teas in your box!
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’ve created our Indian Rose Garden Tea. With a combination of Assam Tea and rose petals, this blend combines a smoky strong cup of black tea with delicate floral notes.
As a black tea, brew 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water at 205°F for between 3-5 minutes.
The Darjeeling Tea in your box is a traditional black darjeeling. Although it is an oxidized tea, it will brew a light amber color. You’ll find it is less astringent and malty than most black teas. Many times its flavor is compared to muscat wine.
As a black tea, brew 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water at 205°F for 3-5 minutes. Like an oolong, this tea benefits from a quick rinse at 205°F before its first brew.
This tea is excellent brewed 2-4 times.
When Darjeeling Tea is mentioned, most tea connoisseurs think of black tea. Yet, green and oolong teas are also grown and produced in the Darjeeling region. We’ve found that many green darjeels have a very light and refreshing flavor. That light flavor makes a perfect base for this Jasmine Citrus Green Darjeeling Tea.
As a green tea, brew 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water at 170°F for 2 minutes.
We have also enjoyed this tea cold brewed. Place 2 teaspoons of leaves per 8 ounces of water into an infuser. Place infuser in water. Cover. Place in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours. Remove the infuser. That’s it–your tea is ready to enjoy!
Sometimes, a special tea deserves a special spoon! This month’s treat is a crystal spoon perfect for scooping out your tea leaves!
If this is your first box, you’ll find a Tea Journal and Infuser tucked inside your box. Take notes and keep track of the teas you enjoy in your Tea Journal and over time you will become not only a tea enjoyer, but also a tea connoisseur! If you’d like to share on social media a picture of the journal page with your favorite tea from this box, we’d love for you to hashtag that picture #SpiceTopiaTEA, so we can follow along on your tea journey!
February’s Tea Practice
Keep an eye out for your Tea Practice Card! This month, we encourage you to practice pairing tea with your meals. Darjeeling is a great tea to start your pairing adventure. Traditionally, it is paired with fish and vegetables. We’d love to have you share the foods you enjoyed with this month’s teas.
A Few Little Extras!
We’ve tucked in a sample of a Decaffeinated Green Darjeeling Tea for you to try. It’s delicate notes are perfect for when you need a cup of light refreshing tea–without any caffeine.
And don’t miss the coupon we’ve included on the pink envelope inside your box. It’s exclusive to Tea of the Month Members and good through the 15th of February!
Looking for Special Teas Like Those Featured in this Tea of the Month Box?
Shop SpiceTopia’s Collection of Over 100 Loose Leaf Teas.
If you’d like to watch Emily unbox this month’s box, you can catch that on our Facebook or Instagram page.
