Leaf Selection: Tea pickers carefully select only the best tea leaves and buds. Traditionally, two leaves and a bud are collected, which is considered the ideal composition for quality tea.
Hand Harvesting: This process is entirely manual to preserve the integrity and quality of the leaves. Pickers are trained to distinguish mature leaves from unripe ones.
Reducing Moisture: The collected leaves are spread in a thin layer to allow natural wilting, which reduces their moisture content and prepares them for further processing.
Process Control: Wilting time is carefully controlled to achieve optimal leaf texture, important for subsequent stages.
Chemical Transformations: At this stage, the leaves undergo controlled oxidation, which affects the aroma, color and taste of the tea.
Precise Control: The fermentation process requires precise control of temperature and humidity, as even minor changes can significantly affect the quality of the finished product.
Stopping Fermentation: The leaves are cooked to stop the fermentation process. This is a key point that determines the quality and class of tea.
Obtaining the Final Product: After drying, the tea reaches its final taste, aroma and color. The tea is ready for packaging and distribution.
As a tea buyer, I have had the pleasure of working with many tea estates around the world, but working with Breath of Darjeeling has left a particularly deep impression. I would like to share my experience with this outstanding plantation. Each tea is distinguished by its unique aroma and taste, demonstrating the highest level of care and attention to detail at all stages of production. This is not just tea, it is a work of art. What is particularly important to us is the sustainable production methods that the plantation follows. Their commitment to organic farming, protecting biodiversity and worker well-being creates a product that is not only high quality, but also made with future generations in mind.