{"slug":"darjeeling","name":"Darjeeling","steep_time":{"low_seconds":180,"high_seconds":240},"steep_temperature":{"low_c":90,"high_c":95,"low_f":194,"high_f":203},"web_url":"https://timebeforetea.com/teas/darjeeling","title":"How to Brew Darjeeling","description":"Steep Darjeeling for 3m – 4m at 90°C – 95°C (194°F – 203°F). A step-by-step brewing guide from Time Before Tea.","steps":[{"name":"Measure your tea","text":"Use about one teaspoon of Darjeeling leaves per 8 oz cup."},{"name":"Heat the water","text":"Bring fresh water to 90°C – 95°C (194°F – 203°F). Water that is too hot will scorch the leaves."},{"name":"Steep","text":"Pour the water over the leaves and steep for 3m – 4m. Start at the shorter time and taste as you go."},{"name":"Strain and serve","text":"Remove the leaves as soon as the steep is done so the tea does not turn bitter."}],"faqs":[{"question":"What temperature should water be for Darjeeling tea?","answer":"194–203°F (90–95°C), just below boiling. Darjeeling is more delicate than most black teas, and a full boil can make it astringent, especially first flush teas."},{"question":"How long should you steep Darjeeling?","answer":"3 to 4 minutes. Start at 3, especially with first flush, and taste. Darjeeling turns bitter sooner than malty black teas like Assam."},{"question":"Do you put milk in Darjeeling tea?","answer":"Usually not. Its delicate floral and muscatel flavors get lost under milk. Autumn flush Darjeeling is the exception and can take a splash. A slice of lemon is the more common pairing."},{"question":"Is Darjeeling a black tea?","answer":"It's sold and brewed as a black tea, but many first flush Darjeelings are only partly oxidized and taste closer to a green oolong. That's why they want slightly cooler water than other black teas."},{"question":"What does muscatel mean in Darjeeling?","answer":"It describes a distinctive fruity, slightly winey flavor like muscat grapes. It's most pronounced in second flush teas."},{"question":"How much caffeine is in Darjeeling?","answer":"Roughly the same as other black teas, about 40–60 mg per 8 oz cup, though first flush teas brewed with cooler water often come out a little lower."}],"product_handles":[],"store_available":false}