We here at #Teamcoco have quite the penchant for afternoon tea. So when the new ‘Organic Darjeeling First Flush’ from JING was announced as the best Darjeeling First Flush tea for 2019 and a new tea on the Savoy’s afternoon tea menu, Rachael Lindsay had to try it out.
The ‘Organic Darjeeling First Flush’ was one of three rare teas selected to feature on the Afternoon Tea menu served in The Savoy’s Thames Foyer. This tea recently won JING’s inaugural Excellence at Origin competition for Darjeeling First Flush, beating 16 other entries. A panel of experts judged this First Flush from Seeyok Estate to best capture the very essence of the Darjeeling terroir and the craftsmanship vital to First Flush production.
The tea was unsurprisingly absolutely delicious. With honey and floral tones, it was a delicate taste and a tea that I would happily enjoy by itself, as well as a perfect accompaniment to cake, or a light sandwich. Whilst it is a serious treat to go along to the Savoy for an afternoon tea, the joy of ordering this tea straight from JING is that you can recreate the experience in the comfort of your own home.
The Darjeeling region has over 150 years of tea making history and grows a selection of uniquely fragrant teas. The first flush harvest takes place in late March and is the very first plucking of the season’s leaves. The competition winning garden – Seeyok – employs a huge mostly female team. It is fair-trade, organic and dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the local community, offering health care, sanitation and free education to its workers and their families.
Seeyok Estate Director Guatam Mohan said: “Drinking Darjeeling tea is an experience to be savoured – it captures the essence of Spring in the stunning Himalayas and can’t be rushed. This special tea is geographically protected which means you can’t grow Darjeeling anywhere else in the world and we are excited to be working with JING and for customers to try it.”
Bring a Touch of the Savoy Tea Ritual Home
Part of the appeal of a Savoy afternoon tea is the sense of occasion created around something as simple as a cup of tea. You can bring a little of that atmosphere home by slowing down the serving ritual, warming the teapot first and choosing delicate accompaniments that allow the tea itself to remain the focus. Fine china, fresh flowers and a thoughtfully arranged selection of sandwiches or cakes can turn an ordinary afternoon into something that feels considerably more special.
Pair Darjeeling With Lighter Afternoon Treats
A fragrant first flush Darjeeling works particularly well when the food alongside it does not overwhelm its more delicate character. Light finger sandwiches, plain or fruit scones and gently flavoured pastries can create a balanced spread without competing with the tea. Presentation matters too, particularly when recreating a Savoy-inspired experience at home. Serving each element in stages encourages guests to take their time, appreciate the different flavours and enjoy afternoon tea as an occasion rather than simply another drink and snack.
For more information or to order the tea, check out jingtea.com.
