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Soom 1st Flush
Estate Tea 50g
GRADE – TGFOP1 (Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe)
CAFFEINE/ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL: Medium/Ultra High
Cup characteristics: Produced during March at the height of 1st flush, this tea is alive with muscatel flavor. An excellent example of a 1st flush
Darjeeling.
£ 10.00
In stock
PRODUCT ID: 1686
Description
Soom 1st Flush Tea
Soom 1st Flush tea is harvested in Darjeeling from March to mid-April. During this time, the tea bushes begin “flushing” after their winter dormancy. This vigorous growth occurs as daytime temperatures rise by 5 to 7 degrees Celsius, reaching around 20 degrees. The increased hours of daylight, combined with excellent moisture retention in the soil from winter rains, create the perfect conditions for this stunning tea.
Unique Growing Conditions
The Soom estate features severe terrain, with slopes approaching 45 degrees. These steep inclines mean that the estate still transports green leaves to the factory using mountain ponies. Many of the tea bushes are over 130 years old, yet they continue to produce remarkable tea. In fact, some 1st Flush teas are rushed to Germany in a race reminiscent of the Beaujolais Run.
Origin of the Name
There are several theories about the origin of the estate’s name. In Lepcha, the local dialect, “Soom” means “Three” or “Triangular,” which is fitting since the estate is bounded by three streams and has a somewhat triangular shape. Another theory suggests that “Soom” means “holy abode,” referencing the local deity worshiped in the area.
Community Impact
The factory, which burned down in 1995 and was out of production for 1.5 years, now boasts modern equipment. Soom estate plays an important social role, employing 700 people and providing housing, food, and medical care for their families. This support system means about 2,000 people live on the estate, all with stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains.
Experience the delicious Soom 1st Flush tea, an excellent example of a high-quality Darjeeling. Each sip offers a taste of the unique terroir and rich history behind this remarkable estate. Enjoy the vibrant flavours and the story of Soom!
HOT BREWING METHOD:
Put 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz / 200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 1-3 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Add milk & sugar to taste. Ideal Brewing Temperature:90ºC/194ºF
ICED TEA BREWING METHOD
(Pitcher): (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher, straining the tea. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing freshly brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.)
We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today’s water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.
