Good morning, dear tea friends! June is such a lovely time of year with warm days, not yet too hot, and a landscape of colorful, blooming growth. In my cup this morning is a first flush Darjeeling from the North Tukvar estate. If I had to describe this tea with only one word, it would be refreshing!

This tea estate was first planted in 1852 and is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains near Kanchendzonga peak. With altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 6,500 feet above sea level, it is one of the highest elevation tea gardens in Darjeeling district, in northeastern India.  Its tea plants consist mainly of clonal bushes and China jat, meaning tea bushes with origins from China.

I steeped the leaves for 3 minutes in just under boiling point (212F) water.

The aroma is fragrant, fresh and vegetal with a whisper of flowers.

The golden tea liquor wakes up my mouth with its refreshing flavor. Floral notes are complemented by a citrus zest tang, which lingers long into the finish. It would make a delicious iced tea.

My son and his girlfriend gave me a gorgeous pink orchid plant for Mother’s Day. It’s a beautiful accompaniment for my tea table, don’t you think?

I’m off to Michigan next weekend for a 2-week visit with my family. I’ll be back with another tea post in July. Enjoy your tea and this great summer weather!