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Green tea · Himalayan green

Darjeeling Green

7.1/10 editor's score

A small speciality of some Darjeeling estates: the same Himalayan leaf made as green tea. Light, floral and gently fruity.

HimalayanFloralSmall batch
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Darjeeling Green, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafDarjeeling Green
250 ml water75 to 85°C
Steep 2:003 steeps
LiquorPale gold-green
Served inTeapot and cup

At a glance

A small speciality of some Darjeeling estates: the same Himalayan leaf made as green tea.

CaffeineLow to medium~20 to 40 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestMarch to April (first flush)Spring leaf for green tea.
Pairs withLight salads, Goat cheese, Fruit tartsLess good with heavy spice
Grown atAbout 600 to 2,000 mDarjeeling, West Bengal
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Darjeeling Green

What sources say about the taste

Sources say most Darjeeling is made as black tea, but some estates make green teas, which need less withering and no oxidation 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

DarjeelingWest BengalINDIA
Region
Darjeeling hills, West Bengal 1
Style
Some estates also make green, white and oolong teas 1
Flush
Usually spring first flush leaf 1
Protection
Darjeeling GI covers the region 1

More from Darjeeling and India.

History and culture

Darjeeling's gardens date from the 1850s and are famous for black tea. Green and white teas are a newer, small speciality 1.

Editor's score

7.1/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 7.5Origin & heritage: 8.0Availability: 5.5Value: 6.5Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 6.5Flavour 7.5Heritage 8.0Availability 5.5Value 6.5Beginners 8.0Versatility 6.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Darjeeling Green~20 to 40 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Darjeeling green is usually made from spring leaf 1. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

China-type and clonal Camellia sinensis bushes 1.

How it is made
02Kill-green

Heated to stop oxidation.

03Rolling

Light rolling.

04Drying

Fired dry.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafOpen, lightly twisted green and olive leaf.
LiquorPale gold-green.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft green leaf.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Light salads
  • Goat cheese
  • Fruit tarts

Best avoided

  • Heavy spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and smells.
  • Green tea fades fastest: aim to finish it within 3 to 6 months of opening.
  • Unopened sealed packs can go in the fridge. Let them reach room temperature before opening.
Grades and fakes

Graded by leaf like Darjeeling black tea.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Look for the estate and flush.
  2. Small production, so buy from estate-named sellers.
FAQ
Is it the same leaf as Darjeeling black tea?

Yes. Only the processing differs 1.

Find it inGreen teasTeas from IndiaDarjeelingHimalayanFloralSmall batch

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Darjeeling tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_tea
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.