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Darjeeling White

White Darjeeling

6.5/10 editor's score

Some Darjeeling estates now make white tea, and sources say the first flush is suitable for it. White Darjeeling is one of the Himalayan white teas.

DarjeelingWhite teaIndia
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Darjeeling White, top-down

What you need

3 g leafDarjeeling White
300 ml water80 to 85°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorPale gold
Served inTeapot and cup

At a glance

Some Darjeeling estates now make white tea, and sources say the first flush is suitable for it.

CaffeineLow to medium~15 to 35 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit7.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpring (first flush)March into May [1].
Pairs withFruit, Light pastries, Mild cheeseLess good with heavy spice
Grown atDarjeeling hillsDarjeeling, West Bengal
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Darjeeling White

What sources say about the taste

Sources confirm that some estates make white tea; they do not describe the taste.

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
Flush
First flush is suitable for white tea 1
Made by
Some estates 1
Type
Himalayan white 2
Season
First flush, March into May 1

More from Darjeeling and India.

History and culture

Darjeeling estates have expanded into green, white and oolong teas 1.

Some estates also make white tea from the monsoon flush 1.

Editor's score

6.5/10

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: 7.0Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 5.0Value: 5.5Beginner-friendliness: 7.5Versatility: 6.5Flavour 7.0Heritage 7.0Availability 5.0Value 5.5Beginners 7.5Versatility 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
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Darjeeling White~15 to 35 mg

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

Harvest calendar

Darjeeling's first flush season 1. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis grown in the Darjeeling hills 1.

How it is made
01Plucking

Bud and young leaves.

02Withering

Long wither.

03Drying

Dried, with no oxidation step 1.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafSilvery buds and pale green leaves.
LiquorPale gold.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft pale leaves.

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

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Fruit
  • Light pastries
  • Mild cheese

Best avoided

  • Heavy spice

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

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
  • Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
  • Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes

Estate grades.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Made in small amounts.
  2. Check estate and year.
FAQ
Is there white tea from India?

Yes. Some Darjeeling estates make it 12.

Find it inWhite teasTeas from IndiaDarjeelingDarjeelingWhite teaIndia

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Darjeeling tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_tea
  2. Wikipedia, "White tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_tea
  3. 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.