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Sikkim Temi

Temi tea, Sikkim tea

6.9/10 editor's score

Black tea from Temi Tea Garden in Sikkim, founded in 1969 and the only government-run tea estate in the state. It is fully organic.

OrganicHimalayanIndia
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Sikkim Temi, top-down

What you need

2.5 g leafSikkim Temi
250 ml water90 to 95°C
Steep 3:002 steeps
LiquorAmber
Served inTeapot and cup

At a glance

Black tea from Temi Tea Garden in Sikkim, founded in 1969 and the only government-run tea estate in the state.

CaffeineMedium~30 to 50 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit7.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpring to autumn flushesGrowing season.
Pairs withBiscuits, Scones, Light curriesLess good with strong cheese
Grown atHill slopes of south SikkimTemi, Namchi, Sikkim
Served inTeapot and cupA general choice

About Sikkim Temi

What sources say about the taste

Sources cover its history and awards; the taste depends on the flush and grade.

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

Temi, NamchiSikkimINDIA
Founded
1969, by King Palden Thondup Namgyal 1
Size
About 177 hectares 1
Owner
The only government-run estate in Sikkim 1
Organic
Fully organic, certified in 2017 1

More from Temi, Namchi and India.

History and culture

Temi Tea Garden was set up in 1969 by the King of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal 1.

The garden won the All India Quality Award in 1994 and 1995 1.

Its tea is sold as "Temi tea", and the 2023 first flush sold for Rs 10,250 per kg 12.

Editor's score

6.9/10

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: 8.0Availability: 5.5Value: 6.0Beginner-friendliness: 7.5Versatility: 7.0Flavour 7.0Heritage 8.0Availability 5.5Value 6.0Beginners 7.5Versatility 7.0
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
Sikkim Temi~30 to 50 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

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

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for Himalayan tea. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis grown on the hill slopes of south Sikkim 1.

How it is made
02Withering

Softened.

03Rolling

Orthodox rolling.

04Oxidation

Full.

05Drying

Dried and sorted.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafTwisted dark leaf with some tips.
LiquorAmber.
After steeping
Wet leafCopper-brown leaf.

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

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Biscuits
  • Scones
  • Light curries

Best avoided

  • Strong cheese

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

Orthodox leaf grades.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Organic certified since 2017 1.
  2. Check the flush on the pack.
FAQ
Who runs Temi Tea Garden?

The Government of Sikkim. It is the only government-run estate in the state 1.

Find it inBlack teasTeas from IndiaTemi, NamchiOrganicHimalayanIndia

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Temi Tea Garden". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temi_Tea_Garden
  2. Wikipedia, "Sikkim tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikkim_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.