Straight ・ Ilam
Ilam
A vibrant and floral highland tea grown next to Darjeeling.
- Origin
- Eastern Nepal
- Liquor color
- Bright Orange
- How to enjoy
- Best enjoyed as a straight tea
About Ilam
This highland tea is produced in Ilam District, located in Eastern Nepal, bordering Darjeeling. It shares the same Himalayan climate, resulting in a bright aroma reminiscent of muscat grapes and flower fields. Milder and more approachable than Darjeeling, it has gained global recognition for its high quality in recent years.
How to brew
Good tea comes down to three basics: the amount of leaves, fresh boiling water, and steeping time. Use about one teaspoon (3g) of leaves per cup, pour freshly boiled water at 95–100°C briskly over them, put the lid on the pot, and steep for 2.5–3 minutes. When the leaves circulate up and down in the pot (the 'jumping' effect), the aroma and flavor come out well.
- As a straight tea
- Enjoy the tea's natural aroma and liquor color. Steep for about 2.5–3 minutes; shorten it slightly if you find it too astringent. Pour out to the very last drop (the 'best drop') so the second cup keeps the same strength.
A general guide to brewing black tea. Adjust to the tea and your taste.