Ilam tea, also known as Nepal tea, is a hidden gem that deserves recognition as one of the best teas in the world. Grown in the eastern hills of Nepal, Ilam tea offers a unique flavor profile, exceptional quality, and eco-friendly practices, making it a great alternative to Darjeeling tea. This article unveils the sustainable tea farming of tea in Nepal.

Introduction

When it comes to tea, Darjeeling tea is undoubtedly the first choice for many tea lovers. However, Ilam tea, is a great alternative to Darjeeling tea. The unique flavor profile, exceptional quality, eco-friendly practices, and affordability, makes Ilam tea an excellent option for those who want to try something new. 

Unique Flavor Profile

One of the primary reasons why Ilam tea is a great alternative to Darjeeling tea is its unique flavor profile. It has a slightly nutty and floral taste, with a hint of sweetness that lingers on the palate. This makes Ilam tea a refreshing and flavorful tea that is perfect for any time of the day. 

Youthful Tea Gardens

One key differentiator between Ilam tea and Darjeeling tea is the age of the tea gardens. Nepal’s tea gardens are relatively youthful, leading to higher-quality tea leaves. In contrast, Darjeeling's older tea gardens, some over 150 years old, face challenges related to aging plants and soil depletion, impacting the quality of their tea. Ilam's younger tea gardens ensure fresh, high-quality leaves that contribute to the tea's exceptional flavor and aroma.

Higher Elevation and Organic Farming

Ilam tea is grown at higher elevations than Darjeeling tea, resulting in slower-growing plants that develop mineral-packed buds, enhancing the tea's taste and nutritional benefits. The tea gardens in Ilam also employ organic farming methods, avoiding harmful chemicals and pesticides, which improves the quality of the tea and aligns with environmentally conscious consumers.

Production Process

Ilam tea is grown and processed in the eastern hills of Nepal, where the tea plants thrive in the ideal climate and soil conditions. Here are the step-by-step processes involved in the production of Ilam tea:

1. Plucking: The first step in the process of making Ilam tea is plucking the tea leaves. The tea leaves are hand-picked by skilled workers, who carefully select only the tender leaves and buds, which are used to make the highest quality tea.

2. Withering: After plucking, the tea leaves are spread out on bamboo mats or trays and left to wither for several hours. During this time, the moisture content of the leaves decreases, and the leaves become soft and pliable.

3. Rolling: Once the leaves have withered, they are rolled by hand or by machine. Rolling helps to release the juices in the leaves, which then mix with the air and oxidize, giving the tea its unique flavor and aroma.

4. Oxidation: After rolling, the tea leaves are left to oxidize for a specific amount of time, depending on the desired flavor and aroma. During oxidation, the enzymes in the tea leaves react with the air, turning the leaves from green to brown.

5. Firing: After oxidation, the tea leaves are fired in a large wok or oven to stop the oxidation process. The firing also helps to dry the leaves and remove any remaining moisture.

6. Sorting: Once the tea leaves are fired, they are sorted by size and quality. The highest quality leaves are used to make the finest teas, while the lower quality leaves are used to make lower-grade teas or tea blends.

7. Packaging: Finally, the tea leaves are packaged in foil-lined bags or airtight containers to preserve their freshness and flavor.

Democratized Farming Practices

Nepal's tea gardens are fully democratized, allowing farmers to take ownership of their gardens and cultivate them with care and love. This democratized approach ensures that the tea is grown and processed with meticulous attention to detail. Some farmers also process their teas using small-scale machinery, contributing to a grassroots tea industry revolution in Nepal. In contrast, Darjeeling's tea industry operates on a larger scale, which can dilute the level of care and attention each garden receives.

Quality and Affordability

The combination of ideal growing conditions, youthful tea gardens, and meticulous production practices ensures that Ilam tea is of exceptional quality. Ilam tea offers a smooth taste and delightful aroma, matching or even surpassing the quality of Darjeeling tea. Additionally, Ilam tea is generally more affordable than Darjeeling tea, making it an excellent option for those seeking high-quality tea at a reasonable price.

Eco-Friendly Practices

The tea gardens in Ilam are committed to sustainable, eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact. By choosing organic farming methods, the gardens avoid harmful chemicals and pesticides, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. This commitment to sustainability sets Ilam tea apart and resonates with those seeking environmentally responsible products.

Health Benefits

Ilam tea is not only delicious but also has several health benefits.

1. Rich in antioxidants: Ilam tea contains antioxidants that help fight against free radicals in the body, which can cause cell damage and lead to chronic diseases.

2. Promotes heart health: Ilam tea can help improve heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

3. Boosts immunity: The antioxidants in Ilam tea can also help boost the immune system, helping the body to fight off infections and illnesses.

4. Reduces stress and anxiety: Drinking Ilam tea can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and calmness.

5. Promotes healthy digestion: Ilam tea can aid in digestion and relieve stomach problems such as bloating and constipation.

6. Helps with weight management: Ilam tea can help with weight management by boosting metabolism and aiding in fat burning.

Brewing Tips

To get the most out of Ilam tea, it's important to brew it correctly. Here are some brewing tips to make sure you get the perfect cup of Ilam tea every time:

• Use fresh, cold water
• Boil the water and let it cool for a minute or two before pouring it over the tea leaves
• Steep the tea for 2-3 minutes for a light flavor, or 4-5 minutes for a stronger flavor
• Do not overbrew the tea, as it can result in a bitter taste
• Add milk and sugar to taste (optional).

Nepal Tea Exchange's Role

Nepal Tea Exchange's Sourcing Team with the Production Team at Jasbire Tea Processing Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Market Access for Nepalese Tea Producers

Nepal Tea Exchange is revolutionizing the tea industry by providing a wholesale platform for Nepalese tea producers, granting them direct global market access. This platform lists a diverse range of tea producers, allowing them to reach international consumers directly, overcoming traditional barriers that previously rebranded Nepalese tea as Darjeeling.

Outlets and Knowledge Sharing

Nepal Tea Exchange has established an outlet in Chabahil, Kathmandu, where customers can learn about and enjoy export-grade Nepalese teas. This helps promote local consumption of high-quality Nepalese tea, further contributing to the industry's growth. The outlet also serves as an educational hub, offering information about the tea's origins, production process, and unique attributes.

Promoting Ethical Sourcing

Nepal Tea Exchange and its sister company, Danfe Tea, are committed to transforming the recognition of Nepalese tea globally, promoting ethical sourcing practices, and challenging the traditional barriers that have undervalued Nepalese tea in the international market. This holistic approach supports the growth of Nepal's tea industry, ensures fair compensation for tea farmers, and contributes to sustainable practices across the sector.

Conclusion

Ilam tea from Nepal's eastern hills offers a unique flavor profile, exceptional quality, sustainable farming practices, and affordability, making it an outstanding alternative to Darjeeling tea. By choosing Ilam tea, consumers support eco-friendly practices, high-quality tea production, and a growing revolution in Nepal's tea industry. With its blend of distinctive flavor, health benefits, and ethical production, Ilam tea is poised to become a world-class contender in the tea market.

Nepal Tea Exchange's efforts to connect Nepalese tea producers directly to the global market, promote sustainable farming practices, and provide educational resources further strengthen the recognition of Ilam tea. As a result, Ilam tea's growing prominence is transforming the global tea industry, establishing Nepal as a key player in the market.

FAQs

Q: What is Ilam tea?

A: Ilam tea, also known as Nepal tea, is a type of tea grown in the eastern hills of Nepal. It has a unique flavor profile, exceptional quality, and eco-friendly practices, making it a great alternative to Darjeeling tea.

Q: What does Ilam tea taste like?

A: Ilam tea has a slightly nutty and floral taste, with a hint of sweetness that lingers on the palate. It is a refreshing and flavorful tea that is perfect for any time of the day.

Q: How is Ilam tea produced?

A: Ilam tea is produced through a series of steps, including plucking, withering, rolling, oxidation, firing, sorting, and packaging. The tea leaves are hand-picked and processed with care to ensure that only the highest quality tea reaches consumers.

Q: What is the quality of Ilam tea?

A: Ilam tea is of exceptional quality and flavor. It is grown in the ideal climate and soil conditions, and the tea leaves are hand-picked and processed with care.

Q: Are there any health benefits to drinking Ilam tea?

A: Yes, Ilam tea is rich in antioxidants, promotes heart health, boosts immunity, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes healthy digestion, and helps with weight management.

Q: Is Ilam tea eco-friendly?

A: Yes, the tea gardens in Ilam are committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, ensuring that their tea is produced with minimal impact on the environment. They use organic methods of farming and do not use any harmful chemicals or pesticides.

Q: How do I brew Ilam tea?

A: To brew Ilam tea, use fresh, cold water, boil the water and let it cool for a minute or two before pouring it over the tea leaves. Steep the tea for 2-3 minutes for a light flavor, or 4-5 minutes for a stronger flavor. Do not overbrew the tea, as it can result in a bitter taste. Add milk and sugar to taste.