OXALIS 2025 / 2026

Teas 7 Black Teas Just like green tea, the finest black tea is made from the first two leaves and a bud. Once harvested, the leaves are gently withered for 12 to 18 hours on mesh trays to reduce moisture. This step softens the leaves and prepares them for the next key phase – rolling. Rolling breaks down the leaf structure and starts the oxidation process, which is what gives black tea its signature strength, deep flavour and rich aroma. As the leaves oxidise, their colour changes from green to a deep brown, unlocking bold taste notes that are only fully released in near-boiling water. Unlike green tea, black tea requires high temperatures to extract all its soluble compounds. Thanks to oxidation, it also offers a longer shelf life. Black teas are classified by leaf size – from whole leaf and broken grades to fannings and dust. Interestingly, whole leaf teas sold as loose leaf account for just 2% of global tea production – making them a rare and refined choice. Pure Black Teas India Tea has only been cultivated in India since the early 19th century. Today, the country accounts for roughly a third of global tea production, and Indian teas are regarded as some of the finest in the world. Tea gardens are typically located in the tropical region of Assam, the high-altitude slopes of Darjeeling (reaching up to 2,500 metres above sea level), as well as in Sikkim, Dooars, and the mountainous, rain-soaked Nilgiri hills. (9)20201 India AssamOP Blend 60 g 1 kg 1 Blend of Assam tea giving a typical strong, malty richness. (9)20237 India Assam Dikom TGFOP 60 g 1 kg 1 The Dikomgarden lies in the heart of the Assam tea region, and is one of the oldest gardens bordering the River Brahmaputra. A local tribe, the Bodo-Kacharies, came up with the name when they found that the quality of the water was truly unique, tasting pleasantly sweet and smooth. The word di in their language means water. The regularly rolled black leaves give an infusion that in aroma and taste is reminiscent of citrusy fruit juice. (9)20203 India AssamMangalam BPS Cl 60 g 1 kg 1 The leaves are made into small pellets. The infusion is mahogany dark in colour and the flavour is rich, sweet, malty and exquisitely smooth with a short finish. It drinks well with milk. (9)20633 India Assam Chardwar FTGFOP1 NEW 60 g 1 kg 1 The tea garden is located between the Brahmaputra River and the world-famous Kaziranga Nature Reserve, which is famous for the Indian rhinoceros. The name of the garden, Chardwar, translates to tea garden with four gates to heaven. 'Char' means four and ‘Dwar’ means door. The black tea leaves produce an orange infusion when watered. The aroma and taste are dominated by candied orange. The flavour is accompanied by fine tannins, reminiscent of the smoothness of aged red wine. The tea is particularly good when combined with milk. (9)20103 India Darjeeling FTGFOP 1 First Flush 60 g 1 kg 1 A blend of First Flush teas from various gardens of Darjeeling. It produces a flowery aroma and golden infusion. (9)21602 India Darjeeling Marybong FTGFOP1 First Flush 60 g 1 kg 1 Marybong Tea Garden is located in the north-eastern corner of Darjeeling at an altitude of 910-1,830 m above sea level. This area is also known as the ‘Golden Valley’. The tiny green-brown leaves give an orange infusion when watered. The taste and aroma combine juicy orange with young hazelnut. (9)20270 India Darjeeling Okayti SFTGFOP1 First Flush 60 g 1 kg 1 Okayti Tea Garden is situated on the banks of the Mechi River flowing along the Nepal border at an altitude of 1,770 m to 2,360 m. Tea has been grown here since 1888. After pouring the green leaves, which are a combination of light and dark shades, a yellow-orange infusion is produced. In the aroma you will discover a spring meadow in bloom. The taste is dominated by a mixture of fresh herbs with a hint of meadow honey. (9)20278 India Darjeeling Castleton FTGFOP1CH Inbetween 60 g 1 kg 1 Castleton Garden is situated on the western side of the mountains through which the fairy train to Darjeeling passes, at an altitude of between 900 and 1,830 m. It is one of the most renowned gardens. Tea has been grown here since 1885. After pouring a mixture of leaves in different shades of green, a golden infusion is created. You can smell and taste sweet white grapes and jasmine.