Origin: Nilgiris ( Blue Mountains), South India

Plucking Season: Fall/Winter

The Nilgiris or Blue Mountains are a range of mountains in the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Neela is grown at an elevation of 6000 feet in the Nilgiri’s Coonoor district, renowned for its lush, green, rolling hills and plethora of birds and wildflowers.

The tea garden where Neela is grown is blessed with both high elevation and evenly distributed rain patterns, an ideal environment for producing flavorful, aromatic, high quality teas.

Neela’s distinctive crafting allows its flavor to transform gradually over the life span of the tea through very slow oxidation. Its bright aroma develops over months into a richer, full-bodied mellowness.

Though tea is produced throughout the year in Nilgiri, the best teas are from the cooler winter months (late November to mid February).

At this time, the cool, dry air slows the growth of the plant ensuring a higher concentration of sap in the leaf.

Brewing Instructions:

Water Temp: 180°F (82°C)

Quality of Water: Best with Spring water

Quantity of Leaf: 1 tsp per 8oz water

Steep Time: 3 minutes

Infusions: 2

Neela is a large, loosely rolled, whole leaf tea and requires slightly different brewing than other Nilgiri black teas.

We recommend using a slightly lower temperature water (180F) and a shorter steeping time (3 minutes). This brewing style resembles that of oolong teas and allows for multiple infusions.