Muscatel refers to a distinctive flavor found in some Darjeeling teas, especially the second-flush teas. It has been described as a "distinct sweet flavour" that is not present in other flushes or tea from other localities, a "musky spiciness," "a unique muscat-like fruitiness in aroma and flavour," or "dried raisins with a hay like finish." Though difficult to describe, it is prized by tea aficionados.
The flavor develops in part through the action of sap-sucking insects, jassids and thrips, which partly damage the young tea leaves. The tea plant then produces terpene as an insect repellent. This higher concentration of terpene produces the muscatel flavor.
References
- Rakshit, Avishek (2019-04-05). "Hit by estate shutdown, lukewarm demand brews concern for Darjeeling tea". Business Standard India. Retrieved 2019-04-08.
- Liu, Kung-Chung; Racherla, Uday S. (2016-05-19). Innovation and IPRs in China and India: Myths, Realities and Opportunities. Springer. p. 48. ISBN 9789811004063.
- Kwek, Rachel (January 9, 2019). "What's for Tea, Darjeeling?". Asian Geographic: 112 – via pressreader.com.
- ^ Gebely, Tony (2012-08-21). "Describing Muscatel". American Specialty Tea Alliance. Retrieved 2019-04-08.
- Samaddar, Ranabir (2009-04-11). State of Justice In India: Issues of Social Justice. SAGE Publications India. pp. 74–75. ISBN 9788132104193.
- "Muscatel Flavor is Unmatched". World Tea News. 2017-05-01. Retrieved 2019-04-08.
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