时间：2026-02-22 04:00:12 来源：网络整理编辑：休閑
Since the last century, Darjeeling tea -- the priciest variety of Indian tea -- has been sold only i
Since the last century, Darjeeling tea -- the priciest variety of Indian tea -- has been sold only in private auctions. This month, it switches to online bidding for the first time, making it possible for buyers to bid for the the premier tea.
Often described as the "champagne of teas", the Darjeeling tea is prized for its aroma. Like French wines, it is only grown in tea estates centered around a small mountainous region in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, which has the perfect soil and climate. Tea leaves are hand-picked, processed, tested and certified by tasters, before being exported to connoisseurs around the world.
The cultivation of the tea is labour-intensive with the leaves being hand-plucked by women employed at the tea estate.Credit: Jonas Gratzer/LightRocket/Getty Images)The lavish private auctions for Darjeeling tea involve elaborate tasting sessions. Around 2.8 million kg of Darjeeling tea is sold annually, with the finest teas fetching astronomical prices from international buyers. In 2014, Darjeeling tea from the Makaibari estate fetched a price of Rs 1,12,000 ($1,850), the highest for any Indian tea.
Different varieties of Darjeeling tea.Credit: Jonas Gratzer/LightRocket/Getty Images)This is set to changes, as the tea will now be sold in pan-Indian e-auctions to fetch better prices, more buyers and ensure greater transparency. "The new system will allow a registered buyer or seller of tea with any one of the seven auction centres to seamlessly participate in other auction centres," Union Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia said. Buyers will have to be registered with one of these seven auction centres to be able to bid. The e-auctions are scheduled to start in the last week of June.
The second-largest producer in the world after China, India started online bidding of cheaper varieties of teas in 2008. "The new system could prove to be a turning point for tea auctioning in India, which began in 1861 in this city,” Teaotia said.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
There's a big piece of fake chicken stuck to this phone case2026-02-22 03:42
Former Top Gear presenters plotting new community for motoring fans2026-02-22 03:22
University of Washington receives backlash over flyer promoting ideal cheerleading look2026-02-22 03:22
HP unveils gorgeous, ultra2026-02-22 03:19
Here's what 'Game of Thrones' actors get up to between takes2026-02-22 02:33
The Australian government decides it's really into Bitcoin2026-02-22 02:23
University of Washington receives backlash over flyer promoting ideal cheerleading look2026-02-22 02:09
UK will shelter Singapore trans woman who faces compulsory army service as a man back home2026-02-22 01:50
You can now play 'Solitaire' and 'Tic2026-02-22 01:47
Microsoft had no hand in making this tearjerking viral Xbox commercial2026-02-22 01:20
PlayStation Now game streaming is coming to PC2026-02-22 03:30
Swarovski's activity tracker is the most bling you'll bring to the gym2026-02-22 03:28
Girl body shamed into wearing vice principal's jacket at prom2026-02-22 02:58
Prince, Madonna, Ed Sheeran have been turned away from Australian bars thanks to lockout laws2026-02-22 02:52
Did our grandparents have the best beauty advice?2026-02-22 02:50
M&S starts selling pre2026-02-22 02:46
Watch this thrilling BMX ride take you through Los Angeles, with celebrity sneak peeks2026-02-22 02:27
Cyrano is your own personal jukebox for scents2026-02-22 02:08
Richard Branson 'thought he was going to die' in bike accident2026-02-22 01:50
Xiaomi's first smartwatch is made for kids2026-02-22 01:37
