Darjeeling's Hidden Gem: A Rare High-Altitude Yellow Tea with Savory Elegance This exquisite yellow tea hails from the Yanki Tea Factory, a remarkable small village cooperative in Darjeeling. Founded by Yanki, a former tea plucker turned visionary, this cooperative was established to uplift her community through the art of tea-making. They are also the creators of our exceptional Yanki Red Oolong. During our visit in July 2022, we had the pleasure of meeting Allan, Yanki’s son, who revealed a delightful surprise—a yellow tea he had crafted. Yellow tea, historically reserved for Chinese emperors, is a rare treasure, even today, produced only in limited quantities due to the exceptional skill required in its creation. The intricate yellowing process, which eliminates the grassiness found in green tea, results in a mellow, soft, and beautifully rounded cup. In 2023, we had the privilege of tasting Yanki’s high-altitude, whole-leaf yellow tea, and we were utterly captivated. The tea offers a luxurious, rich mouthfeel with delicate, savory notes reminiscent of a buttered croissant and greens sautéed in ghee. It’s a truly unforgettable experience for the discerning palate.