On the occasion of the 30th National Tea Day, Golden Tea Estate Pvt. Ltd. from Baglung secured first place in the tea-tasting competition. The contest evaluated 120 samples from 45 tea industries across Nepal, with senior tea testers from India conducting the assessments. Supported by the National Tea and Coffee Development Board, Golden Tea Estate has commenced commercial production, and experts highlighted that tea quality improves at higher elevations. Kathmandu, 16 Baisakh.
Golden Tea Estate Pvt. Ltd. achieved excellence in the tea flavor test held in Shiruwari, Tarakhola Rural Municipality–1. Among the four categories tested, the estate’s ‘Green Orthodox’ and ‘Golden Tea’ varieties were declared outstanding. The evaluations were conducted by senior Indian tea testers Kaushik Bhattacharya and David Johnson, along with senior technician Navin Koirala from the National Tea and Coffee Development Board.
The flavor test assessed dry tea appearance, aroma, and after steeping in hot water, the appearance, fragrance, and taste. The award ceremony for winners was held during the main event of the 30th National Tea Day organized by the National Tea and Coffee Development Board. Saroj Dahal, chairman of Golden Tea Estate Pvt. Ltd., stated that tea quality improved significantly after starting processing with the board’s support.
Technician Nagendra Suvedi explained that in hilly regions, Chinese tea varieties can be cultivated, enabling production of Orthodox and Green teas. He stated, “Though yield decreases with increased altitude, the quality improves.” Highlighting that tea gardens above 2,200 meters are rare in Nepal, he pointed out that high-altitude tea has superior quality. Commercial tea cultivation is progressing not only in Baglung within Gandaki Province but also in Kaski and Lamjung districts.
