Dammann Frères Enveloped Tea Bags - Jardin Bleu

Tasting Notes of the Curator

Dammann Frères Jardin Bleu is a black tea that leans joyfully into fruit without losing the structure and elegance of its tea base. The first aroma is immediately inviting, with ripe strawberry and wild strawberry rising from the cup in a way that feels lush, sweet, and unmistakably summery. These berry notes are vivid but not syrupy, carrying the impression of freshly sliced fruit rather than confectionery.

Rhubarb provides the essential counterpoint. Its distinctive tartness adds brightness and tension, keeping the strawberry from becoming too soft or one-dimensional. The combination creates a beautifully balanced sweet-sour profile: juicy berries at the front, a gentle tang through the middle, and the deeper character of black tea underneath.

The black tea base gives Jardin Bleu its body and polish. It brings a light tannic grip and enough structure to make the blend satisfying while allowing the fruit to remain centre stage. Flower petals add a delicate visual and aromatic flourish, softening the composition and giving the cup a subtle garden-like character.

Served hot, the tea feels rounded, fragrant, and comforting. Chilled, its rhubarb and berry notes become especially refreshing, making it an excellent choice for warm afternoons. Each Cristal® sachet is individually enveloped to preserve its aroma and offer the convenience of a beautifully composed cup wherever you choose to enjoy it.

Brewing and Pairing Suggestions

Steep one sachet in water heated to approximately 90°C for 4–5 minutes. Remove the sachet once the tea has reached your preferred strength. It is best enjoyed plain when you want the rhubarb and strawberry notes to remain bright, though a small amount of sugar may bring additional roundness to the fruit.

Jardin Bleu pairs especially well with pastries, fruit, and creamy desserts:

Berry desserts: Serve with strawberry tart, berry pavlova, raspberry macarons, or a simple bowl of fresh strawberries.

Rhubarb pastries: Pair with rhubarb crumble, compote, or a rhubarb and almond tart to echo the tea’s lively acidity.

Cream and vanilla: Enjoy with panna cotta, vanilla cake, cheesecake, or scones with clotted cream.

Dark chocolate: The tea’s fruitiness offers a bright contrast to chocolate tart, brownies, or chocolate truffles.

Soft cheeses: Pair with Brie, Camembert, or fresh goat cheese for a delicate sweet-savoury combination.

Iced tea: Brew slightly stronger than usual, allow it to cool, then serve over ice with fresh strawberries or a slice of lemon.

The Blue Garden in a Teacup

The name Jardin Bleu, or “Blue Garden,” gives this tea an almost storybook quality. It suggests a garden at twilight, where ripe berries, tart rhubarb, and scattered flowers become more fragrant as the day begins to cool. The blend captures that atmosphere without relying on heaviness or excessive sweetness.

Rhubarb and strawberry have long been natural culinary partners. Strawberry contributes perfume, sweetness, and ripe fruit, while rhubarb brings the acidity needed to sharpen and define it. Together, they create the kind of balance found in classic summer tarts, preserves, and compotes.

Dammann Frères translates that familiar pairing into tea by setting the fruit against a structured black tea base. The result is not simply a dessert-inspired drink, but a blend with enough elegance for breakfast, afternoon tea, or an iced glass served with lunch.

It is easy to understand why Jardin Bleu has become one of the house’s signature creations. Its flavour is immediately approachable, yet its balance of sweetness, tartness, tea, and flowers gives it enough character to remain memorable long after the cup is empty.

Storage Instructions

Keep each tea bag sealed inside its individual envelope until ready to brew. Store the box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, humidity, and strongly scented foods or spices. Handle the sachets only with clean, dry hands.