It can be overwhelming when you step into a tea shop and notice the many classifications of
tea. Who knew there are so many? But once you learn some of the primary tea terms, you’ll be able to decipher what
each classification means.
In the world of premium or designer teas, understanding Flush is an excellent place to begin. In
the most basic sense, a tea flush refers to the tea-growing season.
First Flush is defined as the very first picking of a tea plant’s harvest season. The new leaves
plucked during First Flush are the youngest and most tender part of the tea plant and are said to yield the purest
and freshest cup of tea. Each additional Flush produces a different flavor and aroma as the growing season for that
tea plant progress ses.
In the first flush of Darjeeling
tea, the color of the tea is light with clear and bright liquor. The leaves have a floral scent, with a
lively character. This early spring selection consisting of the most tender leaves, has a gentle aroma, very light
color, and mild astringency. These early leaves are usually more delicate and tender and therefore more fresh and
astringent in flavor.
But why is the First flush teas
are expensive? Generally speaking, First flush teas are produced in less quantity, and hence the demand outstrips
the supply. When you buy a First Flush tea, you’re purchasing some of the freshest and most exquisite tea available.
No matter which Flushes a Darjeeling tea comes from, each batch of a fresh leaf will be different from one garden,
one season to the next. So no batch of Darjeeling will ever be the same. First Flush teas are premium teas that are
typically more expensive and prized than other teas on the market, so you’re usually investing in that tea. It is so
unique and exclusive that tea connoisseurs consider the first harvest from this region to be the “Champagne” of
teas.
Choices of Darjeeling First Flush Tea:
Spring Magnificence Darjeeling Black Tea First Flush 2025
Spring Splash Darjeeling Black Tea First Flush 2025
Spring Moonshine Darjeeling Black Tea First Flush 2025
To brew that perfect cup, using about ½ teaspoon of loose leaf tea per one cup of water is
a safe bet. But here are a few general tips to keep in mind. They should be brewed in slightly cooler
temperatures for less time to avoid a tea that is too astringent and bitter. We suggest brewing our Golden Tips
First Flush with water that’s just off the boil for 3 to 4 minutes. In the case of half tsp, it must be
definitely brewed for a full 5 minutes. The longer your tea steeps, the more quickly it will release any
bitterness and astringency. So it’s essential not to over steep a First Flush tea that already has an astringent
quality. Taste your tea after the recommended steeping time and then decide if you’d like it to steep a little
longer. Most First Flush teas are not strong enough to consume with milk and sugar, for the best flavor, try
having your First Flush without any additives. That way, you can enjoy the subtle and most amazing floral aroma
and flavor of the freshest Spring Darjeeling, unparalleled and not found in any tea worldwide.
First Flush teas are usually only lightly oxidized so that their fresh flavor can shine
through. Therefore, consuming your First Flush sooner rather than later is a good idea. Darjeeling first flush
teas is recommended to be stored in a cool, dark place and the airtight container away from light, moisture,
and pantry items like coffee and spices that can leach flavour into the tea leaves. This way you will relish your
prized first flush teas over the year and longer.
