First flush black tea, also known as "spring tea" or "first picking tea," is a premium tea harvested from the first growth of new tea leaves in the spring. This type of tea is highly sought after by tea connoisseurs due to its unique flavor and aroma, as well as its limited availability.
First flush black tea is unique to Nepal and India due to the specific environmental conditions and tea-growing practices in these regions. The cool, high-altitude mountainous regions of Nepal and India provide the ideal growing conditions for tea bushes, which thrive in the well-draining soil and moderate temperatures. Although India has its own first flush teas including Darjeeling first flush and Assam first flush, Nepal’s first flush teas are quite unique and distinct because the tea plants in Nepal are much younger and the terrain is oftentime much rougher.
The harvesting of first flush black tea is a delicate process that requires careful timing and skilled labor. Tea bushes are typically pruned during the winter months to encourage new growth, and the first flush of new leaves is harvested in the spring. These tender, young leaves are plucked by hand or with small machines, and are typically harvested only once a year.
The flavor and aroma of first flush black tea is distinctly different from other types of tea, due to the young and tender nature of the leaves. First flush black tea has a lighter, more delicate flavor than other black teas, with subtle floral and vegetal notes. The aroma is often described as fresh and grassy, with a hint of sweetness.
Compared to white tea, which is made from the youngest and most delicate leaves of the tea plant, first flush black tea has a more robust flavor with a slight astringency and bitterness. White tea has a light, delicate flavor with subtle floral and fruity notes. In contrast, normal black tea is fully oxidized and has a bold, robust flavor with a malty, sometimes smoky character. First flush black tea falls somewhere in between, with a lighter, more delicate flavor than black tea, but with more complexity than white tea, thanks to its vegetal and floral notes. The flavor of first flush black tea tea is often described as refreshing and lively, with a subtle sweetness that balances the slight bitterness.
Limited Availability and High Demand
Due to the limited availability and high demand for first flush black tea, it is often more expensive than other types of tea. Many tea connoisseurs eagerly await the release of first flush black tea tea each year, and are willing to pay a premium price for the unique flavor and aroma.
To fully appreciate the delicate flavor and aroma of first flush black tea, it is important to brew it correctly. First flush black tea should be steeped in water that is heated to just below boiling, for no more than 2-3 minutes. Over-brewing or using water that is too hot can result in a bitter and unpleasant taste.
In conclusion, first flush black tea is a premium tea with a unique flavor and aroma, harvested from the first growth of new tea leaves in the spring. It is highly sought after by tea connoisseurs due to its limited availability and distinctive qualities, making it a must-try for tea lovers everywhere.
Have you tried first flush black tea yet? We have first flush black tea black tea from our home farm in Phidim, Nepal available for your pleasure here.