A guide to Flush of Teas
Often one struggles to understand the season of tea and ends up with a set of misconception carried from one person to an other. Here is clarifying that!
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A guide to Flush of Teas
Not all of us tea lovers are well equipped with know how of terminologies used in tea. For us tea as a brew does all the magic. Wouldn't it help you a teeny bit more to know your cup before you order it. Several times we struggle with the season, variety, speciality of different teas that make them stand out. We often leave it to the seller to give us the best and trust that they are able to find you the one that suits you well. While, there are many determinants to selecting the right cup for you. This post will guide you with the best season’s of tea - flush as it known popularly, especially when you are looking out for premium quality single estate authentic tea.
Tea flush is the perfect time to pick the tea leaves. The flush determines the quality of the tea leaves. Many factors influence the tea taste, such as weather, sun, rain, soil (terroir). The tea flush is the period of picking tea leaves that differentiates one from another.
First Flush or Spring Flush
First flush arrives in early to late spring, in the months of February and March. This is when the tea plants have rested during the period of winter and days start to become longer and warmer. Tea is best when they experience sunlight and warmth. Much like its growth, first flush tea tastes like warm sunlight- bright, light and fresh. Tea connoisseurs greatly value first flush and are willing to pay premium prices for first flush.
In-between flush
This flush is between the first flush (post March) and before the second flush (before June).
Second Flush or Summer Flush
This flush occurs in the peak of the summer heat in India- June. It is marked by vigorous growth in the tea plant. The spurts of rains experienced at this time bring the much needed nourishment to the tea plant. The tea is darker than the first flush and the tea is not robust owing to excessive water absorption.
Third flush or Monsoon flush
This flush period post the Indian monsoons. The tea leaves are mature which gives the tea is strong body. The growth of the tea stops as the rains stop and the terrior is the strongest during this stage. The tea when brewed, is amber in colour.
Autumn Flush
This flush is the last season of picking tea in the year, and takes place in the late October- early November time. The teas from this flush are intensely aromatic, rich bodied and a mouthful with floral notes.
Winter Flush
This flush is exclusively in the Nilgiri region owing to its climatic conditions. They are picked from December to January. The plant doesn’t receive much sunlight or water. The teas from this season are light-bodied, highly aromatic with fruity notes.
FAQ's:
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Which flush tea is best?
Unlike with teas from other countries, there is a strong debate about which flush is the best. Darjeeling teas are less oxidized than other black teas, so freshness is important.
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What is second flush Darjeeling tea?
The Darjeeling Second Flush Tea is meant for those who appreciate the innate, fine strength of Darjeeling black tea, along with a sweet touch of muscatel; truly a connoisseur's delight.