First flush Darjeeling refers to the initial spring harvest of tea from the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India — typically occurring from late February to mid-April after the winter dormancy. These early-season teas are among the most prized in India: delicate, light, muscatel, with a green freshness and complex floral-astringency that separates them sharply from the heavier summer and autumn harvests.
For a comprehensive entry on this topic, see First Flush.
Overview
Origin: Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India; elevation 600–2,000m
Harvest: Late February to mid-April
Processing: Light withering; minimal to partial oxidation (first flushes can be 10–40% oxidized, more oolong-like than black)
Character: Light, fresh, floral; muscatel; lightly astringent; surprisingly delicate for “black” tea; sometimes greenish liquor
Why first flush is distinctive:
After winter dormancy, the first new growth (typically the bud plus two leaves — SFTGFOP grades) is chemical-rich and aromatic from the slow buildup of nutrients. The characteristic muscatel note — a distinctive musky-floral grape quality that defines Darjeeling — is present but freshly expressed in first flush. Second flush versions are fuller and heavier with a riper muscatel; first flush is the fresh, delicate expression.
Not a typical black tea: First flush Darjeeling is often only partially oxidized (sometimes called “in-betweener” or semi-oxidized) — its light color and delicate structure make it closer to oolong in character than to the robust Assam-style black tea most associated with India. It’s frequently brewed without milk.
Brewing Guide
First flush Darjeeling is delicate — use cooler water than for standard black tea to protect its fresh floral character and avoid excess astringency.
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | 85–90°C (185–194°F) |
| Leaf amount | 3–4g per 200ml |
| Steep time | 2–3 minutes |
| Milk | Generally not used — the delicate character is overwhelmed |
| Re-steeps | 1–2 |
See First Flush for detailed seasonal comparison and estate information.
Related Terms
See Also
Research
- Tea Board of India. Darjeeling Tea Geographical Indication. https://www.teaboard.gov.in/
Summary: Official documentation on Darjeeling’s GI-protected status and the flush-based seasonal quality system; primary regulatory reference for first flush production standards and geographical zone. - Heiss, M.L. & Heiss, R.J. (2007). The Story of Tea. Ten Speed Press.
Summary: Covers the Darjeeling flush system in detail, including the chemical and processing distinctions between first and second flush teas; contextualizes first flush’s light, green-floral character relative to the fuller summer harvest.