First Flush
Definition
The first harvest of the tea-growing season, typically in spring (March–April in most regions). First flush teas are prized for their delicate, bright, and nuanced flavors compared to later harvests.
Why it matters
First flush Darjeeling, for example, commands premium prices because the leaves have been dormant through winter, concentrating amino acids and aromatic compounds. These teas are lighter, more floral, and often more complex than second flush or autumn teas from the same garden.