The 'first flush' tea of the spring in Darjeeling is famous for its lively bite and abundance of fresh flavor. These rare teas look almost like green teas, but they are actually black tea. This year’s Darjeeling First Flush comes to us from the misty slopes of the Rohini Tea Garden in Darjeeling, India. This very early first bud plucking is called jethri kupi which translates from Nepali to the honorable designation “Eldest Daughter” denoting the very first growth of the spring season. Interestingly, jethrikupi also a word from the Manipuri dialect that means “jasmine flower” – perhaps a nod to the floral notes in this early plucking. The leaves offer a nice quantity of fuzzy leaf buds that soften the cup but increase the complexity. A little smoother, more silker on the palate than the typical Darjeeling First Flush, the spring blossom notes here really caught our attention. Traditionally steeped as a black tea with boiling water, some may prefer a green tea treatment with brisking steaming water for multiple infusions and a more delicate finish. Green oolong tea drinker should also try this one. Grown at roughly 1000-1500 ft, the spring weather was favorable for a third week of February plucking.
This tea contains a high level of caffeine | Steep at 212° for 2-3 minutes.
If you're a fan of First Flush Darjeeling and haven't tried our Masters teas yet, we have a special offer for you. Please email masters@adagio.com a receipt showing the purchase of a 2021 Spring Darjeeling and we'll gladly provide you with a free sample of this tea.
Jhapan Thapa
How long have you been growing tea and what got your started?
I have been working in Tea since 17 years. I have worked in Tea since the age of 25. I have two children and both are studying in the local school in the garden. I work mostly as plucker in the garden though I am also involved in the field work.
What is your favorite part of growing tea?
I love the plucking and working in the Estate. I get to live in the garden. We grow our own food. We get 12 months of work so we don't have to look for work outside the garden. We work in groups so it in enjoyable in a way, chatting with my friends and relatives.
Conversely, what is the hardest part of your job?
I don't like working during the day and during Winters. During rainy days it gets difficult and it rains a lot. During winters it is very cold in Darjeeling and we also have to complete our Winter work. One good thing is pruning is now becoming mechanized so it is less stressful. We are now more involved in replanting and development work in the garden which is much easier to do. I am getting old also.
Are there any tips you can give on how to best brew your tea? Any advice?
To be honest we don't get to drink the Darjeeling teas. We prefer milk teas as it goes with our food. We get CTC Black tea instead of Darjeeling Teas in exchange from the company.
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