First flush
German: First Flush Also known as: Erste Pflückung
The first harvest of the tea season in spring, best known for Darjeeling.
First flush refers to the first plucking after the tea plant's winter dormancy in spring. The young shoots are considered particularly delicate, and the infusion is usually light, fresh and floral. The term is used mainly for Darjeeling but also for other growing areas.
Later pluckings, such as second flush in early summer, usually give fuller and stronger teas. The term describes the time of harvest, not quality alone.