Darjeeling
First Flush (Spring Harvest)
This is what is commonly referred to as new tea. It features a refreshing aroma reminiscent of young grass, and many have a light level of oxidation. You can enjoy the characteristic floral notes of Darjeeling along with a light astringency.
In Between (Intermediate Harvest)
This is not commonly available.
Second Flush (Summer Harvest / Second Picking)
This is sometimes considered the highest quality in the Darjeeling region. It is a very high-quality black tea with a well-balanced flavor and aroma, and it is during this time that the sweet and rich aroma known as muscatel is most pronounced.
Autumnal (Autumn Harvest)
Its quality is inferior to that of the second flush, and the tea leaves have less luster, but it is a robust and flavorful black tea.
Ceylon
In Ceylon, which is harvested year-round, the tea leaves picked during the best quality period are referred to as Quality Season.
| Variety | Quality Season |
|---|---|
| Uva | Around June to August |
| Nuwara Eliya | Around January to February |
| Dimbula | Around January to February |
“Best Season” does not mean the highest quality, but rather refers to the time when the most is produced.