Darjeeling is located in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range. Its teas are often nuanced and are generally considered to be "self-drinkers" (teas that are best without milk or sugar). Its tea production is divided into three main growing seasons, or "flushes."
Darjeeling First Flush Tea (a.k.a. Darjeeling Spring Plucked Tea or Darjeeling Spring Flush Tea) is plucked in the first growing season of each year in India's Darjeeling region. It is noted for its floral, green, earthy flavor. It may have a more greenish color than Darjeeling Second Flush Tea. Although Darjeelings are traditionally black teas, some producers are now making other types, such as oolong and white tea, during the spring flush.
Tea plucked in the Darjeeling region of India during the second growing season is known as Second Flush Darjeeling, Darjeeling 2nd Flush, Summer Plucked Darjeeling or Darjeeling Second Flush. It is noted for its unique muscat grape flavor, which some say is derived from the plant's reaction to a small insect that sucks fluids from the stems of the tea plant. So-called "muscatel Darjeelings" (Darjeeling second flush teas with a pronounced muscat grape flavor) are highly prized. Other prominent flavors in many Darjeeling second flush black teas are stonefruit and earth. Although black tea is prevalent, some Darjeeling estates are also producing green, oolong and other types of tea during this growing season.
After Second Flush plucking ends, there is a period of time during which tea plants grow very rapidly, but produce poorer-quality tea. This is commonly known as Autumnal Tea, Autumnal Flush or Autumn Flush. It tends to have a flatter, less nuanced, harsher flavor than other flushes.
Darjeeling First Flush Tea (a.k.a. Darjeeling Spring Plucked Tea or Darjeeling Spring Flush Tea) is plucked in the first growing season of each year in India's Darjeeling region. It is noted for its floral, green, earthy flavor. It may have a more greenish color than Darjeeling Second Flush Tea. Although Darjeelings are traditionally black teas, some producers are now making other types, such as oolong and white tea, during the spring flush.
Tea plucked in the Darjeeling region of India during the second growing season is known as Second Flush Darjeeling, Darjeeling 2nd Flush, Summer Plucked Darjeeling or Darjeeling Second Flush. It is noted for its unique muscat grape flavor, which some say is derived from the plant's reaction to a small insect that sucks fluids from the stems of the tea plant. So-called "muscatel Darjeelings" (Darjeeling second flush teas with a pronounced muscat grape flavor) are highly prized. Other prominent flavors in many Darjeeling second flush black teas are stonefruit and earth. Although black tea is prevalent, some Darjeeling estates are also producing green, oolong and other types of tea during this growing season.
After Second Flush plucking ends, there is a period of time during which tea plants grow very rapidly, but produce poorer-quality tea. This is commonly known as Autumnal Tea, Autumnal Flush or Autumn Flush. It tends to have a flatter, less nuanced, harsher flavor than other flushes.
