Darjeeling First Flush

Darjeeling First Flush is a whole-leaf Darjeeling tea from Swachh Tea, picked in spring, around March and April. Light and bright, floral and fresh, with a lively finish. Brew it at 85 to 90°C for 3 minutes, without milk. A 100g pack makes about 50 cups, at about ₹11 a cup.

Light and bright, floral and fresh, with a lively finish, in a bright pale gold cup. Body: light. Strength: gentle. Aroma: highly fragrant. Best for: Mornings, and anyone who loves a light, fragrant cup.

Use 2g of leaf, about a heaped teaspoon, for a 150 to 200ml cup. Heat the water to 85 to 90°C. No thermometer? Boil the water, then let it stand for about a minute. Steep for 3 minutes, covered, then strain. Slightly cooler water than other Darjeeling keeps the spring fragrance bright. Let boiled water stand for about a minute first.

It is best without milk, so the aroma comes through. A thin slice of lemon or a little honey goes well with it if you like.

Yes. The same leaf gives a lighter second cup. Steep it a minute longer the second time.

About 50 cups, at 2g of leaf a cup, so the tea in each cup costs about ₹11.

Yes. All true tea, whether white, green or black, contains caffeine. How much depends on how much leaf you use and how long you steep it.

First flush is picked in spring, around March and April, and brews pale gold, light and floral. Second flush is picked in early summer, around May and June, and brews amber, with more body and the ripe, fruity notes Darjeeling is known for. If you are new to Darjeeling, start with the second flush.

Keep it in an airtight container away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells such as spices, because leaf tea soaks up aromas easily. It is at its brightest in the first few months after opening.

Yes. Cash on delivery is available across India for a small fee, shown at checkout, and we confirm every cash on delivery order with you by phone or WhatsApp before it ships. Orders are dispatched from Siliguri within 24 hours and usually arrive in 3 to 7 days. Shipping is free on every order.

Swachh Tea, the consumer brand of Palak Tea Co., a tea sourcing and grading business in Siliguri, West Bengal, where Darjeeling's hills meet the Dooars. Every tea is tasted before it is packed, by people with 35+ years in India's tea trade.