What is the word “Flush” associated with Darjeeling tea?
In tea, the tender portion of the shoots constituting the terminal bud, the internodes and the two of three leaves instantaneously beneath it, together constitute the crop, the ‘Flush’. Flush further refers to four different and separate plucking seasons throughout the year. They are particularly known for their idiosyncratic and distinctive flavour. Late February-mid April constitutes the First Flush; May-June comprises the Second Flush; July-September makes the Monsoon Flush and October-November constitutes the Autumnal Flush. These are the conventional names given to the respective seasons and the tea procured from it.
