Guess what? April has quite a few events well worth celebrating, some that many of you are probably not even aware of. Get your teacup ready because the cuppas will be a’clinking!
Keep reading on to find out about a VERY SPECIAL April celebration further down!
April's Full of Surprises
Those of us in the tea industry get excited when spring rolls in. The tea estates we source our teas from in India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, and Morocco are in the process of harvesting and processing the first flush. It’s the first flushes that tea connoisseurs covet and enjoy immensely.
Spring’s “First Flushes”
Tea leaves are handpicked in what’s known as “flushes.” The first flush occurs in spring. Once winter subsides, tea plants begin to sprout new leaves. These tender green leaves are picked by hand in spring at a very precise time. There are at least two flushes in a tea, but some have as many as four flushes.
For example, Assam tea undergoes the first flush around March/April. The second flush occurs around May/June, and the autumnal flush (third flush) occurs around September/October. Darjeeling tea, on the other, undergoes four flushes.
The Differences In Flushes
We have provided a glimpse into the importance of flushes in specific teas (Assam and Darjeeling.)
Assam Tea
First flush is considered as premium and is the most sought after.
Second flush is still tea-worthy.
Third flushes are typically used as a blend in cheaper teas.
First Flush (Spring)March/April The tea flavor is more pronounced because the leaves have been allowed to grow longer. Flavor, Color, Body ● Floral and delicate ● Light amber color ● Light body Nutrients and antioxidants are higher. Higher in caffeine |
Second Flush (Summer)May/June The tea flavor is more robust; however, the leaves have far less time to flourish. Flavor, Color, Body ● Malty and strong ● Amber color ● Full body Nutrients and antioxidants are high. High |
Third Flush (Autumnal)September/October The tea flavor is very diluted because the leaves have less time to flourish. Flavor, Color, Body ● Flavorless ● Dark Amber ● No body Nutrients and antioxidants are very low. Low |
Darjeeling Tea
First flush is considered ultra-premium!
Second flush is premium.
Third and fourth flushes are typically used as a blend in cheaper teas.
First Flush(Spring)March/April The tea flavor is more pronounced because the leaves have been allowed to grow longer. Flavor, Color, Body ● Floral and delicate ● Yellow
Nutrients and antioxidants are highest.
Higher in caffeine |
Second Flush(Summer)May/June The tea flavor is more robust; however, the leaves have far less time to flourish. Flavor, Color, Body ● Muscatel, floral ● Amber
Nutrients and antioxidants are high.
High |
Third Flush(Monsoon) July/September The tea flavor is very diluted because the leaves have less time to flourish. Flavor, Color, Body ● Diluted ● Dark Amber
Nutrients and antioxidants are lower.
Lower |
Fourth Flush(Autumnal)October The tea flavor is very diluted because the leaves have less time to flourish. Flavor, Color, Body ● Fruity ● Dark Amber
Nutrients and antioxidants are very low.
Low |
“Other” April Celebrations
Aside from all the “flushing” and blushing of excitement, we also don’t want to forget a few other noteworthy dates in April.
Easter
Easter is coming up on April 4th. If you are looking for a little something special to put in a loved ones Easter basket or as a special gift to celebrate the day, a tea basket with all of the tastes of the season is perfect.
Administrative Professionals Day
Do you have a personal assistant, secretary, or receptionist that you’d like to recognize during Administrative Professionals Day? April 21st is a day set aside to say “thank you” to those we rely on to keep us on task and businesses afloat. Why not surprise someone with a gift card to Hummingbird Tea Room & Bakery? They can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or tea time in a warm and welcoming environment. Better yet, why not treat them and yourself to lunch or tea?
“THE” Very Special April Celebration
We now come to something we are just bursting at the seams to tell you about and to welcome with celebration here in Hummingbird Tea Room & Bakery.
April 21st just happens to ALSO be a day of great importance in the tea world and to the U.K.
This day is National Tea Day in the U.K. AND Queen Elizabeth’s birthday. What better reason to host a tea party to wish her a very Happy Birthday.
We raise our teacups to the tea makers around the world, fellow tea room entrepreneurs, tea connoisseurs, and to Queen Elizabeth. Well done! (clink)
Oh, and by the way, the Queen’s favorite tea is Earl Grey!