One of the most rewarding aspects of sourcing specialty tea is following the rhythm of each harvest throughout the year. Every season brings something different, shaped by weather, growing conditions and the careful work of tea makers across Asia.
This latest update brings together two exciting arrivals. The new season’s Chinese jasmine teas and the first selection of Darjeeling and Assam second flush teas from India are now available.
Chinese Jasmine Tea Season
Jasmine tea production only begins once the jasmine flowers themselves are at their peak.
While the green tea used as the base is harvested during spring, it is carefully stored until the summer jasmine blossoms are ready. At this point, the tea is scented using freshly picked jasmine flowers at the height of their fragrance.
The process is remarkably traditional. Fresh jasmine flowers are layered together with the tea and left overnight, allowing the leaves to naturally absorb the delicate floral aroma. The flowers are then removed the following morning before the process is repeated.
Higher quality jasmine teas may be scented four to six times, while more everyday grades are typically scented only once or twice. The tea maker must also carefully control moisture levels throughout the process to preserve the freshness, balance and natural character of the tea.
New Season Jasmine Teas From China Now Available
- Jasmine Tips
- Jasmine Green Tea (Chun Hao)
- Jasmine Pearl (Buddha’s Tears)
- Premium Jasmine Pearl (Buddha’s Tears)
- Snow Drop Jasmine (Bi Tan Piao Xue)
Darjeeling & Assam Second Flush Arrivals
We also have an excellent selection of second flush Darjeeling and Assam teas from India now available.
This season has presented some challenges, with heavy rainfall from late May continuing through much of June. According to our sourcing partner in India, these conditions delayed the arrival of the highest quality second flush Darjeeling teas.
Fortunately, the best teas have now begun arriving, bringing the rich muscatel character and depth of flavour that make second flush Darjeelings so highly regarded.
Alongside Darjeeling, our latest Assam arrivals continue to showcase the full-bodied, malty character for which the region is famous.
Current Second Flush Selection
Darjeeling
- Giddapahar AV 2 Clonal Wonder
- Giddapahar SFTGFOP 1 Muscatel
- Ringtong Muscatel Delight
- Margaret’s Hope FTGFOP 1 HS
- Okayti FTGFOP 1 SPL
- Jungpana FTGFOP 1 CL
- Avongrove SFTGFOP 1 SPL
- Poobong Summer Delight
- Upper Fagu Wonder
- Sourenee FTGFOP 1 CL
Assam
Why Seasonal Harvests Matter
Unlike many agricultural products, tea changes subtly from season to season. Weather, rainfall, temperature and harvest timing all influence the character of the finished tea.
By working closely with our tea-growing partners throughout the year, we’re able to source fresh seasonal teas as they become available and share those harvests with our wholesale customers.
This Season at a Glance
The arrival of this year’s Chinese jasmine teas, together with the latest Darjeeling and Assam second flush harvests, marks another exciting point in the annual tea calendar.
Each harvest reflects the unique growing conditions, craftsmanship and traditions of its region. From the delicate fragrance of freshly scented jasmine teas to the rich muscatel character of Darjeeling and the bold, malty depth of Assam, every tea offers something distinctive.
As new harvests continue to arrive throughout the year, we’ll keep sharing seasonal updates from our tea-growing partners across Asia, giving our customers access to fresh, carefully selected teas sourced directly from origin.
