The First Flush Plucking Event at Okayti Tea Estate marks the beginning of a new harvest season, a time of renewal and celebration in the world of Darjeeling tea. This highly anticipated event honors the first tender leaves of spring, renowned for their delicate flavor, floral aroma, and unparalleled freshness. As the mist lifts and the golden rays of the morning sun bathe the rolling tea gardens, skilled pluckers gather to handpick the season’s first leaves—two leaves and a bud—ensuring the finest quality that defines the legendary First Flush Darjeeling Tea.
For generations, the First Flush Plucking Event has been an integral part of Okayti’s heritage, a tradition that connects the estate’s tea artisans, pluckers, and tea lovers from across the world. The event is more than just a harvest; it is a celebration of craftsmanship, sustainability, and the legacy of one of the most exquisite teas ever produced. Tea artisans, estate workers, and visitors unite to witness the magic of the first pluck, an experience that embodies the soul of Okayti’s tea-making tradition.
The journey of First Flush Tea begins with the changing seasons. As winter recedes and the first signs of spring appear, the tea bushes awaken from dormancy, drawing rich nutrients from the soil. These early buds, nurtured by the crisp mountain air and pure Himalayan rains, yield a tea that is light, aromatic, and incredibly refreshing. The first leaves of the season are prized for their high antioxidant content, offering a sublime taste and remarkable health benefits.
At Okayti Tea Estate, the First Flush Plucking Event is an immersive experience that allows visitors to step into the shoes of a tea plucker. Guests can join the estate’s skilled pluckers, learning the delicate art of handpicking the perfect leaves. This hands-on experience provides a newfound appreciation for the skill, patience, and precision required to produce high-quality Darjeeling tea.
Beyond the tea gardens, the event extends into the estate’s tea factory, where visitors witness the meticulous processing of First Flush Tea. The freshly plucked leaves undergo a delicate transformation, moving through stages of withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying—all carefully monitored to preserve the tea’s signature floral and fruity notes. Tea masters guide guests through interactive tea-tasting sessions, where they can savor the nuanced flavors of the season’s first batch, experiencing firsthand why First Flush Darjeeling Tea is celebrated worldwide.
The First Flush Plucking Event is more than just a tea harvest; it is an opportunity to connect with the history, culture, and people of Okayti. This event offers a rare chance to witness the advent of tea season in one of the finest tea estates in Darjeeling.
