Nepal's unique geography and climate create ideal conditions for tea cultivation, resulting in distinct harvesting seasons known as "flushes." Each flush produces tea with its own charecteristic flavor profile and quality. Let's explore the tea harvesting seasons in Nepal and their significance.
1.Spring Flush (Pahilo Chiyapaat)
Nepali Name: Pahilo Chiyapaat (First Tea Leaf)
Timing: Mid-March to May
Weather Conditions:
- Temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C
- Occasional spring showers
- Increasing daylight hours
Tea Characteristics:
- Delicate, floral flavors
- Light, bright liquor
- Highly prized for its subtle aroma
Picking Aspects:
- Only the youngest buds and leaves are harvested
- Requires skilled pickers for selective plucking
- Lower yield but highest quality
Dandu Prasad, a tea farmer from Ilam, notes: "Pahilo Chiyapaat is our most precious harvest. The tea is so delicate, we must pick with great care."
2. Summer Flush (Doshro Chiyapaat)
Nepali Name: Doshro Chiyapaat (Second Tea Leaf)
Timing: June to mid-July
Weather Conditions:
- Warmer temperatures, often 20°C to 30°C
- Pre-monsoon humidity
- Longer days with intense sunlight
Tea Characteristics:
- Stronger, full-bodied flavor
- Darker liquor
- More robust than the spring flush
Picking Aspects:
- Faster leaf growth requires more frequent plucking
- Larger leaves are included in the harvest
- Higher yield than spring flush
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A High End Tea - Buy Here3. Monsoon Flush (Barkha ko Chiya)
Nepali Name: Barkha ko Chiya (Monsoon Tea)
Timing: Mid-July to September
Weather Conditions:
- Heavy rainfall
- High humidity
- Fluctuating temperatures
Tea Characteristics:
- Bold, malty flavors
- Dark liquor
- Often used for CTC (Cut, Tear, Curl) production
Picking Aspects:
- Rapid leaf growth requires daily plucking
- Challenging working conditions due to rain
- Highest yield but generally lower quality
Mukta Devi, a tea picker, shares: "Barkha ko Chiya is hard work. We pick in the rain, but the plants grow so fast!"
4. Autumn Flush (Teshro Chiyapaat)
Nepali Name: Teshro Chiyapaat (Third Tea Leaf)
Timing: October to November
Weather Conditions:
- Cooling temperatures
- Decreasing rainfall
- Shorter days
Tea Characteristics:
- Complex, mellow flavors
- Copper-colored liquor
- Prized for its unique autumnal notes
Picking Aspects:
- Slower growth allows for more selective picking
- Cooler working conditions for pickers
- Moderate yield with high quality
Winter Dormancy (Hiundo ko Sutaaai)
Nepali Name: Hiundo ko Sutaaai (Winter Sleep)
Timing: December to February
Weather Conditions:
- Cold temperatures, sometimes near freezing
- Dry weather
- Short days
During this period, tea plants enter dormancy. While no tea is harvested, this rest period is crucial for plant health and the quality of the following year's harvest.
Factors Affecting Tea Quality Across Seasons
- Elevation: Higher elevation tea gardens often produce better quality tea due to slower growth.
- Rainfall: Adequate rainfall enhances flavor, but excessive rain can dilute taste.
- Sunlight: The balance of sunlight and shade impacts the tea's chemical composition.
- Plucking Standard: The ratio of buds to leaves affects the tea's final quality.
- Processing Time: Quick processing after plucking preserves tea quality, especially critical during warmer flushes.
Conclusion
The tea harvesting seasons in Nepal, each with its distinct Nepali name, produce a wide range of tea qualities and flavors. From the prized Pahilo Chiyapaat to the robust Barkha ko Chiya, each flush offers a unique experiance of Nepal's tea-growing expertise. Understanding these seasons helps appreciate the complexity and artistry involved in Nepalese tea production.
