The leaves are reappearing on the trees, the days finally feel a little longer and flowers are beginning to sprout. With Spring almost upon us, tea harvesting will soon be underway in many of the world's finest tea growing regions - the first being the much celebrated Indian first flush Darjeeling. Harvests begin there and slowly spread East through the Spring and early Summer. 

Here at Waterloo Tea, we have rounded up some of our top picks for Spring loose leaf teas along with brewing tips. Whether you're drawn to teas that evoke the spirit of the season or those freshly plucked during these months, there's something in our collection for everyone.

1. Darjeeling First Flush - Glenburn Estate

Can you get a more iconic spring tea than Darjeeling? While you might find Darjeeling in many tea shops around the world, not all are created equal.

Our Darjeeling First Flush hails from the renowned Glenburn Estate, where the tea is nurtured through the winter period to allow for the development of complex, layered flavours.

This first harvest treats the nuances and slow growth with respect during the processing stage, and doesn't promote full oxidisation. Later harvests during the year are oxidised more (for example the 2nd flush), and the monsoon harvests are fully oxidised, as due to the fast growth (hot and wet conditions) there are less desired nuances to retain. Sometimes oxidisation of tea can be viewed in a similar way to steaks - and how much or little you would cook different quality meats.

Expect floral and brisk notes. Astringency is sometimes present also, which is a sensation on the sides of the tongue that is prized. (This is different from bitterness which is felt through the middle of the tongue and often a result of over brewing due to one of the dose/temperature/time variables).

Brewing Tip: 

Steep in water around 90ºC for 3-4 minutes. We would recommend enjoying this black tea without milk.

2. Jasmine Green

A quintessential spring tea, Jasmine Green is a refreshing and aromatic brew that works whether its a warm or cool day. This Chinese jasmine tea is a timeless classic and a must-have on every tea shelf. It works as a mid-morning brew or even shines as a cold brew on a sunny afternoon. 

Our Jasmine Green tea is crafted by blending high-quality Chinese green tea from Fujian province with fresh jasmine blossoms from Guangxi. The traditional scenting process infuses the tea leaves with a sweet, soothing fragrance, resulting in a delicate cup that perfectly captures the season's essence. 

The best jasmine tea is always one that balances the floral notes of the jasmine blossoms with a quality green tea that enhances the overall brew. This loose leaf tea is a great example of how we approach all of our blends - with the quality in the cup being directly linked to the quality of the ingredients used. 

Brewing Tip: 

To unlock its best flavour, brew this tea at a temperature between 80ºC and 85ºC. If you don't have a temperature controlled kettle, try mixing 80% boiling with 20% cooler/tap water.

3. High Grade Peony - Bai Mu Dan 

Often tea drinkers looking for a white tea might gravitate toward Silver Needle, but in the East, Bai Mu Dan (White Peony) is revered for its distinctive character. Our high-grade white peony tea is made from carefully selected young buds and leaves, offering a subtle yet complex flavour profile that's perfect for spring. 

The delicate floral notes, natural sweetness, and a hint of fruitiness make this white tea refreshingly elegant. 

We're proud to offer a white peony tea of this rare quality for our drinkers in the UK. 

Brewing Tip: 

White peony tea is best brewed around 80ºC for 3 minutes to fully appreciate its nuanced flavours without overwhelming its delicate profile. 

4. Lavender Fields

Taking a slight detour from traditional teas, our newest herbal blend - Lavender Fields - will bring a moment of calm to your day. Developed right here in the UK with Spring in mind, this caffeine-free tea combines the soothing qualities of lavender with a bright hint of citrus from bergamot. 

Lavender and bergamot are a match made in herbal heaven, creating a brew that is both refreshing and relaxing - perfect for winding down after a busy day or savouring a quiet moment in the garden. 

Brewing Tip: 

For the best experience, use around 0.5 grams per 100ml of water and steep for 3-4 minutes in boiling water. 

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Whether you're a seasoned tea enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of loose leaf teas, these Spring selections capture the very essence of the season in every cup.

Enjoy the art of brewing and feel free to share your experiences with us at Waterloo Tea. 

Happy sipping.