How many cups does 50 grams make?

Approximately twenty-five cups if you use two grams per serving, though you can adjust the amount to taste and re-steep the leaves for lighter subsequent infusions.

What temperature and steep time work best for first flush Darjeeling?

Start with water around 185–195°F and steep for two to three minutes. Lower temperatures preserve the floral notes; hotter water brings out more astringency and body. Taste as you go and adjust for your preference.

How does first flush differ from second flush Darjeeling?

First flush is harvested in early spring before the monsoon and tends to be lighter, brighter, and more floral. Second flush, picked after the rains, is fuller-bodied with more malty, muscatel character.

Do I need a special teapot or infuser?

Any teapot, infuser basket, or reusable tea bag that gives the leaves room to expand will work. Avoid tiny ball infusers, which cramp the long leaves.

2026 Arya Diamond Darjeeling First Flush Black Tea DJ FF BT/ 50g

The 3-second version

First flush harvest captures the brightest, most floral character of the season
Silvery tips and elongated buds from a single high-elevation Darjeeling estate
Small-batch production during the narrow window before monsoon rains
Delicate flavor best suited to plain, unsweetened preparation
Requires a teapot or infuser for loose leaves

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Limited-Production First Flush Darjeeling from a Single Himalayan Estate

Most grocery-store Darjeeling is a blend of estates and harvests, smoothing out the seasonal peaks in favor of consistency. First flush—the early spring pluck—is the opposite: a snapshot of a specific place at a specific moment, with all the fragility that entails. The silvery buds and narrow harvest window mean limited production and a cup that tastes nothing like the malty, heavy black tea most people expect.

This matters if you drink tea plain and want to notice the difference between seasons and estates. If you add milk or sugar, or if you prefer a forgiving tea that tastes the same every time, a year-round blend will serve you better. But if you steep carefully and pay attention, this shows you what elevation and timing do to flavor.

Good gift when

Tea drinkers who prefer delicate, floral teas over bold or malty ones
People curious about single-estate teas and seasonal differences
Anyone who enjoys controlling steep time and temperature with loose leaves

Skip it if You want a robust, malty tea that stands up to milk and sugar—this is lighter and more subtle than second-flush or Assam.

Specs

Tea Type: Black tea, first flush Darjeeling
Estate: Arya
Harvest: 2026 first flush
Leaf Style: Loose-leaf with elongated silvery buds
Net Weight: 50 grams
Caffeine Level: Medium

What's included

50 grams of loose-leaf first flush Darjeeling black tea

If you're giving it

No sizing to guess

Arrives in a tea package; consider a separate tin or presentation box if gifting.

The details

This Darjeeling comes from the first pluck of the year, gathered in the narrow window between late winter and the monsoon rains. First flush teas capture the dormant season's stored energy in delicate leaf and elongated silver tips, resulting in a lighter, more floral cup than the bolder second-flush harvest that follows.

The Arya estate sits at elevation in the Darjeeling hills, where cool nights and bright mornings slow growth and concentrate flavor. Only a small quantity is made each season, a reflection of the short harvest window and the careful selection required to pick only the youngest leaves and buds.

Expect a cup that leans bright and vegetal rather than malty or heavy. The silvery tips contribute a subtle sweetness, while the long, slender leaves deliver the floral character Darjeeling first flush is known for. Steep at lower temperatures to preserve the delicate notes, or use hotter water if you prefer more body and astringency.

This is loose-leaf tea, meaning you control the strength and can re-steep the leaves if you like. The 50-gram package yields roughly twenty-five cups, depending on how generously you measure. Store it in a cool, dark place to keep the volatile oils intact.

Vahdam Teas

2026 Arya Diamond Darjeeling First Flush Black Tea DJ FF BT/ 50g

Silvery-budded early spring tea harvested in small batches before the monsoon

$39.99at vahdam.com

Quantity

Buy from Vahdam Teas

Ships and sold by Vahdam Teas. About this merchant

The 3-second version

First flush harvest captures the brightest, most floral character of the season
Silvery tips and elongated buds from a single high-elevation Darjeeling estate
Small-batch production during the narrow window before monsoon rains
Delicate flavor best suited to plain, unsweetened preparation
Requires a teapot or infuser for loose leaves

Cheaper alternatives

Questions

How many cups does 50 grams make?: Approximately twenty-five cups if you use two grams per serving, though you can adjust the amount to taste and re-steep the leaves for lighter subsequent infusions.
What temperature and steep time work best for first flush Darjeeling?: Start with water around 185–195°F and steep for two to three minutes. Lower temperatures preserve the floral notes; hotter water brings out more astringency and body. Taste as you go and adjust for your preference.
How does first flush differ from second flush Darjeeling?: First flush is harvested in early spring before the monsoon and tends to be lighter, brighter, and more floral. Second flush, picked after the rains, is fuller-bodied with more malty, muscatel character.
Do I need a special teapot or infuser?: Any teapot, infuser basket, or reusable tea bag that gives the leaves room to expand will work. Avoid tiny ball infusers, which cramp the long leaves.