Okayti Tea Estate, Mirik, Darjeeling celebrated the plucking of its first flush leaves like never before.
Darjeeling First Flush is a much-awaited tea for every tea connoisseur and it is made with the leaves that the tea plant shoots after 3-4 months of hibernation. The tea is generally lighter than the other flushes and has a typical characteristic true only to the first flush teas.
Usually, the first flush leaves are withered longer and less oxidized than other flushes and are packed with polyphenols and catechins that not only flavor the tea with nuanced floral notes but also energize the body in a way no other beverage can. It is perhaps the most sought after tea in the world.
To commemorate the significant event of plucking the first flush leaves, Okayti organised a vivid one-day event where every aspect of the first flush Darjeeling tea was celebrated.
For the first time in the history of Darjeeling, such an event was organised where tea sommeliers and important people of the Darjeeling tea industry were invited to witness as closely as possible the process of making ‘the champagne of teas’.
“Okayti has always celebrated its people without which no tea is possible. This event is not only to celebrate the flush teas but it is also to celebrate the people who make it happen and who provide the world with the finest tea, ” said Rajeev Baid, CEO & MD, Okayti Tea Company.
The guests were allowed to take in the marvelous view of mountains in different shades of green and blue as far as the eyes could see. Rajeev also took a moment to ceremoniously thank the tea plants which have been supporting thousands of people for more than a hundred years.
“Over the years, the tea plant has proved to be something so very closely associated with the people of Darjeeling. It is a source of their identity and motivation. We should always be thankful for that,” he added.
A section of the estate with the finest Darjeeling tea cultivars was selected beforehand and as the event unfolded the best and experienced pluckers all adored in the traditional attire appeared with the quintessential bamboo baskets on their backs.
First Flush leaves and buds are very small compared to other flushes making it harder for the pluckers. The pluckers hovered from one bush to another plucking the most succulent leaves of the season on the brightly lit day. The plucked leaves were offered to Rajeev, which was later carefully taken to the factory where they will be processed meticulously to be the most revered tea.
To acknowledge the hard work of the workers, Rajeev also handed gifts and mementoes as a token of appreciation to those workers who have proven to be a great asset to the company.
The day also marked the 1st anniversary of Rajeev taking up Okayti Tea Estate. Within just a year, he has made many changes. Health staff were recruited and a new dispensary was built. Construction of several weighing sheds are going on across the tea garden to unburden the workers. Otherwise, the workers have to take the plucked leaves to the factory themselves.
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