As we move into spring and begin to enjoy lighter days and a little warmth in the air, it’s a natural time to reach for teas that reflect the season, lighter, brighter and refreshing.
After the depth and strength of winter blends, spring invites something more delicate in the cup. Here are some of our favourite teas to enjoy as the seasons change.
Light Black Teas
Spring is the perfect time to rediscover lighter black teas, which are elegant, balanced and wonderfully drinkable.
From Sri Lanka, we recommend both:
Whilst Ceylon can produce teas of strength, it is more widely known for its gentler, almost aristocratic teas. Kandy has a nice gentle flavour and a coppery liquor whereas the Dimbula we sell was the original Orange Pekoe we introduced back in the 1960s and has many dedicated drinkers, many of whom enjoy this refreshing and genteel brew.
Moving from Sri Lanka across to India, our new Doke Estate First Flush Black Fusion Tea is selling very well and is a wonderful example of a light, bright first flush tea. Handcrafted without machinery, it delivers a classic spring profile, light, sweet, flavourful and truly delicious.
Flavoured Teas
As we venture outside to enjoy the first hints of spring sunshine, teas with floral and citrus notes come into their own.
Two favourites include:
Both are based on a light China Keemun tea, offering a gentle base that allows the flavours to shine. The citrus brightness of lemon or the delicate floral notes of rose make these perfect companions for a quiet moment in the garden.
Green Teas
Green teas are often the natural choice for spring, fresh, clean and invigorating.
We recommend two very different teas:
Chun Mee is one of the original Chinese green teas that would have been available in the UK in the 1970s (albeit only to the very wealthy) and remains a classic today.
Kukicha, is a masterpiece of Japanese tea-making. It produces a delightful yellow liquor with a fresh, almost grape-like flavour, clean, delicate and incredibly refreshing. It pairs beautifully with food, pastries and light snacks, or simply enjoyed on its own as you sit and feel the warmth of the spring sun on your face.
Herbal Infusions
For those looking for something naturally caffeine-free, herbal infusions offer both flavour and vibrancy.
Two excellent choices are:
Rosehip (in the form of rosehip shells) are used in several of our herbal and fruit blends and bring a muted sweetness that offsets some of the astringency of other fruits and peels. This blend of Rosehip and Hibiscus is brightly coloured, delightfully flavoured and is a great source of Vitamin C.
Chamomile is a little bit like marmite, you tend to either like it or you don’t. Those that do compliment us on the sweet-muted apple-like flavour of our whole Chamomile Flowers and the delightful aroma of the dry flowers themselves. Also ideal to drink before bed as it is claimed that Chamomile aids restful sleep.
White Tea
For the lightest of all spring teas, look no further than:
Made from the Fuding Da Bai tea plant, this is one of the most delicate teas we offer. Brewed at a lower temperature (around 75–80°C) for approximately five minutes, it produces a pale liquor with a soft, hay-like sweetness and an almost ethereal character.
Yin Zhen is regularly listed on China’s coveted list of Famous Teas, and with good reason.
A Season for Lighter Brews
Spring is a wonderful time to explore the lighter side of tea. Whether you’re drawn to gentle black teas, floral blends, fresh greens or delicate whites, there’s something for everyone that’s uniquely suited to this time of year.
So, as the days grow longer and the sun begins to appear a little more often, take a moment to enjoy a cup that reflects the season, one that’s fresh, uplifting and full of character.
