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Ana's Organic First Flush Green Tea
Bright, savory first-flush green tea — artichoke, zucchini, and steamed spinach with a crisp, naturally sweet finish.
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Bright, savory Nepali green tea with spring-fresh sweetness
Ana's Organic First Flush Green Tea is a high-elevation organic Nepali green tea from the Maipokhari Hills of Ilam, Nepal. Tender first-flush leaves are hand-picked in early spring and gently de-enzymed within hours to preserve color, aroma, and antioxidants. The cup is pale gold with notes of artichoke, zucchini, and steamed spinach, finishing crisp, clean, and naturally sweet. Excellent hot, iced, or cold-brewed — packed fresh in our Boston warehouse and shipped fast across the U.S.
What is first flush green tea?
First flush green tea is the season's earliest harvest — leaves picked from the very first new growth of spring, after tea plants have rested through winter. These tender buds and young leaves are prized for three reasons:
- Concentrated flavor: winter dormancy lets nutrients build up in the plant, then the first new leaves carry that concentration.
- Higher amino acid content (especially L-Theanine): produces the natural sweetness, umami, and silky mouthfeel that defines great first-flush green.
- Brighter, more nuanced aroma: the cool spring picking window means slower oxidation and clearer aromatic compounds.
First-flush harvests are also the smallest of the year — yield is low, hand-picking is slow, and the picking window is short (often just 2–3 weeks). That's why first-flush green teas are released in limited annual batches at premium prices. Ana's is our annual first-flush release from the Maipokhari Hills of Ilam, Nepal.
First flush vs regular green tea
| First Flush (Ana's) | Later Harvests | |
|---|---|---|
| Harvest timing | Early spring · first new growth | Late spring · summer · autumn |
| Leaf character | Tender buds + young leaves | Mature, larger leaves |
| Flavor | Bright, savory, naturally sweet, complex | Bolder, more robust, less nuanced |
| Aroma | Fresh greens, spring herbs, vegetal high notes | Earthier, simpler |
| Yield | Low — short picking window | Higher |
| Best for | Tasting flights, careful brewing, gifts | Everyday drinking, blending |
Why you'll love it
- First-flush freshness: early-spring leaves picked at high elevation for vivid flavor and aroma.
- Clean, savory profile: artichoke, zucchini, steamed spinach, and a spring-sweet finish.
- USDA Organic & single origin: pure loose leaf green tea from Maipokhari Hills, Ilam, Nepal.
- Gentle energy: light–medium caffeine for calm focus without jitters.
- Re-steeps 2–3 times — each infusion brings new layers.
Perfect if you love Japanese-style vegetal greens like sencha or gyokuro and want a more distinctive Himalayan green tea with clarity and depth.
Brewing guide (hot)
- Leaf: 1–1.5 tsp (2–3 g) per 8 oz
- Water: 160–175°F — for first-flush delicacy, lean toward 160–165°F
- Time: 2–3 min
- Re-steeps: 2–3 infusions; add 15–30 sec each round
Cooler water + shorter steep = softer, sweeter cup. Higher end of the range = more umami and body.
Taste & pairing notes
In the cup
- Aroma: fresh greens, steamed spinach, artichoke, spring herbs
- Flavor: artichoke, zucchini, steamed spinach, savory umami undertone
- Body: light–medium with a smooth, silky texture
- Finish: crisp, clean, gently sweet — no harsh bitterness when properly brewed
Food pairings
- Sushi, rice bowls, steamed vegetables, tofu dishes
- Avocado toast, simple salads, grain bowls with citrus dressing
- Light lemon desserts, shortbread cookies, fresh fruit
Nepal first flush green tea benefits
Whole-leaf first-flush green tea naturally contains the highest concentrations of antioxidants and amino acids you'll find in green tea — because nothing is broken, oxidized, or diluted. Ana's naturally contains:
- EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate): the most-studied catechin in green tea; supports cellular health.
- L-Theanine: elevated in first-flush harvests; associated with calm focus and steady energy.
- Light–medium caffeine: ~20–45 mg per 8 oz cup — about 1/3 to 1/2 a cup of coffee.
- Polyphenols and chlorophyll: plant compounds preserved by gentle de-enzymation within hours of picking.
Note: This is general information about green tea, not a medical claim. We don't sell tea as treatment for any condition.
Cold brew Ana's First Flush (the connoisseur's secret)
First-flush greens cold-brew exceptionally well because the cool-water extraction pulls out the L-Theanine sweetness and amino acids while leaving astringent compounds behind. The result: a crystal-clear, almost broth-like cup that tastes like spring vegetables in a glass.
- Ratio: 1 tbsp (~5 g) leaves per 12 oz cold water
- Time: 6–8 hours in the fridge
- Strain & serve — over ice or chilled in a wine glass to appreciate aroma
Full method: cold brew Nepali loose leaf tea guide.
Compare our Nepali green teas
| Tea | Profile | Caffeine | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ana's Organic First Flush (this) | Artichoke, zucchini, steamed spinach; crisp, clean, savory finish | Light–Medium | Sencha lovers, savory green tea drinkers, gifts, special occasions |
| Pokhara Classic Organic Green Tea | Smooth, naturally sweet, vegetal; never bitter even if over-steeped | Light–Medium | Green tea beginners, easy daily cups, cold brew |
| Half Moon Pearl Green Tea | Hand-rolled pearls, layered florals, sweet umami depth | Medium | Gongfu sessions, special-occasion tasting, gifting |
Related guides
Grown on small family farms in Nepal's Maipokhari Hills, Ana's Organic First Flush Green Tea showcases the bright, savory character of high-elevation Himalayan green tea — USDA Organic, single origin, and shipped fresh from our Boston warehouse. Founded by Maggie in Colorado in 2012. Headquartered in Boston since 2017.
