Every spring, tea gardens across Asia begin their quiet transformation. From the misty mountains of Yunnan and Kyoto to the high Himalayan slopes of Darjeeling and eastern Nepal, a new chapter begins — the first harvest of the year. For tea lovers, it’s the most anticipated season. These early leaves are tender, aromatic, and full of subtle character.

At The Exotic Teapot, this is when the wait becomes worth it. Spring teas are nature’s way of pressing refresh.

Why Spring Teas Are So Special

The first flush is always the most expressive. These teas are picked while the weather is still cool and the plants are full of winter energy. You’ll often find just the bud and top two leaves — carefully plucked by hand and processed with great skill.

From China, our Imperial Jasmine Silver Needle White Tea takes centre stage. It’s one of the most delicate teas of the season, made from downy young buds, naturally scented with fresh jasmine blossoms. The result is a clean, floral cup that’s effortlessly calming — and one of our most requested springtime brews.

Also arriving soon: Dragon Well (with its warm chestnut finish), smooth Chinese Senchas, and early Darjeeling teas from India, picked just as the Himalayan mists begin to lift.

These teas are seasonal by nature and limited by yield. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

A Ritual Rooted in Place

In Japan, spring Sencha harvests coincide with cherry blossom season — a time for hanami picnics and slow sipping under the trees. In Yunnan, the Silver Needle harvest is almost meditative in pace, as each bud is selected by hand. And in the Himalayan foothills, first flush Darjeelings emerge with bright aromatics that reflect the cool air and fresh light of the season.

Wherever they come from, these early harvest teas invite us to pause and reconnect with the rhythm of nature.

New Arrivals Coming Soon

Our 2025 spring teas are arriving now — including rare white and green teas from China, and fresh Himalayan lots from India and Nepal. These early batches are some of the most nuanced and refreshing we offer.

Our full collection launches soon. In the meantime, we recommend exploring our Imperial Jasmine Silver Needle — a springtime classic, and a peaceful place to begin.