Tea Blog

Spring is always a welcome season, especially for those living in colder climates—and perhaps even more so after a particularly harsh winter. For tea enthusiasts, spring carries an added significance: it marks the beginning of the harvesting season in many regions and the arrival of some of the year’s most prized teas.

Among the most eagerly anticipated are shincha, or freshly harvested Japanese green teas. “Shincha” translates to “new tea,” and for many enthusiasts, these early harvest teas are among the most exciting releases of the year. For a deeper look at this seasonal specialty, see this guide to shincha and early spring tea harvests.

Spring is also traditionally associated with cleaning and renewal. While the practice of spring cleaning may not be as widespread as it once was, it remains a fitting metaphor—and opportunity—for tea drinkers. For some historical context, see this overview of the origins and history of spring cleaning traditions.

With fresh teas arriving and the weather improving, it’s an ideal time for a “spring tea cleanup.” Over time, it’s easy for a tea cabinet to become cluttered, especially if you acquire samples or try a wide range of varieties. In my case, I’ve accumulated quite a few teas that weren’t quite to my taste but lingered on the shelf nonetheless.

This year, however, I got an early start on the process. As described in this reflection on reducing and organizing a tea collection, I managed to pare my tea cabinet down significantly—to the point where it was nearly empty.

Surprisingly, that wasn’t a drawback. Instead, it felt like a reset. The teas that remained were the ones I genuinely enjoy, and the extra space offers room to explore new selections—especially those fresh spring harvest teas that make the season so exciting.

For any tea enthusiast, a well-curated tea collection can be just as satisfying as a well-stocked one. And with spring bringing new harvests, it’s the perfect time to start fresh.

See more of William I. Lengeman’s articles in this archive of tea articles and seasonal insights.

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