お初はつをいただく

expression, godan verb (-ku)

eat something for the first time this season

A set phrase used when tasting a seasonal food for the first time that year. Often said with appreciation for the season's arrival.

• 今年ことしもお初はつをいただくことができて嬉うれしいです。

  I'm happy to be able to taste the first of the season again this year.

• 市いち場ばで初はつ物もののサンマを見みつけて、早さっ速そくお初はつをいただいた。

  I found the first saury of the season at the market and promptly had the first taste.