出で始はじめ

noun

first appearance of the season

Refers to the first time something seasonal appears, such as produce, flowers, or insects.

• 今年ことしのスイカの出で始はじめは少すこし遅おそい。

  The first watermelons of the season are a little late this year.

• 出で始はじめのタケノコは特とくに柔やわらかい。

  The first bamboo shoots of the season are especially tender.