An age-old and treasured beverage, tea has a special place among numerous cultures. The fascinating process of creating the wide variety of teas we enjoy today involves the cultivation, harvesting, processing, and brewing of tea throughout its journey from field to teacup. The various processes that turn tea leaves into the flavourful and aromatic drinks that have captivated the palates of tea drinkers all over the world are ready to be explored as we dig into the art of tea growing. Don't forget to put the kettle on.

The Roots of Tea Cultivation

The history of tea cultivation dates back over 5,000 years to ancient China. According to legend, Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea when tea leaves accidentally fell into his boiling water, resulting in an incredible infusion. From China, the practise of tea growing extended to Japan, India, and other Asian nations, where it has since incorporated itself into a number of distinctive cultural practises.

The Camellia Sinensis plant thrives in subtropical areas with evenly distributed rainfall and altitudes ranging from sea level to 6,500 feet, which are ideal for tea cultivation. Various methods of processing are applied to produce different tea varietals, such as green, black, oolong, and white.

The Camellia Sinensis Plant

The Camellia Sinensis plant, a member of the Camellia family, is the source of all true teas. There are several varieties of the Camellia sinensis plant, each contributing to the diverse flavour profiles of tea. Depending on the type of tea being produced, the tea plant's leaves and buds are either hand-harvested or mechanically harvested. The final tea's flavour and quality are influenced by the maturity of the plant, the quality of the soil, and the environment of the tea plant.

Cultivation and Harvesting

Careful monitoring and nurturing are essential for tea cultivation. In order to ensure good water drainage and sufficient exposure to sunlight, tea plants are often cultivated in rows on hillsides. Healthy tea bushes are the product of regular pruning and harvesting, which encourage new development.

During the harvesting process, tea leaves are carefully plucked to make sure that only the tender buds and young leaves are gathered. Depending on the kind of tea being produced, there are differences in the date and technique of harvesting. For instance:

• White tea is made from the youngest buds, which are handpicked in the early spring.

• Green tea is harvested in the spring and summer, with the leaves undergoing very  minimal natural oxidation before heat is applied.

• Oolong tea: Partially oxidised, with the leaves plucked later in the season to achieve a balanced flavour.

• Black tea: Fully oxidised, harvested in the summer or fall when the leaves are fully matured.

Tea Processing: Art and Science

The art and science of processing tea are carefully balanced, and each stage adds to the final tea's distinctive flavour. The principal techniques for processing tea are:

Withering
Tea leaves that have just been picked are spread out to wither, which lowers their moisture content and improves flavour development. Withering can happen naturally or under controlled circumstances.

Rolling
The withered leaves are rolled by hand or by machine in order to break down the cell walls, start oxidation, and shape the leaves. The final appearance is heavily influenced by rolling; for example, rolling the leaves tighter creates a more compact appearance.

Oxidation
This is an important stage in bringing out the different flavours of black and oolong teas. Enzymes in the tea leaves interact with oxygen during oxidation, causing chemical alterations that affect the tea's flavour and aroma.

Firing
To stop the oxidation process and maintain the proper flavour profile, the leaves are fired after they have undergone oxidation. Some teas may be pan-fired, while others may be roasted, depending on the firing process.

Craftsmanship of Specialty Teas

Beyond the main tea processing methods, specialty teas require unique craftsmanship. For example:

Oolong teas
Through the use of precise rolling and firing techniques, oolong tea artists carefully regulate the level of oxidation, producing teas with varied degrees of floral and fruity notes.

Pu-erh teas
Pu-erh teas are fermented and matured, which gives them rich, earthy flavours and allows them to get better with time. The ageing process might take years or even decades to complete.

Matcha
To produce matcha, a particular growing technique is necessary, with the tea plants being shaded prior to harvest to increase the chlorophyll content. Following that, the leaves are painstakingly stone-ground into a vibrant green powder that is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies.

The Art of Brewing

The art of brewing is the culmination of the tea's journey from the field to the teacup. To extract the best flavour from the tea, proper brewing methods, including water temperature, steeping time, and teaware, are essential. To produce the best flavour and aroma, particular brewing conditions must be used for each type of tea. For example:

• Green tea is brewed with water at around 80°C (175°F) for a brief 1-2 minutes for Japanese green teas, 3–4 minutes for Chinese green teas, and for very delicate green teas, as low as 60°C (140°F) for 20–30 seconds. These low temperatures and short brewing times preserve its fresh, grassy flavours.

• Black tea requires hotter water, typically around 93–100 °C (200–212 °F), and longer steeping times of 3-5 minutes to bring out its robust and malty characteristics.

Final Thoughts

The fascinating process of growing tea from the field to the teacup is a testament to the centuries-old traditions and skills of tea growers around the world. Tea lovers from all over the world are delighted and energised by the wide variety of flavours and aromas produced by the art of cultivating, harvesting, and processing tea leaves.

Take a moment to acknowledge the ages-old skill and effort that went into making your favourite cup of tea as you enjoy it. Every stage of the tea-growing process, from the lush tea gardens to the skilled hands of tea workers, contributes to the joyful experience that awaits in each cup.