Green Tea

Green tea is a commonly consumed beverage around the world and is known to have many potential health benefits. For centuries, people have been drinking green tea to get a dose of antioxidants, as well as enjoy a refreshing and flavorful cup of tea. But where does this beverage come from, and how does it get from the garden to your dinner plate? In this blog post, we will explore the journey of green tea from the garden to your cup, focusing on the cultivation, harvesting, processing and packaging of green tea.

The C ultivation of Green Tea

Green tea leaves are harvested from the camellia sinensis plant, a species of evergreen shrub native to East Asia. The plant is usually planted in the sunny hillsides of mild-climates, and can grow up to 6 feet in height. Growing this type of tea requires more time than the more popular black tea varieties, as the leaves are plucked from the tea plants more slowly over time, allowing the plant to grow much bigger and stronger in order to maximize the quality of the tea’s flavor.

The optimal temperature for the cultivation of green tea is around 20-30 degrees Celsius, and the plants must be sheltered from the spring rain to prevent the delicate leaves from being damaged or destroyed by the harsh conditions. In addition to temperature and rain, farmers must consider the water supply, soil fertility, light intensity, air humidity and sunlight exposure when cultivating green tea. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter, and fertilizer should be used sparingly to preserve the tea’s delicate flavors.

The H arvesting of Green Tea

The period of time between the planting of the camellia sinensis plant to its harvest differs depending on the region and climate of a particular area. Generally, the plant is harvested between April and October each year, with the best quality teas typically harvested in late spring to early summer. The harvesting of green tea is a delicate process that directly affects the quality of the finished product.

The leaves are picked by hand and sorted into different grades depending on size, shape, color and texture. These processes must be done carefully and quickly, as the green tea is extremely perishable and needs to be processed immediately after harvesting to maintain its unique flavor. The leaves are dried in the sun or using a convection oven to stop the oxidation process, preserving the delicate flavors of the green tea and ensuring a premium-quality product.

The P rocessing of Green Tea

The processing of green tea varies from region to region, based on the original material, growing and harvesting, and manufacturers preferences. Processes typically include pan-firing or steaming to halt the oxidation, rolling and pressing to shape the leaves, and drying and baking to bring out the flavor and color of the green tea.

The pan-firing technique is the most common, and it is usually used to process the highest-grade green teas. This process involves quickly tossing the leaves in a hot wok or pan to stop the oxidation process and ensure a subtle and delicate flavor. Steaming is the other popular method, used primarily for lower-grade teas and taking less time to process than the pan-firing technique.

After the initial processing, the leaves are then pressed and rolled into neat and uniform shapes. This shapes the leaves and enables them to absorb more flavor and aroma during the drying process, as well as allowing for easier packaging. Lastly, oxygenated baking is then used to further enhance the flavor of the tea, bringing out the delicate and grassy flavors associated with green tea.

The Packaging of Green Tea

Once the green tea has been processed and dried, it must then be quickly packed to preserve the tea’s freshness and quality. Typically, the tea is vacuum-sealed in an air-tight pouch or canister, and sometimes heat-sealed in a foil pouch or paper bag for increased convenience during shipping and transportation.

The finished product is then shipped to retailers and distributors around the world, either by air or ocean freight depending on the volume of the shipment. Those purchasing loose-leaf green tea have the option of purchasing larger amounts at a time, while those buying pre-packed green tea are limited to smaller quantities, as the leaves have been previously sealed and packed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, green tea is an incredibly popular beverage around the world and its cultivation, harvesting, processing, and packing processes have been honed over centuries to ensure the highest quality product possible. From the first seedling planted in the garden to the final packaging, green tea takes a long, complex journey from its origins to the dinner plate, but the rewards of a flavorful and healthy cup of green tea are well worth the effort.