How do you turn tea leaves into tea?

- Tea leaves are carefully hand-picked or mechanically harvested from tea plants.

Step 2: Withering

- Harvested leaves are spread thinly in a controlled environment to reduce their moisture content. This process softens the leaves and prepares them for oxidation.

Step 3: Oxidation

- Oxidizing the leaves is a critical step in the production of black teas and oolong teas. During this process, the leaves are exposed to air, allowing enzymes to break down the chlorophyll, resulting in the characteristic dark colors and rich flavors. Green teas are minimally oxidized.

Step 4: Drying (Firing)

- The oxidation process is stopped by subjecting the leaves to heat. This step also dries the leaves, halting enzyme activity and preserving their flavor and aroma.

Step 5: Rolling or Shaping

- After drying, the leaves may go through a rolling process. Rolling can be done by hand or with machines. Different rolling techniques create various shapes and textures, affecting the tea's brewing characteristics.

Step 6: Sorting and Grading

- The dried and rolled leaves are sorted based on size, appearance, and quality. These grades are used for different purposes and price points.

Step 7: Blending

- Some tea varieties are created by blending different grades or types of tea. Blending allows producers to achieve specific flavors and characteristics.

Step 8: Packaging

- Once the tea is sorted, graded, and (optionally) blended, it is packaged into various forms, such as loose-leaf, tea bags, and sachets.

Step 9: Brewing

- The final step is to brew the tea! Place tea leaves or a tea bag in hot water and let it steep for the recommended time. Enjoy a delicious and aromatic cup of tea!