How is tea harvested cleaned and sent to markets?

Here's a breakdown of the tea harvesting, cleaning, and market journey:

1. Harvesting:

* Plucking: Tea leaves are hand-plucked from the tea bushes. The "plucking" involves taking the top two leaves and a bud (known as a "flush").

* Timing is crucial: The best time for plucking is in the morning, after the dew has evaporated.

* Quality matters: The size and age of the leaves determine the quality and type of tea. For example, young leaves produce delicate teas, while mature leaves yield bolder flavors.

2. Withering:

* Reducing moisture: The freshly picked leaves are spread out on trays or in ventilated rooms to wither (dry) for several hours.

* Purpose: Withering reduces the moisture content of the leaves, making them more pliable for the next steps.

3. Rolling:

* Breaking down: The withered leaves are rolled by hand or by machine to break down their structure.

* Enhancing aroma: Rolling helps to release the tea's natural oils and aromas.

* Types of rolling: Different rolling methods are used for different types of tea, resulting in different textures.

4. Oxidation (Fermentation):

* Not for all teas: This step is primarily for black teas, but not for green or white teas.

* Controlled oxidation: The rolled leaves are spread out in a humid environment, allowing them to oxidize (react with oxygen). This process changes the leaf's color, flavor, and aroma.

* Duration and control: The length of oxidation determines the strength and flavor of the black tea.

5. Drying:

* Finishing touch: The leaves are heated to stop the oxidation process.

* Methods: Drying can be done using hot air, pans, or ovens.

6. Sorting and Grading:

* Categorization: Tea leaves are sorted by size, color, and quality.

* Grades: The different grades are then packaged for retail or wholesale.

7. Packaging:

* Ready for market: The sorted tea is packaged in various sizes and types, depending on the intended market.

8. Shipping to Market:

* Local and global: Tea is shipped to local markets, tea houses, and grocery stores, as well as exported globally.

Additional Notes:

* Organic and Fair Trade: There is increasing demand for organic and fair-trade tea, reflecting growing awareness of sustainable practices.

* Tea types: The process above is a general outline, and specific steps vary depending on the type of tea being produced (black, green, white, oolong, etc.).

* Regional variations: Specific methods and techniques can differ depending on the region and traditions of tea production.

I hope this breakdown helps!