How Tea is Made: From Plant to Cup
Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world, but how is it actually made? At Earthly, we are passionate about tea and would like to share the story behind our product with you. Let's take a look at the fascinating process of tea production, from the plantation to your cup.
The tea plant
All tea comes from the same plant, the Camellia sinensis. There are two main varieties: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (Chinese tea plant) and Camellia sinensis var. assamica (Assam tea plant). The Chinese variety grows slower and has smaller leaves, while the Assam variety grows faster with larger leaves.
Harvesting and wilting
Tea leaves are hand-picked when they are young and tender. Depending on the type of tea, only the top leaves and buds are picked (e.g., for white and green tea) or also older leaves (e.g., for black tea).
After picking, the leaves are spread out to wilt. This causes them to lose moisture and become pliable for the next steps in the process.
Rolling, oxidation and drying
The withered leaves are rolled to break the cell walls and release the juices. This is essential for flavour and aroma development.
Next, the leaves undergo oxidation, a chemical process where the leaves react with oxygen from the air and change colour. The degree of oxidation determines the type of tea:
- White and green tea: not or barely oxidised
- Oolong: partially oxidised
- Black tea: fully oxidised
Finally, the leaves are dried to stop the oxidation process and further reduce their moisture content for a longer shelf life.
Different types of tea and quality
There are many types of tea, each with a unique taste, aroma and colour. The main categories are:
- White tea: young and delicate, minimally processed
- Green tea: fresh and spicy, not oxidised
- Oolong tea: complex and fruity, partially oxidised
- Black tea: full and robust, fully oxidised
- Pu-erh tea: earthy and mature, fermented
Within each category, there are many varieties, depending on the specific tea plant, growing conditions, picking time and processing method.
What makes a tea high-quality and premium is the attention and care at every step of the process. Factors determining quality include:
- Carefully selected tea plants from the best cultivars
- Optimal growing conditions in terms of soil, climate and altitude
- The picking time and picking standard (e.g., only bud and two leaves)
- Expert processing with attention to detail
- Strict quality control and tasting by experienced experts
At Earthly, we work directly with reputable tea plantations that adhere to these principles. This allows us to offer you the best teas that not only taste delicious but also provide an authentic experience.
Sorting and blending
The dried tea leaves are sorted by size and quality. Leaves of the same size and quality are combined. Sometimes different teas are blended to create unique flavours.
Tasting and enjoying
At Earthly, we carefully select the best teas from around the world. Our assortment includes pure teas and exciting blends, so there is something for every taste.
Discover our range and experience for yourself the difference that attention and dedication at every stage of the production process makes. From classic black tea to refreshing green tea and everything in between, at Earthly you are guaranteed to find your new favourite. Order now and let us surprise you!
