How Is Tea Grown: A Journey Through Plantations
How Is Tea Grown?
Tea is grown on estates or smallholdings in warm, humid climates with at least 100 cm of rainfall per year.
The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, thrives in deep, light, acidic, and well-drained soil and can be grown at elevations up to 2,100 meters above sea level.
The plant is typically grown as a one-meter high bush that takes three to five years to reach maturity.
These bushes are grown from cuttings or clones in nursery beds and then planted around 1.5 meters apart in rows following the contours of hills or mountainsides to prevent soil erosion.
Before the first plucking, the bushes are pruned by a method called “lung” pruning.
Pluckers, who can gather up to 30-35 kg of leaf in a day, then pluck only the top two leaves and a bud every 7-14 days.
The plucked leaves are collected in a basket or bag, weighed, and taken to the factory for further processing.
Tea production is a skilled and time-consuming process.
Key Points:
- Tea is grown on estates or smallholdings in warm, humid climates with at least 100 cm of rainfall per year.
- The tea plant thrives in deep, light, acidic, and well-drained soil and can be grown at elevations up to 2,100 meters above sea level.
- The plant is typically grown as a one-meter high bush that takes three to five years to reach maturity.
- The bushes are grown from cuttings or clones in nursery beds and then planted around 1.5 meters apart in rows on hills or mountainsides to prevent soil erosion.
- Before the first plucking, the bushes are pruned by a method called “lung” pruning.
- Pluckers gather the top two leaves and a bud every 7-14 days and collect them in a basket or bag to be weighed and taken to the factory for further processing.
Did You Know?
1. Tea plants belong to the Camellia genus and are related to the flowering plant family Theaceae, which includes the ornamental camellia flowers often seen in gardens.
2. The majority of tea production comes from just two species of the Camellia genus: Camellia sinensis and Camellia assamica. These plants are grown in several countries around the world including China, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Japan.
3. In order to produce tea, the youngest leaves and buds are harvested from the tea plant. These tender leaves contain the highest concentration of aromatic compounds, which contribute to the flavors and aromas found in different types of teas.
4. The taste and quality of tea are influenced by various factors, including the altitude at which the tea is grown. Higher altitude tea gardens tend to produce teas with more complex flavors and aromatic profiles.
5. Contrary to popular belief, white tea is not made from tea leaves that are picked while covered in white fuzz. The term “white” actually refers to the young buds and leaves that are covered with fine white hairs when they are harvested. These tiny hairs give the tea a silvery appearance, leading to the name “white tea.”
Ideal Climate And Soil Conditions For Tea Growth
Tea, scientifically known as Camellia sinensis, is a versatile plant that thrives in a variety of climates and soil conditions. However, it does have certain preferences when it comes to its ideal growing conditions.
First and foremost, tea requires a warm and humid climate to reach its full potential. It needs temperatures that range between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Such conditions are commonly found in tropical regions.
In addition to the climatic requirements, tea also demands a significant amount of rainfall. A minimum annual rainfall of 100 centimeters is necessary for the plant’s healthy growth. This moisture helps provide the necessary hydration to the tea bushes and aids in the development of the leaves, which will eventually be harvested to brew a perfect cup of tea.
When it comes to soil, tea plants thrive in deep, light, acidic, and well-drained soil. These specific soil characteristics help facilitate the absorption of essential nutrients and enhance root development.
As tea plantations exist in hilly or mountainous regions, it is crucial to cultivate tea bushes on slopes that follow the contours of the land. This technique not only prevents soil erosion but also ensures proper drainage of excess water, preventing the roots from becoming waterlogged.
- Camellia sinensis (scientific name)
- Warm and humid climate required
- Temperature range: 20-30 degrees Celsius
- Minimum annual rainfall of 100 centimeters necessary
- Soil characteristics: deep, light, acidic, and well-drained
- Cultivate tea bushes on slopes to prevent soil erosion and waterlogging.
Tea Plantation: Estates Vs. Smallholdings
There are two primary systems for growing tea: estates and smallholdings.
Smallholdings refer to small-scale tea growers who cultivate tea on their own land. These individual farmers usually own plots ranging in size from a few acres to a couple of hectares. They sell their plucked tea leaves to nearby tea-processing factories. Smallholders play a crucial role in the overall tea industry, as they contribute significantly to the total tea production.
Estates are larger tea plantations that operate as self-contained units. They have their own tea processing factories, accommodation for workers, and other facilities necessary for tea production. The estates cover a larger area of land and are often owned by corporations or wealthy individuals. These estates employ a workforce to pluck, process, and package the tea leaves. The tea produced in these estates is often sold under specific estate names, highlighting their quality and provenance.
- Smallholdings: small-scale tea growers who cultivate tea on their own land
- Estates: larger tea plantations that operate as self-contained units, often owned by corporations or wealthy individuals
- Smallholders contribute significantly to the total tea production
- Estates have their own tea processing factories, accommodation for workers, and other facilities necessary for tea production
- The tea produced in estates is often sold under specific estate names, highlighting their quality and provenance
The Process Of Cultivating Tea Bushes
The process of growing tea bushes begins in the nursery beds. The tea bushes are typically grown from cuttings or clones, ensuring that the new plants inherit the desirable traits of their parent plants. These nursery beds provide the necessary care and nourishment for the bushes until they are ready to be transplanted into the plantation.
Once the tea bushes are ready, they are planted in rows following the natural contours of the hills or mountainsides. This planting technique prevents erosion of the soil and ensures proper drainage. The bushes are spaced approximately 1.5 meters apart to allow ample sunlight and airflow, promoting optimal growth.
It takes three to five years for the tea bushes to reach maturity. During this period, the bushes are pruned regularly using a method called “lung” pruning. This process involves cutting back the branches to encourage new growth and maintain the height of the bushes at around one meter. This specific height facilitates easy plucking by tea harvesters.
From Plucking To Processing: A Detailed Overview
One of the most important aspects of tea cultivation is the plucking process. Only the top two leaves and a bud, known as a sprig, are plucked from each tea bush every 7-14 days. These plucked leaves are collected by tea harvesters and stored in a basket or bag, which is then weighed at a designated collection point. Each plucker is credited with their own weights of tea for payment, incentivizing efficiency and accuracy in the plucking process.
After the plucking, the leaves are taken to the tea-processing factories for further processing. Tea production is a skill-intensive and time-consuming process that involves different stages. The harvested leaves go through withering, rolling, oxidation (fermentation), and drying to transform into the familiar black tea. Each stage requires careful monitoring and expertise to maintain the desired quality and characteristics of the tea.
The Dominance Of Black Tea In The Market
Among the various types of tea, black tea holds the largest share in terms of production, sales, and consumption. This popularity can be attributed to its rich flavor, versatility, and the ability to retain its freshness for an extended period. Black tea undergoes a complete oxidation process during its production, which gives it a distinct flavor and dark color. It is highly sought after by tea lovers worldwide and is a common ingredient in breakfast blends and flavored teas.
Despite the dominance of black tea, other varieties such as green tea, white tea, oolong tea, and herbal infusions have gained popularity in recent times. Each type of tea offers unique flavors, aromas, and health benefits, catering to the diverse preferences of tea enthusiasts around the globe.
The journey of tea cultivation takes place in ideal climates and soil conditions, where tea bushes are nurtured and harvested with care. The process of growing, plucking, and processing tea requires expertise and precision to produce the finest quality teas that are enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide.
- Black tea holds the largest share in production, sales, and consumption
- Other varieties gaining popularity: green tea, white tea, oolong tea, and herbal infusions
- Each type of tea offers unique flavors, aromas, and health benefits
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Frequently Asked Questions
How tea is harvested?
Tea is meticulously harvested by skilled hands, ensuring only the finest leaves are selected. During the harvesting process, only the topmost young leaves along with the stem they grew upon and the unexpanded bud at the shoot’s end are plucked. This careful selection guarantees that only the most tender and flavorful parts of the tea plant make it into our cups, enhancing the overall taste and quality of the final product.
Is tea grown in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is indeed a significant player in the global tea industry, with tea being the second largest cash crop and contributing 1% to the country’s GDP. The nation is home to various tea-producing districts, such as Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Sylhet, which have a rich history of cultivation. However, despite its historical status as a major tea exporter, Bangladesh has now transitioned into a net importer of tea.
Where is tea grown?
Tea is primarily cultivated in regions across Asia, Africa, South America, and around the Black and Caspian Seas. Among these regions, the largest tea-producing countries are China, India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. These four nations collectively account for a significant 75% of global tea production.
1. What are the key steps and conditions involved in the cultivation process of tea plants?
The cultivation process of tea plants involves several key steps and conditions. First, tea plants require a climate that provides the right temperature and rainfall. They thrive in regions with temperatures between 60-90°F (15-32°C) and an annual rainfall of 50-100 inches (127-254 cm).
The next step is choosing the right soil for cultivation. Tea plants prefer acidic soils with pH levels ranging from 4.5 to 6.5. The soil should also be well-draining to avoid waterlogging.
After selecting the appropriate site, the next step is planting the tea bushes. This is usually done by seed or by using stem cuttings from healthy and mature plants. Careful attention is given to spacing the bushes appropriately to ensure sufficient sunlight and airflow.
The plants need regular watering and fertilization for healthy growth and yield. Pruning is also an essential step in tea cultivation to promote new growth and maintain the desired shape of the bushes.
The final step is harvesting the tea leaves at the appropriate time. This varies depending on the type of tea being produced and is usually done by hand-picking the young, tender leaves.
Overall, successful cultivation of tea plants requires a suitable climate, well-draining soil, proper spacing, regular care, and timely harvesting. These steps and conditions are essential for obtaining high-quality tea leaves.