How Does Green Tea Grow?
Green tea, like black tea, originates from the Camellia sinensis plant. Its cultivation involves several key steps, differing based on factors like region and desired tea type.
The growing conditions for green tea are primarily categorized into two types:
- Sun-grown: These plants receive ample sunlight, potentially influencing the tea's flavor profile.
- Shade-grown: These plants are often shaded, especially during crucial growth periods, which can impact the tea's characteristics, sometimes leading to a sweeter, more delicate flavor.
Harvesting
The Camellia sinensis plant is typically harvested three times a year. The first harvest, known as the "first flush," generally yields the highest quality leaves.
The Growing Process
The exact process varies regionally, but several common elements apply:
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Planting: Tea plants are planted in rows, often spaced about 3 feet apart. They are typically pruned to maintain a height of around 3 feet to facilitate harvesting. The soil needs to be well-draining; planting in pots is a viable option. It takes approximately 2 years for the first harvest, with full production achieved after about 5 years.
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Soil and Environment: Tea plants thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic (ericaceous) soil. A bright, sheltered location with partial shade is ideal.
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Cultivation: While specific techniques vary, the fundamental process focuses on ensuring healthy plant growth to produce high-quality leaves for processing. This includes proper watering, fertilization, and pest control.
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Processing: Once harvested, the leaves undergo processing steps specific to green tea production. These processes differ significantly based on region and tea maker techniques. These steps include withering, heating (to prevent oxidation, a key difference from black tea), rolling, and drying.
The information from the provided links supports the above description, highlighting the sun-grown versus shade-grown distinction and the three yearly harvests. Further detail is given regarding soil requirements and plant maintenance, confirming the importance of well-drained soil and the pruning of plants for efficient harvest. The time to first harvest and full production (2 and 5 years, respectively) is also mentioned in the provided resources.
