The Tea Plant

Cameilla Sinensis is an evergreen plant that grows best in hot, humid areas with plentiful rainfall in well-draining soil. Most tea grown for commercial use is grown on estates or smallholdings which can be as small as half a hectare.  When grown on the estates, the tea plant needs three to five years to reach maturity before it can be plucked.  Once the tea plant has reached maturity, tea farmers will pick the tea leaves every week to two weeks, usually by hand, until the plant has regrown enough for the tea plucking process to start over.  Once the leaves have been hand-plucked, they are weighed and processed on the estate or sent to another estate for processing.

The Difference Between Green Tea and Black Tea

The difference between green tea and black tea is in the way that the leaves are processed after they have been plucked. When they process black tea, the leaves are harvested and withered, but not heated up. Instead, they are torn, crushed, or rolled, which allows the leaves to start oxidizing. When the tea oxidizes, it changes colors and turns shades of dark brown and red, as well as becoming stronger in flavor. 

The Process of Making Black Tea

Basically, Black Tea is any variety of Camellia Sinensis that undergoes a multi-step process of withering, rolling, oxidation and firing. Black tea requires full oxidation of the leaves to develop the specific character, color, flavor and aromas that define some of the world’s most beloved teas.

The Way to Brew Breakfast Blend Tea

Brew Breakfast Blend Tea hot and serve.  If you are in the mood for iced tea, let it cool and pour it over ice.