Despite being a drink, tea is an emotion for people worldwide. A single sip makes you feel every bit of warmth. The warmth that feels like a hug from your loved ones. Growing tea can be a magical journey, but the real magic begins when you are harvesting it. For tea lovers, the process of cultivating and caring for the plant is a part of the big picture. 

The flavor and quality of the brew are determined the moment when you pick the leaves. It is a delicate task that requires extreme patience, attention to detail, and appreciation of the process. This guide will help you in the tea harvesting process and tell you how you can harvest the best tea right in your garden.

What is Tea Harvesting?

In the beautiful journey from plant to cup, tea harvesting plays an important role in developing the flavor and quality of the final brew. The process involves extracting the tea leaves from a particular part of the plant's body at the right time. This step significantly improves the taste, aroma, and overall character of the tea.

The farmers should also be mindful of watering new plants. Farmers should be mindful of the decisions they make while harvesting, as the unique profile of each batch is affected by it. Thus, factors like which leaves to extract, the season of harvest, and the method of plucking should be decided carefully by balancing the art and science of tea cultivation. When we understand the technicalities behind tea harvesting, we end up appreciating the care that goes into the cup of tea.

Understanding the Type of Tea Plant

The beverage that is enjoyed in many countries is made of Camellia sinensis which has two types: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis and Camellia sinensis var. assamica.

1. Camellia sinensis var. sinensis

This variety of tea plant is famous for its small and hardy leaves. They are mostly found in China and Japan because they have the tendency to survive in cooler climates. The tea produced by this variety has a subtle flavor which makes it ideal for green, white, and lighter oolong teas. The development of intricate flavor profiles is enhanced by its slow growth.

2. Camellia sinensis var. assamica

This variety is famous for its large leaves. They are mostly found in warmer climates. They commonly grow in India and Sri Lanka. This type is rich in flavor and is strong which makes it the go-to black tea. This variety grows fast and has bold characteristics.

These two varieties not only shape the flavor and strength of your tea but also influence where and how tea plants are cultivated worldwide.

When to Harvest Tea?

The first harvest is known as the spring flush. It takes place in early spring and is considered the most significant harvest. The leaves during that harvest are very delicate and full of nutrients. The final brew from this harvest has the freshest and most intricate flavor.

The second flush occurs in late spring or early summer. These leaves produce rich and flavorful teas though they lack some nutrients. They are used in affordable tea blends or are mixed with spring leaves to balance the cost and flavor of the tea. If you are growing them in your home garden you can pair them with shade and flowering trees. 

The harvest done during monsoon or autumn, known as monsoon flush or autumn flush, produces leaves with a bolder earthy flavor. These are used for everyday teas. The different harvest seasons indicate how the characteristics of tea change with time. So the farmers can create a wide variety of tea by understanding the timing and characteristics of each harvest. While harvesting make sure you try to make your garden eco-friendly.

Tools for Harvesting Tea

Here is the list of tools that are essential when you are harvesting tea:

  • Pruners
  • Basket
  • Cheesecloth
  • Baking Tray
  • Air-tight Container

These gardening supplies help in making plants lush and healthy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Harvesting Tea

Whenever you are harvesting the tea leaves, follow the steps below for an effective harvest.

  • Select the Leaves to Harvest

While selecting the leaves, focus on plucking the top two leaves and the bud. These parts of the tea plant contain high concentrations of flavor and nutrients. During this step make sure the leaves are young and fresh in order to achieve the best quality tea.

  • Use Proper Plucking Techniques

During plucking the leaves make sure you are holding the stem gently and then in one clean and quick motion snap off the desired leaves. Try to avoid tugging or damaging the plant as it would affect its productivity and health.

  • Handle Leaves with Care

During harvesting place the collected leaves in a clean basket to avoid any damage to the leaves. Also, make sure to keep the harvested leaves away from the direct sunlight during collection. This is everything you need to know about outdoor flower care.

  • Sort the Leaves

Once you are done with the harvesting process, remove any damaged or older leaves from the harvested produce after that categorize them based on your intended use (green tea, black tea, etc.).

  • Clean the Leaves

In order to remove dirt from the harvested leaves, rinse them gently under cool water. Before further processing the leaves, pat them dry with a soft fabric or allow them to air dry.

By following these steps, you can obtain tea of the highest quality, setting the stage for creating a delicious, homemade brew. Not only this but growing these houseplants help us fight winter blues.

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