The method of growing and harvesting green tea
Green tea is one of the most popular types of tea in the world, known for its numerous health benefits and delicate flavour. Growing and harvesting green tea requires a great deal of skill and expertise, as well as careful attention to detail throughout the entire process.
Growing Australian Green Tea
The process of growing green tea begins with selecting the right location for the tea garden. Green tea thrives in areas with high humidity and mild temperatures, with well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The tea plants are typically grown in rows, with enough space between each plant to allow for proper air circulation and sunlight exposure.
Once the tea plants are established, they are carefully pruned and trained to grow into the desired shape. This is typically done by removing any branches that are growing in the wrong direction and encouraging new growth to develop in the desired areas. This process helps to ensure that the tea plants produce high-quality leaves that are rich in flavour and aroma.
You might be surprised to learn that some regions of Australia are absolutely perfect for growing tea. The fertile sub-alpine valleys and southern hemisphere climate and conditions of Victoria’s North East favour the camellia sinensis plant and are similar to some of the best tea growing regions of Japan, which is how we got our name, Perfect South. There are a number of growers with established farms in the region (we are not farmers ourselves).
Harvesting Green Tea
The timing of green tea harvesting is critical to the overall quality of the final product. Green tea is typically harvested in the spring, between late March and early May, when the tea leaves are at their freshest and most flavourful. The tea leaves are carefully picked by hand, with only the youngest and most tender leaves being selected for use in the final product.
After the leaves are harvested, they are quickly transported to the processing facility to prevent any deterioration in quality. The leaves are carefully sorted and cleaned, and then dried using a variety of methods, including sun-drying, oven-drying, or steaming. This process helps to lock in the natural flavours and aromas of the tea leaves, creating a delicious and refreshing cup of green tea.
Growing and harvesting green tea is a complex and time-consuming process that requires a great deal of skill and expertise. By carefully selecting the right location for the tea garden, pruning and training the tea plants, and harvesting the leaves at the right time, tea producers can create a high-quality product that is rich in flavor and aroma. So the next time you enjoy a cup of green tea, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into producing it.
