While it’s been a mostly underappreciated beverage in the Western world, tea is, in fact, a centuries old institution, and for good reason. Choosing the right kind, it can help you relax, or give you that extra boost to jumpstart your day.
These different kinds of teas are actually harvested from only two closely related plants, Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (native to China), and Camellia sinensis var. assamica (native to Assam, India). The difference in types – white, green or black – rises from the processing methods, and the varying level of oxidation.
How To Grow Your Own Tea
If you decide to grow your tea, you should probably choose Camellia sinensis var. sinensis, since it’s hardy, and thrives even in colder climates. Just make sure to protect its roots from freezing during the winter. Consider growing it in a greenhouse, or a container that you could move inside once the temperatures drop. You should be careful when preparing the soil for the plant. It should be slightly acidic. Water it only with soft water to maintain the right level of acidity. Place your plant in a sunny to partly shaded spot, and close to a wall to protect it from winds, and it will thrive. In order to keep the plant productive, prune it every couple of years. This will also make the harvest easier. Fertilize few times a year. To have a real organic tea, make your own compost from garden clippings, kitchen vegetable scraps, and shredded paper.
If you’re growing your tea plant from seeds, keep in mind that it will take at least three years before the plant is fully formed and produces enough leaves for your first harvest. If you’re aiming at quality, you will want to pick only the top 2 or 3 leaves. But if you’re concerned about the quantity, pick up to top 5 leaves on the stem.
White Tea
White tea is the least processed type of tea. After the harvest in the spring, the leaves are simply dried in the air and immediately ready for use. It is traditionally harvested in China, and because of the least invasive processing methods it is abundant in antioxidants. White tea is easily recognizable for its mildly sweet aroma, and occasionally can have savory and nutty undertone.
Green Tea
Sinensis plant cultivated for green tea can be kept in either sunny or shaded place, and the resulting teas will have different amounts of antioxidants. The leaves can be processed in an “artisanal” manner (sun-drying or pan-firing), or using modern methods (oven-drying or steaming). Since the leaves are still rather delicate, the tea should be brewed using water that is below the boiling point to preserve the subtle aroma of the tea, and all of its healthy constituents. Also, green tea has a rather short lifespan, so it should be used while it’s still fresh.
Oolong Tea
The unique processing of oolong tea entails withering the leaves in the sun, and oxidation which allows the essential oils in the plant to react with the air. Owing to these processes, the leaves are darker and have pronounced fragrance. Depending on the level of oxidation, the flavor can resemble, more or less, the flavor of either green or black tea. The best way to prepare and enjoy oolong tea is using the Gongfu style, a traditional Chinese preparation method that maximizes the taste of the tea.
Matcha tea
Matcha tea is the current “it beverage”. In contrast to other teas where the leaves are strained, matcha tea (translates to “powdered tea”) is consumed entirely. It requires a pretty strict and specific way of processing. Namely, the plants are kept covered with mats for weeks before the harvest. After the harvest, the leaves are dried and stone-ground to powder. Makers of matcha tea pay close attention to the quality of the soil and the growing conditions, since these elements have significant effect on the taste. So before you try and prepare your own tea, we encourage you to try a commercial brand of powdered matcha tea to truly experience its distinct flavor.
Black Tea
Black tea, also known as red tea in certain parts of Asia, is produced by complete oxidation. The leaves are left to wither until they lose most of their moisture and significant amount of weight. Once completely dry, they are rolled to enable fast and complete oxidation. Lastly, the leaves are fired and are subsequently ready for use. There are numerous varieties of black tea, but they’re all characterized by strong, robust and earthy flavor.
Tea is soothing and tasty, and it has been associated with many health benefits. Whether you are more prone to traditional varieties, such as green or black tea, or enjoy something more “modern”, like matcha tea, the possibilities of creating your own personal blend are endless. If you wish to produce your own tea, with a few very simple adjustments, you can easily grow very your own plant.
Emma Lawson is a passionate writer, online article editor and a health enthusiast. In her spare time, she likes to do research, and write articles to create awareness regarding healthy lifestyle. She also strives to suggest innovative home remedies that can help you lead a quality and long life. Twitter @EmmahLawson
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