What is Tea Made From?
Tea is one of the world’s most popular drinks and many millions of cups a day are drunk worldwide. But what is tea made from and how is it made?
Tea Leaves
Tea usually comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, commonly known as the Tea Plant. Different tea types are made from various parts of the leaves of this plant like the buds and the leaves. This can vary from young buds to older leaves. From these tea leaves various types of tea are made including green tea, black tea and oolong.
The Production Process
Once the tea leaves have been harvested, they must undergo a production process. This process helps to release specific flavours and aromas within the tea. Some of the processes used are:
- Withering: this is the process of removing moisture from the tea leaves, which helps to bring out the flavour
- Rolling/Stirring: this is where the tea leaves are either rolled, crumpled or stirred, depending on the type of tea being made.
- Oxidation: this process of exposing the tea leaves to the air helps to create black tea
- Firing/Drying: this final step helps to stop the oxidation process, ensuring the flavours and aromas are locked into the tea.
The Finished Product
Once the tea has been processed it can either be sold in its original form as loose tea or it can be packaged and sold as teabags. Either way, it is then ready to be brewed and enjoyed.
Tea is one of the world’s most widely enjoyed drinks and it is made from various parts of the leaves from the Camellia sinensis Tea Plant. Tea leaves are put through a production process which helps to bring out the flavours and aromas. The final product is then ready to be enjoyed in either its loose leaf form or in teabags.
