|
Training for Book Authors
|
|
|
Sites Owned by Bill Platt
|
|
|
|
|
Growing Quality Tea For Flavored Teas
Copyright (c) 2007-2019 Jon M. Stout
Tea comes in many varieties. And, flavored teas, which are some of the most popular teas, are made from every variety of tea that can be produced. The most important aspect in obtaining a delicious flavored tea is the quality of the tea base.
Teas are grown in thousands of tea gardens throughout the world, and some are better than others. Simply put, the best tea gardens are those that pay careful attention to the details that go into growing various types of tea. And, the best tea comes from the best tea gardens.
Varieties of tea differ primarily in how they're harvested and produced. All tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, but the variations in harvesting and processing the tea gives this one plant many different flavors.
Black tea, which is the most commonly consumed tea in the Western world, is fermented tea. The tea leaves are plucked, dried and then fermented to turn them a deep red. (This is why black tea is called red tea in most of Asia.) Black tea is a very healthy beverage. However, the fermentation process that black tea undergoes changes the anti-oxidant levels in the tea leaves, and reduces some of their health benefits, particularly when you compare them to other tea varieties.
Green tea is left unfermented. The leaves are withered and dried and then graded and packaged. This simple processing leaves green tea in a very natural state. The leaves brew up to a green or pale amber color and have a very natural, sometimes grassy, flavor. Green tea has been revered for its health benefits.
Because green tea undergoes so little processing, the tea's anti-oxidants are left in their natural state. These anti-oxidants have been shown to be effective at preventing serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer and at slowing down the aging process.
White tea is also unfermented, so it has the same anti-oxidants and health benefits of green tea. However, white tea is different from green tea because it is harvested so early. White tea leaves are harvested only in early spring, before the buds have even opened, and while they are still covered in a fine white hair. This early harvest gives the tea a very light, sweet and delicate flavor. White tea is harvested just once a year, making it the rarest of all teas.
Oolong tea is a semi-fermented tea, somewhere between a green and black tea. The fermentation time varies from country to country, but is significantly shorter than the fermentation period of black teas. Oolong teas also retain a large percentage of their natural anti-oxidants, making them a very healthy tea, as well. In particular, oolong tea is thought to be a very effective weight loss supplement.
Each of these teas has different processing requirements, but all must come from a carefully tended tea garden.
The first work of the tea gardener's year begins in February or March, when the tea plants are pruned. The time of pruning, as well as the time of the first plucking, varies by climate.
The first harvest begins as the tea plants are ready. The best tea gardens still pluck the leaves by hand, so that they can choose only the leaves that are truly ready for processing. The leaves are withered first, sometimes in the sun, and sometimes in sheds, depending upon the area. White teas are often withered right in the fields.
Next, the tea must be processed. This process can be very different depending upon the tea variety. Black teas are fermented at this point, where as green teas are steamed or fired next to prevent fermentation from occurring. Oolong teas are bruised to begin the fermentation process and then fashioned into a ball using a cloth sack. They are shaken or tumbled regularly during the fermentation process and checked regularly so that they are allowed to ferment just the right amount of time. Once fermentation is complete, the leaves are steamed or fired to stop the fermentation process.
Steaming or drying the leaves must be handled carefully to produce the right flavor. Next the tea must be finished. This finishing process includes sorting the leaves according to grade and sometimes, firing them or roasting them one final time before they are sent off to be packaged.
For flavored teas, the flavorings are added at this point. Many tea gardeners make flavored teas only using flavors that they have access to in their area. For example, much of the world's jasmine tea is made in China, where the jasmine blossoms are the largest and most fragrant in the world.
The tea must be properly stored in order to maintain flavor. It is critical that tea leaves be stored in airtight containers so that no moisture is let in.
During the summer, green tea growers may produce a second, third, and sometimes even fourth harvest. Tea gardens in some areas and producing some varieties will continue to harvest tea until frost. However, it is the first harvest of the year that produces the finest quality green tea. Subsequent harvests will always be a lower grade of tea.
During the summer, the tea gardener will also do battle with weeds and insects. Since the best tea gardens are organic – meaning no herbicides or pesticides are used, keeping the gardens free of weeds and pests can be very labor intensive.
Autumn is when tea trees go through their heaviest period of growth. During this time, gardeners will amend and aerate the soil and fertilize the trees. By October, the tea trees will need to be pruned again before the winter comes. Pruning must be carefully timed to ensure that the spring buds will appear at just the right time.
During winter, tea gardeners must pay attention to their young tea trees, as many may need protection from the cold. In addition, many tea farmers will prepare new areas for gardening and plant new tea trees if the weather permits.
Quality tea gardens are labor intensive and require great skill to maintain. It is only the tea gardeners that have this skill, patience and tenacity that produce the finest teas.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Shopping Articles || Related Categories: Health and Wellness Articles and Home and Garden Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Jon M. Stout
Is the Plucking Time Important When Choosing White Licorice Tea?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-27 |
Word Count: 863 |
Page Views: 3119
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 2.00
White tea is the rarest tea in the world. Long praised in Asia,
it is just beginning to gain popularity in the Western world.
People everywhere are clamoring to get their hands on this rare
treat. White tea is used in many blends, and none is more
refreshing than White Licorice Tea. White Licorice tea is a
delicious blend of fine white tea and star anise to provide the
licorice flavor.
What is a Good White Licorice Blend?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-27 |
Word Count: 863 |
Page Views: 3873
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.20
There are many white teas and white tea blends to choose from.
But, you won't find any more delicious than white licorice tea.
However, just as with other blends of white tea, to get the best
flavor from your white licorice tea, it's important to choose a
good quality blend. The difference between teas that have been
made using the best ingredients and those created using inferior
ingredients is significant, so it pays to know what you’re buying
when you purchase any white tea blend.
What is a Good White Persian Melon Blend?
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-23 |
Word Count: 847 |
Page Views: 3219
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.33
White teas are the rarest and most expensive of all teas. So,
it's important to buy good quality white tea so that you're
truly getting your money's worth. When you're purchasing a
white tea blend, like White Persian Melon tea, it's also
important that you choose a quality blend; so that the flavor of
the white tea is not compromised by the way it's been blended.
Tea, Sugar and Slavery
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-23 |
Word Count: 566 |
Page Views: 3864
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.83
Of all the evils that have affected mankind, slavery or human
bondage ranks among the worst. Slavery, in all its various forms
from ancient empires like Rome to the ante bellum American South
to the slave labor of Hitler's Third Reich and the Soviet Gulags
has ruined millions of lives and degraded many cultures
throughout history.
Tea and Alcoholism: A Long History
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-22 |
Word Count: 585 |
Page Views: 3775
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.38
Anyone who suffers from alcoholism knows that it is an incurable
disease that is as insidious as it is devastating. But with total
abstinence from drink and the use of support groups like
Alcoholics Anonymous recovery can be life long.
Recession Relief - Quality Loose Leaf Tea for Independent Coffee Shops
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-22 |
Word Count: 556 |
Page Views: 3418
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 1.75
Make no doubt about it - the country is in a recession and
consumer spending is being cut back, High priced coffee is
affected and even Starbucks is suffering and cutting back.
Taxing Tea - A British Tradition
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-21 |
Word Count: 947 |
Page Views: 3711
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.43
While British citizens likely saw the first importations of tea
from the Orient in the 1500 to 1600s as a sensation that added a
little spark to their traditional coffee houses, the government
saw something else - money. As this beverage quickly became the
favored choice of the lower classes, British nobility saw a way
to line the coffers of government.
Oolong Tea Is A Proven Fat Fighter
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-21 |
Word Count: 909 |
Page Views: 2795
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.30
As the detrimental health impacts of obesity become even clearer,
more people are searching for ways to gain an edge in the battle
of the bulge. With obesity in America an ever-present concern,
the fad, gadget and specialty food market is booming. Dropping
pounds for the sake of appearances and for the sake of health is
a very big trend indeed. Although some items simply do not work,
one very basic drink stands out as a powerful weapon to add to an
arsenal for fat fighting.
Impacts On China - Green Tea And The Global Trade
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-20 |
Word Count: 880 |
Page Views: 3794
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.38
5/19/2008 9:48PM China's love affair with green tea is believed
to have begun thousands of years ago. It took centuries for the
Chinese to share this secret with their neighbors in Japan and
even longer for the country to begin exporting this bountiful
crop to destinations all over the world.
History Of Green Tea
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2008-05-20 |
Word Count: 988 |
Page Views: 3761
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 1.78
Green tea has a history that dates back thousands of years.
Although this particular type of tea is only now gaining major
notoriety in the West, it has been known to the Chinese and
Japanese for centuries. This type of tea is less heavily
processed than its counterpart made from the same leaves, but
despite this fact, it has not been a heavy export from Asia until
the past few years.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Jon M. Stout Articles
Most Recent "Shopping" Articles
From Becoming the Perfect Stranger to the Perfect Partner
Written by: Kandice Skaggs |
Distributed: 2013-10-15 |
Word Count: 843 |
Page Views: 2648
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 0.57
Although we are aware of people who have fostered good
relationships out of online dating, it doesn't happen all
the time. As a matter of fact, most of them fail because of
a slew of reasons. Here are some reminders on how to walk
that ground so you can become just the right partner that
another has been dying to meet.
Choosing Rainwear
Written by: Rathi Niyogi |
Distributed: 2010-11-04 |
Word Count: 741 |
Page Views: 3662
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 1.00
Rainwear does more than simply keep out rain or snow, it
protects from wind, cold, and chemical splashes. Your choice
of rainwear depends on the expected weather, the expected
temperatures, your planned activities, and your budget.
Rainwear materials and designs greatly affect the
performance you can expect. There are three major types of
rainwear:
Celebrity Perfume Gift Sets Are Always Welcome
Written by: Robert Moore |
Distributed: 2010-08-05 |
Word Count: 736 |
Page Views: 3516
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 2.50
Perfume is one of the best gifts for your loved ones on
almost every occasion, whether it is Valentine's Day,
Birthday, Wedding Anniversary, or even Christmas Day.
Best Cologne Gift Sets Are A Great Idea For Men
Written by: Robert Moore |
Distributed: 2010-07-29 |
Word Count: 770 |
Page Views: 3583
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.14
Hair, clothing and looks are important, but the right
cologne transforms a man. Giving him the confidence to know
he smells good when approaching beautiful women in a club or
giving a presentation for work. When it comes to fragrances
for men companies now understand that men want to smell good
while attending parties, formal events, the office, on a
date or simply while relaxing at home.
Must-See 2010 Summer Music Festivals
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-04-28 |
Word Count: 885 |
Page Views: 3702
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.50
One of the best things about summer, at least for music
fans, is the plethora of music festivals held all across the
country and all though out the season. These festivals bring
together dozens of great bands usually for more than one day
and usually on more than one stage.
How Does A Blu-ray Disc Work?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-04-27 |
Word Count: 444 |
Page Views: 4445
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 0.88
Blu-ray Players are all the rage in home entertainment, but
how exactly does a Blu-ray disc work and why is it so much
better than a regular DVD disc or system? Read this
informative article to discover how a Blu-ray disc works.
Understanding Personal Injury Law and Knowing When You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Written by: Keith Stachowiak |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 497 |
Page Views: 2978
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 0.00
When in an accident caused by someone else's carelessness
or deliberate actions, one of the first thoughts that goes
through most people's minds after the panic and relief
subsides, is whether they should seek out a personal injury
lawyer. Before you make this decision, you should know what
personal injury law is, whether you even need a personal
injury lawyer, and when you should choose one.
Tattoos Have Transformed From Mom To Artwork Of The 21st Century
Written by: Bree Levine |
Distributed: 2010-02-25 |
Word Count: 554 |
Page Views: 4612
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.40
You could call it a 21st century art form: people use their
bodies as living displays of what they care about in the
form of pictorial art. Over time, tattoo artists have become
more and more sophisticated, able to create complex and
well-executed designs.
The Best Traditions And Advice For The Tattooing Experience
Written by: Eileen Howerton |
Distributed: 2010-02-24 |
Word Count: 566 |
Page Views: 3059
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.00
The ritual of tattooing and adorning the body with ink and
color has been a tradition for centuries. Tattooing is
definitely not a fad, or a practice reserved to any
particular element of society. It is a tradition that has
been found in all parts of the world, in different sects of
society.
Shopping Online to Save Time and Money
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2009-12-31 |
Word Count: 880 |
Page Views: 3086
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 1.67
There is a certain convenience in shopping from the comfort
of one's own home, a convenience that has been met in the
past through mail-order catalogs, shopping television
channels, and home-delivered grocery services. With the
advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web, this trend
has reached its culmination and most elegant expression yet.
Most Viewed "Shopping" Articles
Pearl Necklace Clasps
Written by: Norma Jones |
Distributed: 2006-08-04 |
Word Count: 1546 |
Page Views: 27566
| Votes: 51 |
Rating: 2.75
The clasp on a strand of pearls is both the frosting and sugar
sprinkles on a cake. In addition to keeping the necklace
fastened, the clasp should also complement you and your pearls.
As your necklace and bracelet are regularly restrung, you can
also update the clasps to meet your changing needs.
Be Prepared - The Pros And Cons of Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons
Written by: Brodie Abbot |
Distributed: 2006-11-14 |
Word Count: 938 |
Page Views: 19281
| Votes: 40 |
Rating: 2.25
In today's world, there are many means by which people can
protect themselves. When thinking about self-defense, many people
only consider martial arts or firearms. In truth, these are only
two options from an array of self-defense mechanisms available.
Through increased use in recent years, the advantages and
disadvantages of stun guns, tasers, and pepper spray have become
clear. All three items offer non-lethal means of protection, but
one of them may be more appropriate than the others in a given
situation.
Real and Imitation Pearls
Written by: Norma Jones |
Distributed: 2006-06-22 |
Word Count: 773 |
Page Views: 13068
| Votes: 30 |
Rating: 2.87
We are often asked how to tell if pearls are real or imitation.
To start, we'll need to look at pearl growth and different types
of imitation pearls. Then, we'll look at different pearl tests.
Alberta Angling Tournaments: Spectacular Scenery, Big Purses
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2006-10-30 |
Word Count: 963 |
Page Views: 10157
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.43
Alberta's fishing tournaments pit angler against angler in a
quest for the biggest shimmering walleye and a slice of the
$60,600 (Cdn) in prize money.
Emma Watson Is A Real Sweet Pea
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-02-06 |
Word Count: 424 |
Page Views: 9206
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 2.13
Harry Potter co-star Emma Watson, who plays super-smart Hermione
Granger, turned sweet sixteen on April 15, 2006. From all
accounts, she's as sweet as any sixteen-year-old can be. So
sweet, in fact, that her birth flower is the sweet pea!
How To Choose The Right Mold Testing Firm
Written by: Daryl Watters |
Distributed: 2007-07-05 |
Word Count: 566 |
Page Views: 9136
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.80
You may be ill because of mold in your home or place of
employment, your property value may fall because of mold that
bleach and paint just cannot control. If you have a compromised
immune system mold may even grow in you lungs or other parts of
your body in the form of a systemic fungal infection. However, no
requirements exist for mold inspectors nor mold remediators in
most states. When choosing a mold testing firm be sure that the
professional is familiar with the following.
Celebrities And Their Favorite Flower Finds
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2007-12-19 |
Word Count: 756 |
Page Views: 9093
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.00
While we all have our own choices of favorite flowers, the top
picks for the latest flower trends and bouquets take more than a
trip to the local florist.
Bosses Day: 25 Wallet-Friendly Gift Ideas
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2006-08-23 |
Word Count: 799 |
Page Views: 9019
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.14
Bosses Day is right around the corner again -- but no need to
panic! You still have plenty of time to find a great gift. The
good news is that finding the perfect gift for your boss doesn't
need to drain your wallet. Read on for some practical and
low-cost gift ideas, including gifts for bosses with special
circumstances.
How To Tell If Your Clothes Are Dirty
Written by: Theresa Bane |
Distributed: 2008-05-28 |
Word Count: 1984 |
Page Views: 8004
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 3.53
If you are the type of person who wears clothes, like, t-shirts
for example, than this is an article for you. You may not be
aware of it, but your favorite t-shirt that has a clever or funny
saying emblazoned across it's width can actually reach a level
of funk that requires it to be laundered.
Why Sterling Silver Jewelry?
Written by: Robert Vayner |
Distributed: 2007-09-24 |
Word Count: 641 |
Page Views: 7193
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.40
Silver jewelry speaks to your soul. Silver jewelry shines.
Silver is cool, inviting and has been molded into jewelry pieces
for centuries. Sterling silver accentuates your clothing,
especially when worn with black or other dark colors. And best of
all, it's affordable!
Highest Ranked "Shopping" Articles
How To Tell If Your Clothes Are Dirty
Written by: Theresa Bane |
Distributed: 2008-05-28 |
Word Count: 1984 |
Page Views: 8004
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 3.53
If you are the type of person who wears clothes, like, t-shirts
for example, than this is an article for you. You may not be
aware of it, but your favorite t-shirt that has a clever or funny
saying emblazoned across it's width can actually reach a level
of funk that requires it to be laundered.
Private Label Bottled Water And School Fund Raising
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-04-24 |
Word Count: 1130 |
Page Views: 5216
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.50
Like most organizations, schools in the United States are subject
to constant budget stress. Important athletic and scholastic
programs are subject to budget cuts as demographics change and
taxpayers become increasingly budget aware. As a result, schools
include fund raising resources in their planning for programs.
Britney Spears Could Find Her Next Bridal Bouquet In A Magazine
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-01-28 |
Word Count: 367 |
Page Views: 2102
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.40
Pop princess Britney Spears is back on the singles scene, which
begs the question, will she try her hand at married life again?
Well, if she does, she'll have plenty of places to look to for
inspiration for her perfect wedding flowers-including two brand
new magazines aimed at helping brides choose the perfect
arrangements to top off their wedding celebrations: The Bride &
Bloom and Portovert magazines.
Do It Yourself Mold Testing Kits
Written by: Daryl Watters |
Distributed: 2007-05-29 |
Word Count: 729 |
Page Views: 5643
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.40
If you feel that you have a mold problem, you can save money on a
mold inspection by buying a mold testing kit from your local
South Florida building supply store.
Why Sterling Silver Jewelry?
Written by: Robert Vayner |
Distributed: 2007-09-24 |
Word Count: 641 |
Page Views: 7193
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.40
Silver jewelry speaks to your soul. Silver jewelry shines.
Silver is cool, inviting and has been molded into jewelry pieces
for centuries. Sterling silver accentuates your clothing,
especially when worn with black or other dark colors. And best of
all, it's affordable!
Get Peace Of Mind With These 10 Questions For Your Jeweler
Written by: Marc Choyt |
Distributed: 2007-09-06 |
Word Count: 1039 |
Page Views: 2667
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.38
Many consumers want to purchase ethically sourced jewelry yet
they do not know enough about this emerging product category to
even begin to talk to their jewelry. This article provides
knowledge and the right questions to empower the consumer
interested in purchasing social responsible jewelry.
Lindsay Lohan's Color Sense
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-03-27 |
Word Count: 400 |
Page Views: 3551
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.33
Young movie starlet Lindsay Lohan has recently begun to be
noticed for her fashion sense, including her oft-changing hair
color. The use of color is certainly important in the fashion
industry, but there's another industry where it's perhaps even
more important-the floral industry.
Paris Hilton's Family Understands The Relaxation Of Flowers
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-04-23 |
Word Count: 389 |
Page Views: 3478
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.29
Ask Paris Hilton what she thinks of flowers and she's likely to
give her trademark response, "They're hot!" And, I'm certain
that if you walk into any hotel in the Hilton line and you're
very likely to see some beautiful flowers adorning the lobby and
other public areas. That's because people in the decorating and
design industry, such as those responsible for the interior
design of Hilton hotels, understand that flowers are an excellent
way to make people feel welcome and relaxed.
Tea: Ordering Green Tea Online
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2007-06-05 |
Word Count: 890 |
Page Views: 4304
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.29
If you've started to become a green tea enthusiast, no doubt
you've realized that there are an overwhelming number of green
teas from which to choose. Just the number of green teas
varieties in China are too many to list. You may have an interest
in trying them all – but that will take you quite a while!
Odors From Hidden Mold And Your Health
Written by: Daryl Watters |
Distributed: 2008-05-14 |
Word Count: 1717 |
Page Views: 4396
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.25
Article on the often overlooked health effects of exposure to
microbial volatile organic compounds or mvoc also known as mold
odor. How mold odor can cause indoor air quality problems from
home owners and building occupants, and how mold inspectors
testing for spores often overlook this potential health threat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 1025
Total Views: 3420
Article Rating: 2.00 of 5
Votes Cast: 9
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2007-07-12 12:12:00
Internal ID: #5076
|
|
|
Home