The Tea Detective
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea
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| Teas of the World |
| For many generations tea drinkers have looked to and trusted China, Japan, and India for their daily cup of tea. When we think about tea production we automatically think of these countries, and although they are some of the top tea producers, they are joined today by many other countries worldwide where quality tea is being made on a much smaller basis, much handmade specialty artisan tea produced on small farms or co-ops, and in some instances even at home, right at the kitchen table, rolled and fired in small batches, one at a time. |
| As early as ten years ago there were few specialty tea shops and for those in existence the selection of available teas was meager at best. Today there is an abundance of tea shops, as well as quality online stores and mail order, with the choices seemingly endless. The advent of air freight and vacuum packaging has evened the playing field, so to speak. It has allowed small tea farms, co-ops, and even individual families to market and sell their specialty and handmade artisan teas worldwide, something that wasn't possible even a decade ago. |
| Today tea is produced in over 50 countries. Many of styles and flavors (there is said to be over 20,000 distinct tea variations) that can now be air freighted to the West, arriving in a matter of days, fresh and flavorful as ever due to vacuum packaging. The top ten tea producing countries are (in order of production amounts): China, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Turkey, Japan, Vietnam, Argentina, and Bangladesh, with China and India consistently vying for the number one slot. Nearly every tea producing country has stepped up efforts with increased production, wider selection, and upgrading quality where needed. In some cases old factories and machinery are being upgraded and new processing facilities are being built and many small tea farms and co-ops are adding new handmade specialty and organic teas, all in response to the increasing demand for more tea worldwide. |
| Up and Coming World Tea Producers |
| There are places you may not expect to see tea production, but as the demand for high quality tea continues to rise, the amount needed to meet that demand grows exponentially with it. The top three tea producing countries are forever rivals, China and India at number one and two, with the number three slot going to Kenya. On a much smaller scale for production are countries like Taiwan whose tea industry began in the mid 1850's, when Chinese immigrants left their Fujian home and migrated there. By the end of the 19th century nearly two million former Fujian residents had made their way to the island, bringing their excellent tea making skills with them. Today Taiwan is helping meet the world- wide demand for high quality teas, export- ing about 70% of its annual yield of green and black tea, along with their oolong teas for which they're most famous. In Bangledesh, where the first tea garden was plant- ed in 1857, the Bangladesh Tea research Institute is working on developing a new higher yielding clone that produces more tea per acre, thus increasing the amount of tea available for export. Indonesia, whose tea industry went into a decline after WWII has worked tirelessly to come back. With an increase in produc- tion and improvement in quality, they are helping to meet the ever growing demand worldwide for CTC teas for tea bag blends, producing 165 metric tons in 2004. Bolivia is mostly unknown as far as tea production goes. Tea cultivation began there in the 1930's when German and Dutch companies established planta- tions and processing facilities, but at the end of 2001 only two factories remained, with just a handful of tea farmers continuing to grow tea. In 2005 their tea industry was revived with help from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Today more than 200 Bolivian farms operate, growing organic teas and specialty black, green, and jasmine teas. In the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains that form the border between Georgia and Russia, the conditions are perfect for growing tea, with clean air, fertile soil, abundant rain, and clear running water. Here Georgia tea growers are producing fine, organic handmade teas, some right in their own kitchens. Just as in China, where each generation hands down their secrets, skills, and knowledge of tea production, the Georgian elders teach the next generation how to produce the highest quality, most fragrant, flavorful teas possible. From plucking to rolling, each family has its own methods of making tea that is passed down. |
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| For decades Georgian families have been quietly making quality orthodox black teas by hand. Now, with help from a local entrepreneur and other businesses, these teas are finally finding their way onto the world market, where their quality and flavor are driving demand. These are just a few examples of up and coming tea producing countries that are working to bring quality teas to our table. It's an exciting time for tea growers as more people everyday realize teas pleasures and benefits. Stop by often as we explore each country individually, looking at the types of tea they produce, the processing methods, climate and growing seasons, and other interesting aspects of the people and cultures that allow us to experience the amazing array of teas that are being brought to our tables everyday. Enjoy. |
