I'm not sure if I ever showed ya'll a close up of the tea plants I ordered or not so I thought I'd post abut that today. They are basically an evergreen shrub, Camellia Sinensis, although there are several varieties. Some have white blooms, some have pink etc. I have 3 each of the white and pink but I think I'm going to prefer the white blooming shrubs, which this is. They seem to have a much more vigorous growing habit and a more tender leaf.
Anyway, they seem to be doing really well here and are already putting out a lot of new shoots. As I've told show people though, they have not gone through a winter yet but I believe they'll be just fine. Our regular camellias grow prolifically here with hardly any care at all.
Starting in the spring, you pinch off the 3 tiny shoots at the tip of each limb and this is what makes the tea. Whether or not you make black, white, green or oolong depends on how the leaves are fermented, if at all, and how they are dried. It doesn't sound horribly complicated but I'm sure you have to be pretty consistent in your drying etc. to get a good product. I would like to just be able to supply myself with tea but if I could make more, I think it would make a good side income. Of course, that would require A LOT of plants!!
6 comments:
The plants look pretty healthy to me! Can't wait to see how the tea works out!
You are just too cool!
Hey Jim! lol! thanks! I can't wait to see how it works too!
They kind of look like my hibiscus plants. I found out today that the maintenance gal for my building has two pet chickens. They lay eggs for her. She said you are allowed to have two in the DM city limits.
Thought I should clarify she is a homeowner and doesn't live in the building. ;)
Hey Erin! lol! that's great!
I also enjoy a cuppa tea, but never thought about growing my own tea leaves. Please do let us know how your drying turns out, Annie.
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