Tea picking is an ancient and delicate craft that has undergone thousands of years of development, making tea a beloved beverage worldwide. The process of tea picking is filled with poetry and art, demanding meticulous care and patience at every step.
The quality of tea picking not only influences the tea's overall quality, yield, and economic benefits but also impacts the growth, development, and lifespan of the tea trees. Therefore, tea picking holds significant importance in the tea production process.
Tea picking involves carefully plucking the tea leaves when the tea trees reach maturity. The timing of tea picking plays a crucial role, typically occurring in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
This is because the young shoots in the tea leaves possess a higher water content during these times, showcasing a fresh, tender green color and releasing a more intense aroma. Picking tea leaves requires skilled hands and a discerning eye.
Tea leaves can generally be harvested throughout the year, with spring tea leaves often being plucked in late March. The latest picking period typically falls around late October, lasting for approximately one month. The prime months for tea picking are usually March, April, or September when sunshine is abundant.
Some teas, however, are exclusively harvested during the summer to optimize their ability to absorb flavors during repeated scenting while maintaining their original shape. In fact, the timing of tea picking varies based on the region and tea variety produced.
When picking tea leaves, we cherish and treasure them, paying attention to the picking time, method, and post-harvest storage.
It is crucial to grasp the picking period and time. For ordinary tea, the ideal time frame is usually between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Picking after 4 o'clock may result in comparatively lower quality.
The choice of picking method encompasses hand-picking and machine-picking. Hand-picking is the most common and practical approach as it allows for selective plucking based on the growth stage of the tea leaves.
The key to successful tea picking lies in speed and accuracy. Pickers must swiftly identify and pluck the young shoots while ensuring the quality is maintained. Experienced pickers possess the ability to spot suitable buds for picking at a glance.
They place the plucked shoots into baskets and move on to locate the next target, transforming the tea garden into an elegant landscape with their graceful figures.
The harvested tea leaves must be promptly processed to preserve their freshness and aroma. The pickers carefully place the tea leaves in baskets, which are then transported to processing plants. During processing, the tea leaves undergo various steps such as rolling, fermentation, and baking, ultimately transforming into the familiar tea we enjoy.
Tea picking is a labor-intensive task that demands patience and enthusiasm, yet it also provides a sense of fulfillment. Pickers immerse themselves in the tea garden, establishing a connection with nature as they sense the earth's breath and the plants' vitality.
They observe the growth process of tea leaves, experiencing the wonders and mysteries of nature. This harmonious interaction with nature brings joy and tranquility to the mind.
Tea picking is a timeless craft that merges artistry with nature. Its significance goes beyond the production of high-quality tea; it fosters a deep appreciation for the delicate balance between humans and the natural world.
