The Journey of Tea
Have you ever met a tea leaf freshly plucked from the branch? No? I can almost hear your voices. I would love for you to get to know me. As a young tea leaf, I am here and eager to tell you my story. I will try to share the adventures I went through before reaching the cup. If you're ready, let's begin!
Our Story Begins
Our story starts with the days when I grew under the sun in the fields. They call me Camelia sinensis in Latin, but here, I’m simply known as tea. I grow with love in the rich soils of the Eastern Black Sea. One day, as the morning sun caressed my face, my fluttering leaves danced joyfully in the breeze. Then, a group of aunts arrived with baskets in their hands. They said it was May, and it was harvest time for me.
May and the First Harvest
After winter, my new buds had sprouted. A top needle leaf and then two more leaves... They called it 2.5 leaves. With their gentle hands, they plucked us carefully, not harming us, and we were all placed into a woven tea basket. Then, we were brought to our first stop, the Lazika Tea Collection House.
The First Process: Drying
Our first stop was a cool and shady place. We were lined up outside to dry. But don’t worry, this process was the first step in giving us flavor and character. Through the night, we supported each other and united like a family.
Shocking Process
Now, we were told we were going to be shocked. What did that mean? I overheard: “Green tea is rapidly processed by the shocking method to prevent the oxidation and fermentation of the fresh leaves.” The enzymes in our leaves could trigger chemical reactions that change the tea’s taste, aroma, and color. That’s why fresh leaves like us, destined to be green tea, are shocked right after harvest to stop oxidation.
Rolling and Twisting
An older sister, whose name I learned was Yıldız, spread us on a pan and started rolling and twisting us carefully. As we twisted, we heated up, and our juices were released. It felt like we were dancing in the pan, surrounded by all our natural aromas.
Drying and Packaging
When our work was done here, we were spread out to dry and placed in a shaded area. With each passing day, we became drier. But I could feel the taste deepening as I dried. As time passed, my flavor intensified and my aromas grew stronger. When the last drop of water left my body, I was carefully packaged. Finally, I joined other leaves in a well-chosen package. Each leaf came together to form a harmonious blend, combining our unique qualities.
For Sale
I was placed on the shelf with my friends, waiting for the family that would take me to its warm home. Then, I received an order from www.lazika.com.tr, and I was shipped.
Time to Brew
They brewed me right away; I was nearing the final stage. As I danced in the hot water, I was about to be poured into the cup. Floating in the hot water, I felt the excitement of merging with other leaves. Each of us, blending our unique aromas and characteristic features, formed a perfect whole.
The Magic of a Cup of Tea
At that moment, I truly felt my unifying power. My catechins and polyphenols emerged. I didn’t even know I was so beneficial! I know that I help bring people together, share conversations, and strengthen friendships. That’s why I believe in the magic of a cup of tea.
Conclusion
Sharing a cup of tea is a ritual that brings people together and strengthens conversations. With every sip, you feel a warm connection. Not only through its flavors but also through what it makes us feel, tea unites us.
I hope my story has brought you a step closer to the magical world of tea.
Enjoy your tea!