May Tea and Its Importance
May Tea symbolizes nature's renewal and is highly cherished by tea enthusiasts. May marks the beginning of tea harvests, representing nature's revival and a fresh start.
Nature's Awakening in May
There is a legend about blind-tail snakes seeking fennel plants in May to regain their sight. This story symbolizes the renewal brought by May. For tea lovers, the Camellia Sinensis plant is the essence of life, and this month heralds the fresh start of tea.
The Significance of May Buds
Teas we consume throughout the year are harvested 3-4 times, but the May bud is the most valuable. Enriched by melting snow and spring freshness, May Tea wins the hearts of experts. At Lazika, all our teas come from this first harvest, reflecting a natural and clean food philosophy.
A Unique Turkish Heritage
Turkey is the only country where tea plants can withstand snowfall, giving Turkish tea a distinctive flavor. This natural cycle allows the tea plant to rejuvenate during winter and be ready for the first harvest in May.
The Human Touch
Tea picking is still done manually, infusing each cup with the warmth of effort and intention. Perhaps this human touch adds a unique flavor to the tea.
In Conclusion
May Tea is not just a beverage; it reflects nature's rebirth, the dedication of its pickers, and the unique features of Turkish tea culture. At Lazika, we take pride in bringing this story to you with every sip.
The Art of Tea Picking: A Story of Physical and Mental Therapy
The physically demanding May harvest days bring an intriguing duality—while physically tiring, they mentally rejuvenate. Research shows that looking at greenery enhances concentration and sharpens perception.
Tea Picking: A Kung Fu Art of Precision
Tea picking is akin to a kung fu art of precision. While there are various methods to collect tea, the most critical aspect is gathering the tiny leaves at the tip of the tea plant and forming large heaps. In a good tea garden, one can collect up to 30-35 kg of 2.5 leaves per day, adding value to the tea through this laborious process.
The Effort Behind Tea
The tea, gathered with dedication by workers like Ayşe, Fatma, Nermin, and many others, is produced under challenging conditions. From these leaves, green tea yields only about 7-7.5 kg. Respecting their effort means understanding the tea's value.
The Challenging Journey of Tea: A Parallel to Cashews
Cashews hold a special place among nuts, just as tea does among beverages. Like the arduous process of separating the cashew nut from its shell, tea demands meticulous effort to extract the right leaves from nature.
The Secret of Tea: Right Leaves at the Right Time
If the tea plant were an oyster, the 2.5 leaves would be its pearl. Only when these right leaves are picked at the right time does the perfect tea emerge. Our teas are crafted by assembling these ideal parts. Our goal is always to select the finest leaves.
Turkish Tea and Lazika's Distinction
Traditional Turkish tea is typically not made from 2.5 leaves due to the difficulty of harvesting. Our green tea is made from 2.5 leaves, while our black tea is collected with scissors. The critical difference lies in selecting the best leaves through proper sorting, which is Lazika's secret.