The Journey of Tea

Have you ever met a freshly picked tea leaf? No, I can almost hear you saying. I would love for you to meet me. I am here as a tender tea leaf, and I can’t wait to tell you my story. I will try to tell you about the adventures I experienced until I was poured into the cup. If you’re ready, let’s begin!

Our Story Begins

Our story begins with the days when I grew up in the fields under the sun. The Latins call me Camelia sinensis, but in these lands, it's what we know as tea. I'm lovingly grown in the rich soil of the Eastern Black Sea region. One day, as the morning sun caressed my face, my drooping leaves swayed happily, as if dancing in a gentle breeze. Then, aunts came to the garden with baskets in their hands. According to them, it was May, and my harvest time had arrived.

May and the First Harvest

After winter ended, my new shoots had sprouted leaves. My top needle leaf and then two more leaves... I'd heard they called them 2.5 leaves. They gently gathered us by hand, without hurting us, and we were all placed in a wicker tea basket. Then we were taken to our first stop, the Lazika Tea House where they take us from the farmers.

First Step: Drying

Our first stop was a cool, shady spot. We were lined up outdoors to dry. But don't worry, this was just the first step in giving us flavor and character. Throughout the night, we supported each other and bonded like a family.

Shocking Process

They said we're going to go into shock now. Apparently, when we go into shock, our oxidation enzymes will be inactivated. I thought what does that mean?

I overheard them talking next to me: “Green tea is rapidly processed using a shock freezing method to prevent oxidation and fermentation of the fresh leaves.” Apparently, the enzymes in our leaves can trigger chemical reactions that can alter the taste, aroma, and color of the tea. That’s why fresh leaves, like ours, that will become green tea are shock frozen immediately after harvesting to stop oxidation.

Kneading and Twisting

A woman, whose name I later learned was Yıldız, spread us out in the pan and carefully began kneading/twisting us. As we twisted, we warmed up, and as we rubbed against each other, our juices were released. It was as if we were dancing in the pan, with all our natural flavors.

Installation and Packaging

When we were finished here, they spread us out nicely to dry and moved us to a shady spot. We were drying a little more each day. But as we dried, I felt my flavor deepening. With the passage of time, the flavor within me intensified and my aromas became more concentrated. When the last drop of water left my body, they packaged me nicely. Finally, I was reunited with the other leaves in a carefully selected package. Each leaf combined its own characteristics to create a harmony.

Offered for Sale

I was lined up on the shelf with my other friends, waiting for the family that would buy me and take me to their warm home. Then... I received an order from www.lazika.com.tr/en and they shipped it to me.

Time to Pour into the Glass

They brewed me immediately; I had reached the final stage. Dancing in the boiling water, I was about to be poured into the cup. Floating in the hot water, I felt the excitement of merging with the other leaves as a tea leaf. Each of us, combining our unique aromas and characteristics, formed a whole.

The Magic of a Cup of Tea

That's when I truly felt my unifying power. My catechins and polyphenols emerged. I didn't even know I was so beneficial. I know I 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. Tea unites us not only through its taste but also through the feelings it evokes.

I hope my story has brought you one step closer to the magical world of tea.

Enjoy your tea!