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(Camellia sinensis)
After water, tea is the
most popular beverage on the
planet. The tea plant’s
scientific name is Camellia
sinensis and its related to
the Camellia japonica, a
familiar tree or shrub.
Grown best in tropical and
subtropical climates with
abundant rainfall and rich
soil, the tea plant can grow
to heights of 30 feet if
left unpruned. Tea plants or
bushes are usually
maintained or pruned back to
three-five feet. This height
allows for convenient
plucking of tender tea
leaves. Pruning also
stimulates the growth of new
young leaves or flush. If
properly cultivated, tea
bushes can have a productive
life span exceeding 100
years.
All teas originate from one
of two important subspecies,
either the Assam type
(assamica) or China type
(sinensis). Grown in India,
Sri Lanka and in other parts
of the world, the Assam type
tea produces large, strong
tasting leaves. The China
tea type, cultivated in
China, Taiwan, Japan and
parts of Darjeeling, yields
a more delicate tea with
smaller leaves.
Climate and geographic
location, including the
altitude and soil, all play
a role in determining the
quality of tea. The plant
flourishes at altitudes
between 2000 and 6500 feet.
The finest quality teas grow
at higher elevations where
the cool climate slows
growth, allowing more
concentrated flavors to
develop in the leaves.
However, many good teas also
grow at low elevations near
sea level. The tea industry
uses generations of
vegetative propagation and
leaf cuttings from the best
plants to clone productive
bushes that yield superior
tasting tea. |
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