FARMED WITH CARE - Tea and Herbal Association of Canada

Harvest season in Canada reminds us that every bite and every sip begins in the soil. Did you know that the tea in your cup also comes from fields? It’s true. Tea is an agricultural crop grown on farms in countries such as China, Kenya, India, Japan, and Sri Lanka. Just like the fruit, grains, and vegetables grown here in Canada, tea is farmed with care.

FROM BUSH TO CUP

Grown on Tea Farms

Tea begins its journey on lush, green farms in countries like China, India, Kenya, Japan, and Sri Lanka. The tea plant, Camellia sinensis, thrives in warm climates with rich soil and plenty of rainfall.

Handpicked with Care

When the tea leaves are ready, skilled pluckers harvest the tender top two leaves and a bud. This careful picking is often done by hand to ensure only the finest leaves make it to your cup.

Mechanical Harvest

Sometimes tea is harvested mechanically instead of being plucked.

Withering and Rolling

Once picked, the fresh leaves are spread out to wither, losing some moisture and becoming pliable. They’re then rolled or twisted to break down cell walls, releasing natural juices that develop the tea’s aroma and character.

Oxidation and Drying

This is where the magic happens. Depending on how much the leaves are allowed to oxidize, they become green, oolong, or black tea. After oxidation, the leaves are dried to lock in their unique flavour profiles and prepare them for packaging.

Blending, Packing, and Brewing

The dried leaves are sorted, sometimes blended for consistency or flavour, and carefully packed to preserve freshness. Once they reach you, all that’s left is to add hot water, steep, and enjoy a cup that connects you back to the farm where it all began.