Camellia sinensis is an evergreen that is grown in hot climates, prefers moist organic soil and is usually found at high elevations. When mature the plant produces bright green leaves and little white flowers with yellow stamens, and can have several "flushes" a year. But it is the spring flush that makes the finest teas. Some species of Camellia can reach a height of over 30 feet.
As mentioned before, all types of tea come from this Camellia plant. So now let us dig this tea bush up and find out where it comes from.
Well, as stated earlier, history tells us that Camellia originated in Southeast Asia, but today is cultivated throughout the world. And thank goodness too! Why? Well because that gives us different cultures that harvest Camellia, which in turn provides us with many thousands of varieties of tea...oh so many to discover!
Camellia spreads out...
First stop, India
: the species of Camellia sinensis (a.k.a. Camellia assamica) that is grown here gives birth to most of the world's tea, and counts for about one third of total world production. Popular varieties include Assam and Darjeeling tea. A 2003 recording tells us that around 857 tons of tea was produced in India that year alone! Wow, I hope your thirsty!
The tea in the Assam region is grown at sea level near the Brahmaputra river and is processed as mostly black tea, but white and green are also selected. Thanks to a lot of rain and just the right tempetures, the Assam region of India is number one for growing tea.
The Assam variety of Camellia sinensis was "supposedly" discovered by a man named Robert Bruce around 1823. However, natives were brewing tea from the leaves before he got there...but that's just a bit of history.
Moving along and a bit higher up at 7000 feet in the beautiful Himalayas, we come across the Darjeeling variety of Camellia sinensis which like its Assam relatives down below is processed as mainly black tea. At this altitude we get a finer quality of tea that grows, and in turn makes the Darjeeling variety to be considered the best of the black teas.
Next stop, China
: this famous tea growing country is where tea began. The first species of Camellia sinensis was discovered here some five thousand years ago. China is the world's second largest producer of tea growing an estimated 791 tons in the year 2003. However even at second place, China is only responsible for about ten percent (or less) of total world production.
The types of tea that are selected for processing are mostly green and white here. The Camellia sinensis shrubs are grown high in the mountains where the soil is rich, and where they are protected from too much sun. The altitude plays another role too as the plants tend to grow slower which retains the flavor in the leaves. It is in these perfect conditions that ensures a quality tea.
Sri Lanka
: is a small tropical island off the southeast coast of India whose steamy climate is great for growing tea. Sri Lanka comes in third for total world production, and like India, black teas are more commonly grown here; and like the Darjeeling variety, at high altitudes.
Once a great place for growing coffee, a common black tea called Ceylon (old name for Sri Lanka) took over after a nasty fungus named Hemileia vastatrix compromised the coffee plants. I feel I have to thank this fungus because Ceylon black tea is one of my favorite breakfast teas!
Camellia in Japan
: paying a visit to Japan we learn that it is no stranger to Camellia sinensis and is a well known green tea growing country. It is also a well known green tea drinking country too which is why Japan is not on the list for "most world production". Only two percent of the tea grown here ever make it past the shores and in your cup. But don't let that discourage you fellow tea drinkers, there's still plenty to go around.
While there are many kinds of green tea processed in Japan, Sencha and Gyokuro are some popular examples. Japan is a culture of tea in its own that deserves some detailed explaining which you can enjoy elsewhere on this site (might run out of room here if I continue, hehe).
Last stop, Taiwan
: I hate to forget about oolong tea and there's no better place than Taiwan for it! The species of Camellia sinensis grown in Taiwan give to the world some of the finest oolong teas anywhere.
Also called "Wu-long tea", oolong tea is sort of a mix between green tea and black tea. In the early days, Taiwan exported most of its tea, but since then its population grew along with its fondness for this native beverage. Like Japan, only about two percent of Taiwan’s tea are ever exported.
There are other countries as well where Camellia sinensis is cultivated for its delightfulness, such as Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzani...plus more. The above countries mentioned are just the most common and largest tea growing nations.
Next time you sip a cup of tea ask yourself "what kind is it?" and "where did it come from?" And of course enjoy!
