Green China Tea: The French Alternative
For a quick-pick-me-up, most people would reach for a traditional cup of tea, with milk and sugar. But what if you could enjoy a great tasting tea that was good for you, and have the pleasure of growing the tea yourself? Jackie French looks at growing and drinking your own home-grown green China tea.
What is it?
Green China tea comes from the young shoots of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. It is called green tea as, unlike other teas, it does not require fermentation, but is made from the dried, green leaves.
Warning: Do not eat or infuse other types of camellias, or plants not developed for that purpose.
Camellia sinensis is a native of China and India. It prefers warm, temperate climates, in a sheltered but sunny position. It will grow as far north as Brisbane.
It is an evergreen tree with small, white flowers and dark green, glossy leaves. Its size is variable from a small shrub to a large spreading tree up to 15m tall with a spread of 4m (45×12′).
Despite the huge range of teas available, there is only one species of tea plant. Other differences relate to where the plant is grown, the size of the leaf, the way it is processed after picking and any additives.
Green tea was once drunk as a tonic for stomach and respiratory troubles, and current research suggests that regular drinking of this tea may reduce susceptibility to some types of cancer.
How to make green tea
Pick the new leaves as small shoots and leave them in bunches in a cool, dark place to dry. This can take up to several weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity. Slow drying is preferred.
When the leaves are dry, crumble them (this assists in the brewing process).
Use only a small amount of tea (1/2 teaspoon of dried leaves makes about 1 cup of tea). Place the leaves in a tea pot, cover with boiling water and allow to stand for a few minutes before pouring.
Green tea is best drunk very weak, without milk and sugar.
Availability
Camellia sinensis is available from some nurseries. Note: As nurseries will not always keep this plant in stock, ask your local nursery to order it for you from specialist growers.