The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) has its origins in Southeast Asia. The young shoots of this plant are used to produce tea. Sinensis is Latin for 'Chinese'. Today, tea is cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Its tiny leaves are the basis for white tea, green tea, oolong and black tea. Tea plantations are usually located on mountainous slopes. The higher the elevation of the plantation, the better the quality of the tea. Tea plants have to be two to four years old before their leaves can be harvested. Usually, only the tips and the first two or three leaves of the plant are harvested for making into tea. Harvesting can be done year round, but tea leaves of the highest quality are picked during the dry monsoon period.


Camillia Sinensis