How to Follow the Tea Road

May 20
10:15

2024

Pascale Juilliard

Pascale Juilliard

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Tea, a daily beverage enjoyed by billions, is often prepared simply yet offers a magical experience. Why? Unlike other drinks, tea never tastes the same twice. Its diverse flavors, strengths, and rituals make it a unique journey. This article explores the rich world of tea, from its origins to its cultural significance, and highlights the importance of organic tea production.

The Magic of Tea

Tea is a ubiquitous drink,How to Follow the Tea Road Articles enjoyed by billions worldwide. Despite its often rudimentary preparation, tea offers a magical dimension. Unlike other beverages, tea never tastes the same twice. Its flavors, strengths, and varieties are immensely diverse, offering a unique experience with every cup.

The Diversity of Tea

Tea comes in a myriad of flavors, tastes, colors, and benefits. From the robust Pu-erh of China to the delicate Sencha of Japan, each type of tea offers a unique experience. The preparation and pouring of tea are rituals that reflect relationships with others and nature, making the journey of discovering tea rituals in different lands even more enticing.

My Tea Travels

I have traveled to various countries, including China, Japan, India, Laos, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Argentina, to explore their tea cultures. These travels have not only introduced me to different types of teas but also to the plants and flowers used in unique tea mixtures. This journey has fueled my creativity in designing unique tea blends that leave a lasting impact on the drinker.

Promoting Organic Tea Production

The goal of my travels has been to promote the organic tea sector. This involves providing direct and fair compensation for producers, improving incomes, enhancing living conditions, granting social rights, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

A Study of Tea Regions

Asia

China: Yunnan Region

  • Cooperative: Organic certified in 2004 and FLO in 2007, with 250 families of small producers from the Lahu ethnic group.
  • Favorite Teas: Pu-erh, Mini Tuocha, Yunnan Dianhong.

China: Hubei Region

  • Cooperative: Organic certified in 2001 and FLO in 2007, with 500 families of small producers from the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups.
  • Favorite Teas: Chun Mee, Gunpowder, Sencha, Jade Cloud, Wulu Premium Kung Fu Congou, Lapsang Souchong.

Laos: Bolovènes Plateau

  • Cooperative: Organic certified in 2007 and FLO in 2009, with 100 families of farmers cultivating traditional high-quality tea.
  • Favorite Teas: Green, Black Paksong, Celestial Oolong, Mekong.

Latin America

Argentina: Guiray (Misiones Province)

  • Cooperative: Includes 20 producers of mate, with partners working for 5 years to create organic production in San Vicente.
  • Plant Chosen: Maté.

Africa

Burkina Faso

  • Development Project: Started in 2009 for hibiscus and neem plants with the help of Africa Orange Blue. This project supports rural women and maintains the culture of ancient plants.
  • Plants: Hibiscus, Neem.

The Impact of Organic Tea Production

The journey to tea producers has been overwhelming in many ways. Direct association with cooperatives and studying tea with small farmers has led to significant advancements in organic tea production. This journey has been instrumental in promoting fair trade, improving living conditions, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Interesting Stats

  • Global Tea Production: In 2020, global tea production reached 6.5 million metric tons, with China and India being the largest producers (FAO, 2021).
  • Organic Tea Market: The global organic tea market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2021 to 2028 (Grand View Research, 2021).
  • Tea Consumption: Over 3 billion cups of tea are consumed daily worldwide (Tea Association of the USA, 2021).

Conclusion

The road to tea producers has been a journey of discovery, learning, and promoting sustainability. By exploring different tea cultures and supporting organic production, we can enjoy the diverse flavors of tea while ensuring fair trade and environmental sustainability.

For more information on the global tea market, visit FAO and Grand View Research.

Sources:

  • FAO. (2021). "Tea Market Report."
  • Grand View Research. (2021). "Organic Tea Market Size & Share Report."
  • Tea Association of the USA. (2021). "Tea Fact Sheet.

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