How Temperature and Time Affect Flavour in Tea Processing
Tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a complex drink with various flavours that depend on how it’s processed. Every cup of tea you sip results from careful cultivation and an intricate processing journey that transforms raw tea leaves into the final product. Among the many factors that influence the taste of tea, two of the most important are temperature and time. These elements play a critical role in shaping the tea's flavour profile, aroma, and colour. Let’s explore how these two factors affect tea processing and the flavour you experience when drinking your favourite tea. Temperature and Its Role in Tea Processing Temperature is crucial at different stages of tea processing, and it can either enhance or hinder the development of flavours in the leaves. The primary processing steps where temperature plays a significant role include withering, oxidation, and drying. Withering : This is one of the first stages of tea production , where freshly plucked tea leaves are laid out to...