Provides information on growing, processing and blending tea. On arrival at the factory, the plucked leaf is spread on large trays or racks, normally placed at the top of the factory, and are left to wither in air at 2530 degrees centigrade. The moisture in the leaf evaporates in the warm air leaving the leaves flaccid. This process can take between 10 to 16 hours, depending on the wetness of the leaf. Some factories will gently hasten the process with the aid of warm air fans. The withered leaf is broken by machine so that the natural juices, or enzymes, are released and on contact with the air will oxidise. This breaking is done by two methods Orthodox and Unorthodox terms are used to describe the machinery used.

Address: 9, The Courtyard, Gowan Avenue, London, SW6 6RH
Telephone: 020 7371 7787
Fax: 020 7371 7958
Website: http://www.tea.co.uk/index.php?pgId=60