Picking tea involves carefully selecting the top leaves of the tea plant to ensure the best flavor and nutrient content. The key is identifying and plucking the right leaves.
Identifying the Correct Leaves
The most important step in picking tea is identifying the top leaves of the tea plant, specifically:
- The top three leaves (and sometimes the bud): These leaves are the youngest and most tender, containing the highest concentration of desirable compounds. The video excerpt specifies that the top three leaves hold the most nutrients.
The Picking Technique
Once you've identified the correct leaves, you need to pluck them carefully:
- Grasp the stem: Hold the stem of the tea plant a few millimeters below the desired leaves.
- Pluck gently: With a gentle but firm motion, pluck the leaves from the stem.
Proper tea picking is a skilled process that ensures the quality and flavor of the tea. Selecting the right leaves and using the correct technique are essential for producing high-quality tea.
