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Camellia - green tea ?
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Posted by Popi NSW Aust (My Page) on Fri, Nov 4, 05 at 18:40
| Hello fellow herbites
What is the species name of the Camellia that is used for green tea ? Any ideas, I know that Camellia sinensis is used for tea, but is this green tea ?
Also, if I may, another question.....I am wanting to start propagating herbs, I have purchased seed for Big W for all the popular herbs, but I would like some suggestions for more herbs to grow. And, where would I get seed from ?
Thanks for your suggestions
Popi
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Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Camellia - green tea ?
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- Posted by lakota SW West Aust (My Page) on
Fri, Nov 4, 05 at 21:16
Hi Popi, as far as I can find out camelia sinensis is green tea as well as black tea, the difference being that green tea is made from unfermented leaves.
As to your seed question, I would check out health food shops as they often sell herb and vegie seeds. Sometimes they are from organic plants and usually you will find some very unusual varieties. Good luck with your seed hunting. Cheers, Jules |
RE: Camellia - green tea ?
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There are lots of herb farms (nurseries) around. Check your phone book. I'm sure there would be one in your area. A lot of regular nurseries sell herb plants and seeds as well.
Cheers,
Dee. |
RE: Camellia - green tea ?
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- Posted by Popi NSW Aust (My Page) on
Sat, Nov 5, 05 at 3:40
| Many thanks Jules and Dee, I will do some herb hunting. I went to the nursery today, couldnt find a Camellia sinensis, might have to investigate that further. |
RE: Camellia - green tea ?
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| Camellia sinensis is the plant which results in oolong tea, green tea, and black tea. The difference is in the preparation of the leaves. Here's how it goes: Terminal sprouts with 2-3 leaves are usually hand-plucked, usually every 7-15 days, depending on the development of the tender shoots. Leaves that are slow in development always make a better flavoured product. Green, Oolong and black (‘normal’) tea are all made from the leaves of the same plant. Green tea leaves are allowed to wither in hot air then pan-fried to halt the oxidation (fermentation) processes. The leaves of Oolong tea are wilted in sunlight, bruised and allowed to partially oxidise, until reddening of the leaf edges occurs. Black teas leaves are fermented in cool, humid rooms, until the entire leaf is darkened. Freshly picked leaves are spread very thinly and evenly on trays and placed in the sun until the leaves become very flaccid, requiring 13 hours or more, depending on heat and humidity. Other types of black teas are made by withering the leaves, rolling them into a ball and allowing to ferment in a damp place for 3-6 hours, at which time the ball turns a yellowish copper color, with an agreeable fruity one. If this stage goes too far, the leaves become sour and unfit for tea. After fermenting, the ball is broken up and the leaves spread out on trays and dried in oven until leaves are brittle and have slight odor of tea.. As soon as harvested, leaves are steamed or heated to dry the natural sap and prevent oxidation to produce green tea. Still soft and pliable after the initial treatment, the leaves are then rolled and subjected to further firing. Try this mob: ALL RARE HERBS Wholesale and retail, totally organically grown plants and live roots.
P.O. Box 91, Mapleton QLD
Phone: (07) 5446 9243
Fax: (07) 5446 9277
Email: mcplant@hotmail.com |
RE: Camellia - green tea ?
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- Posted by Popi NSW Aust (My Page) on
Wed, Nov 16, 05 at 0:34
| Many thanks Daisyduckworth for you information. You certainly are an authority. I drink quite a bit of green tea, and am most keen to make it myself. I will have to track down the camellia, there is a big wholesale camellia nursry near me, so I will give them a call.
Cheerio |
RE: Camellia - green tea ?
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| Eden Seeds and Daleys Fruit Trees would be worth trying. Both have web sites. |
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