Tea has grown in Indonesia since 1684 when the Dutch East India Company brought it to Sumatra. They were popular in Europe until WWII when Japan invaded the island in 1942. By the end of the war, the factories had been destroyed. The country cultivated the teas again and by the 1980s the teas were rapidly expanding in popularity again. The main growing regions in Indonesia are Sumatra and Java. In Java, tea is grown in the western mountains and harvested all year round but the highest quality is harvested during the dry period from July to September. Sumatra tea is more consistent all year round.
Sumatra tea is delicate and high quality; it is comparable to the best Green Oolong from Taiwan. High altitude and skilled craftsmen deliver a tea that is floral and jade green. Taste is a little grassy with buttered floral and vanilla nuances. You can catch just a little scent of citrus and a hint of vanilla and cured buttery olives.
Indonesia is the 2nd most bio-diverse country after Brazil. It is hot and humid with 60% of the country heavily forested and 50,000 miles of coastline. The average humidity is 80% making it a great tea growing climate.
At TeaGschwendner, you can order any of the tea mentioned. Shipping is $5 anywhere within the borders of North Carolina. The last tea tasting class for this month was tonight. Do you belong to a club? Would you like to plan an event for a group of friends? Call the shop. Remember classes are held the second and third Thursday of the month.
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