Wilson Bros Gardens LLC

So you're growing a tea plant, Camellia sinensis, and now you want to know how to make delicious tea from the leaves. You can make black, green or oolong tea. Below are the simple instructions.

- Start by picking off some of the youngest, most tender leaves and/or leaf buds at the top of a stem

- If the leaves are wet, pat them a clean cloth to dry and let them finish drying in the shade for a few hours

- Then steam the leaves, as you would vegetables, on your stove for about a minute

For a different flavor, try roasting the leaves in a skillet for 2 minutes instead of steaming:

- Spread the leaves on a baking sheet and dry in the oven at 250F for 20 minutes and store the dried tea leaves in an air-tight container

Oolong tea is partially oxidized, which often adds a floral or fruity flavor to the tea.

- Start by picking off some of the larger leaves towards the top of a stem

- Spread them out on a towel under the sun and let them wilt for about 45 minutes

- Bring your leaves inside and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours

- Make sure to stir the leaves up every hour.

- The edges of the leaves will start to turn red as they begin to dry.

- Spread the leaves on a baking sheet and dry in the oven at 250F for 20 minutes.

- Store the dried tea leaves in an air-tight container.

Black tea is more oxidized. 

- Start by picking off some of the larger leaves towards the top of a stem

- Roll the leaves between your hands, and crush them until the leaves start to darken and turn red

- Spread the leaves out on a tray, and leave them in a cool location for 2-3 days. Some say oxidation takes place best in an environment that is somewhat warm and not too dry. Experiment to find what works best for you.

- Dry the leaves in the oven at 250F for about 20 minutes and store in an air-tight container.

TIP: You can experiment with different drying times to get different tastes. 

Enjoy your tea!