Can we grow tea plants?

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Question Can we grow tea plants?

Answer During the warm days of summer and on holidays, Southerners guzzle tea. It would be more economical for most folks to produce their own tea. Homeowners are familiar with Japanese and Sasanqua camellias (Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua). Both of these ornamental plants are widely grown in North Carolina. Even though tea can be made from any plant in the genus Camellia, it is Camellia sinensis that the world uses to make tea. The common name for Camellia sinensis is simply “tea.” Like the ornamental species of Camellia, tea can be grown in North Carolina.

Camellia sinensis grows in cold hardiness zones 7 through 9. This plant thrives in a range of light environments from sunny to shady, but prefers partial shade. Its fragrant, white flowers open in the fall. It is evergreen, takes pruning well, and makes a great hedge. Why isn’t it widely planted? I don’t know.

Besides being a great landscape plant, it can be used to make tea. Green, oolong, black, white, and even brick tea are all made from the same plant. Most of the world drinks hot green tea. Englishmen sip hot black tea. Occasionally, Yankees drink cold unsweetened black tea. They prefer soft drinks. Southerners consume large quantities of cool refreshing sweet (goes without saying) black tea.

While the origin of tea concentrate, used by most restaurants, is debatable. Preparation of camellia leaves and stems determines what type of tea will be produced. For example, green tea is produced by plucking the very youngest leaves and leaf buds, then drying them in the shade for a few hours. Next, steam the leaves (like you would vegetables) on the stove for about a minute. Spread the leaves on a baking sheet and dry in the oven at 250F for 20 minutes.

Black tea is produced by cutting the very youngest leaves and leaf buds, rolling the leaves between your hands, and crushing them until the leaves start to darken and turn red. Next, spread them out on a tray, and leave them in a cool location for 2-3 days. Finally, dry them in the oven at 250F for about 20 minutes.

After water, tea is the most commonly consumed liquid on earth. It also has numerous medicinal benefits mainly due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Tea has been enjoyed by people for so long (since ± 3000 BC) its medicinal properties are often over-looked. Nowadays, scientists are boosting the popularity of green tea by releasing study after study revealing medical benefits. Recent studies show green tea helps to fight both prostate and liver cancer. The most recent findings in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states green tea is effective at preventing pneumonia. This explains why we don’t see people coughing in Bojangles.

For more info on growing camellias, visit http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0202/ If you don’t have internet access, then call (910) 893-7533 or email me a gpierce@harnett.org

To get the best of both worlds (Southern and healthy) try mixing a few green tea bags with your regular tea bags when making tea. Believe it or not, it tastes even better. Enjoy your tea during the holidays.

Gary L. Pierce

Horticulture Extension Agent