Tea manufacture is one of the oldest biotechnologies developed and practiced by mankind.

Turkey : 160,000 ton black tea production and consumption

China Teas (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis)

-slow-growing ( grow to a height of 4?6?m if unattended)

– resistant to cold

– in China, Japan, Turkey, Iran

-to produce delicately flavored tea

-low-yield

Assam Teas (Camellia sinensis var. assamica)

-faster-growing (12?15?m )

-larger glossy elliptical leaves

-less resistant to cold

-much higher-yield

– less delicately flavored

Types of tea

green tea ( not fermented )

oolong and pouching teas ( partially fermented)

black tea ( fully fermented)

Differences=f(extent of fermentation)

most tender portions of tea plants are used to produce best quality teas.

Immature plant:less woody (i.e. Less lignified)

Fresh tea shoot tips ( 78 % moisture)

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