Tea Project
Back in 1988, Mt. Jefferson Farms (the family farm/nursery operation) partnered with a tea expert John Vendeland to research the growing and production of camellia sinensis (tea) plants in Oregon. Many people do not realize the all types of tea- black, green, oolong and white to name a few, all come from the same species- camellia sinensis. Varying levels of oxidation, and other numerous techniques (similar to the complexity of wine making) produce different types of tea. There are also many regional varieties and cultivars that add to the wide variety of teas produced all over world.
Many camellia sinensis cultivars were selected to be grown here at the Salem farm in hopes of establishing an Oregon grown tea product and researching both growing and flavor characteristics of the various varieties. The result was the Illahee Hills Tea Company, and a healthy, mature block of tea. The research and development done by the Illahee Hills Tea Company is being continued here at Minto Island Growers.
This summer we will be carefully pruning the tea block to create a consistent cutting bed for the tender young shoots that is most desirable for quality tea harvest. With a good table top hedge shape, consistent picking, and more practice processing the tea leaves, we hope to be on our way to producing a tasty, Oregon grown, tea product! And that could be just the beginning for a truly unique Oregon grown product…
More about camellia sinensis tea…
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