And learning just how much labor goes into this wonderful drink
27 February 2010, 09:00Mrs. Wong’s plantation does most of its harvesting in tea. And their Oolong is the best I’ve ever had. They lay it out on the floor at the alter in the church to let it dry (perhaps that’s why it’s so good).
When they offered to let me try my hand at picking the tea, I was totally game. But that lasted for, like, 2.8 seconds, because I was picking the wrong leaves. Apparently there’s a skill to it. That, and I wouldn’t last long with these guys. They’re fast. I mean that. they fill their baskets in almost no time. I was busy just trying not to fall down the hill.
This lady took my few leaves I’d collected, and showed me how it’s done. (Not really, she just ran off and left me). I was thoroughly convinced that I shouldn’t work at a tea plantation. But at least I got the shot! ;~]
~Jonathan