You dropped me in hot water, strained me to take out the flavors out of me and I hardly mind that since I was born to serve you the best aroma I have. I eagerly anticipated this day when my full potential transformed into a warm cup of fragrant tea, right since the day I was born and raised in the beautiful hills of Darjeeling.
Who am I?
The Biology human-nerds call us Camelia Sinensis. But we are popular as Tea Leaves all over the world. And just like how humans have at least one cousin who has settled abroad, I have truck load of them living overseas! I know they miss home. Growing up dancing in the gentle breeze of Darjeeling hills, we watched the sunrise together. Our magnificent emerald green plantations were studded with lovely women hustling to pick the best of us. They sang beautifully. Sometimes even danced. This was the scene at the end of winters, in the harvest season, with the sky lit with warm sun rays.
Benefits I Might Provide
“How do they work so hard?” we often wondered “and with smiles and grace, in these chilly breezy mountains.”
“They have superpowers”, we secretly know it comes from us. Why else would humans wake up and drink Tea first thing in the morning? And all through out the day, especially when low on energy!
While I grew up, I overheard stories from our Tea Pickers. They spoke fondly about the magical cities. I have been excited about visiting those while I grew into sweet tender leaf in the winter months. But as magical as the cities are, people get tired often, I heard and there is so much work to do! Children seldom sleep at night. They always have to finish something called as “late night studies”. And the oldies, they are down with indigestion, blood pressure and diabetes. As I heard stories about them, just as much they made me sad, they inspired me to leave the comforts of Tea Gardens. For I believe I have the solution to all their problems!
After coming to the cities, I learnt a lot. Us Tea Leaves are known to cure tension and anxiety that busy lives bring to the human folklore. Now its hard for me to actually know what anxiety is, but by the sound of it, it seems taxing. I help humans release a chemical called dopamine, it helps the mind stay happy and calm. I am not surprised; I am very charming like that!
Cancer is the scariest thing I have heard of. Its caused by oxidative damage in human body. But I am full of anti oxidants. I might prevent this crazy disease that is rampant among humans.
The Processing
When I was plucked and sent to the processing unit, I was terrified. The trucks moved so fast! Why are humans in such a hurry? After reaching the factory, we were segregated. I was mildly roasted, as I was to be Green. Getting roasted however wasnt easy. It was really hot. But boy, after the processing, I smelled so darn good! I couldnt get enough of smelling myself. Id put all the Lux Soap ads to shame!
Well there I was, a fully qualified Green Tea Leaf ? ready to be packaged and put on a mission! This time, I traveled by train, which was even faster! Seriously humans, you guys need to slow down a little!
The Packaging & Sealing
TE-A-ME carefully poured me in a beautiful tea bag, which was heat sealed in a sachet and packaged in these beautiful colorful boxes! There was no way I could lose my fragrance. And thus I found my identity. And while I was dipped in hot water, I gladly came out as a wonderful flavourful tea!
Allow me to remind you, every time you brew yourself a fine Cup of Tea in your busy schedule, that everything will be alright. Us tea leaves got your back, always! Check out