The innate flavor of dried tea leaves is determined by the type of cultivar of the tea plant, the quality of the plucked whole tea leaves, and the manner and quality of the production process. At Ineeka you are assured of the finest tea leaves, pristinely cultivated and expertly processed. Our traditional approach to processing produces premium teas that are complex in flavor and aroma.
All Teas Undergo Five Basic Processing Steps.
Plucking. Withering. Rolling. Oxidation and Drying.
Plucking
The top two tea leaves and their bud are plucked during early spring and early summer. All of our plucking is done by hand by experts, ensuring the best quality product. Some of our top teas are plucked before sunrise, when the natural fragrance it at it's peak.
hands plucking tea leaves
Withering
Tea leaves begin to wilt soon after picking, with a gradual onset of enzymatic oxidation. This process is called withering, and is used to remove excess water from the leaves and allow slight oxidation. Ineeka tea leaves are withered to perfection in cool breezy rooms.
man withering tea
Rolling
Rolling shapes the leaves and wrings out the juices. The damp tea leaves are rolled and shaped by hand, causing some of the sap, essential oils, and juices inside the leaves to ooze out, which further enhances the taste.
man standing above a tea rolling machine
Oxidation
For teas that require oxidation, particularly our black teas, the leaves are left on their own in a climate-controlled room where they turn progressively darker. Oxidation is important in the formation of many taste and aroma compounds. Green teas are not allowed to oxidize retaining the most important polyphenols and antioxidants.
workers in a tea oxidation room
Drying
At the desired level of oxidation, the tea leaves are gently heated to stop the oxidation process dn hence seal the natural flavors till the tea is brewed in your home. The drying process is responsible for many new flavor compounds particularly important in green teas. Drying must be done with great skill and care.
workers pouring tea in a tea dryer