How do the flavors of your teas change depending on the season?
At Basilur , we focus on even the most subtle differences in the color, aroma and taste of our teas to ensure the highest quality . After tasting thousands of batches of infusions from different regions and seasons, our connoisseurs were able to precisely determine all patterns of changes in taste, color and aroma in our teas .
Differences in weather during different seasons are one of the most important factors affecting the overall quality of tea . In a country like China, where production takes place all year round, these changes have a significant impact on the harvest. So green tea , coming from countries with this cultivation pattern, is most often affected by these weather changes .
That's why, as true tea lovers, we felt it was important for you to stay up to date with how even the slightest changes in weather and seasons can affect your infusions.
Spring
Spring usually means the first harvest of the year . Once the spring monsoons end, tea growers begin plucking the fresh buds of the tea bush , which have been shot up using the nutrients the plants have been collecting throughout the dormant winter season. Plants also take advantage of the longer days this season to accelerate their growth . This harvest lasts from March to mid-May .
Generally speaking, this season's tea tends to have a very light flavor profile , soft texture , and rich aroma . For this reason , the spring season harvest is considered best for green and white teas as they require minimal processing . Also, the lower quality of the harvest this season makes plucking more expensive. One of the most popular types of tea harvested this season are oolong teas .
Summer
Summer harvest generally lasts from May to early August . Most mass- produced teas are harvested during this season due to the abundant growth of the tea bush . Because these leaves have had less time to grow, they have a bolder flavor compared to the spring harvest and have little natural sweetness . They are therefore an ideal base for flavored teas or for consumption with additives such as milk .
Autumn
As the weather cools down in autumn, the growth of tea bushes slows down . This gives the leaves additional flavor and complexity . Secondary harvests of Oolong teas and various other green and white teas are very common this season. Fall crops are usually harvested from September to November . Like the spring harvest, these teas have a rich aroma and noticeable floral notes .
Winter
Tea plants are usually dormant and do not produce new leaves during the coldest time of year. Plants usually gather nutrients , especially carbohydrates , during this season and prepare for the spring harvest .
How does climate change affect tea?
Climate change can literally leave a bad taste in your mouth . There has been a long-standing debate on the impact of changes on the amount of food produced . However, there are now growing concerns about how this may affect its quality . Especially for tea , which is very sensitive to the climate in which it grows. For example , research shows that excessive rainfall resulting from climate change can diminish the flavor of tea . Also , rapidly changing winter temperatures can cause frost on the leaves in some regions , which can lead to changes in flavor . So, when climate change is not properly controlled , the taste of your brew can change dramatically.
Your tea is largely defined by the environment in which it grows. Growers and producers around the world carefully monitor the weather to always bring you the best cup of tea !
