When we think of the major tea growing nations, we think of China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, perhaps even Africa. There is a little tea growing in the US, in the Carolinas. Also Hawaii is boasting tea plantations. Did you read that on our Facebook fan page? If not, you can read it here.
Well, the newest nation, it seems, to be growing and marketing tea is New Zealand. The are shipping some to the US. Here is the story from a press release:
Tea lovers in the United States will have their first chance to try New Zealand’s only tea, Zealong, beginning on June 29, 2010, when Chicago Tea Garden makes it available to its retail and wholesale customers.
Zealong began in 1996 when its owners planted imported Taiwanese seedlings on their New Zealand farm. Only 130 of the original 1500 imports survived the strict 10-month quarantine period, and from these hearty plants, over 1,000,000 tea bushes now grow on Zealong’s 120 acre farm.
Zealong is a fresh, floral oolong with tremendous staying power: Drinkers can expect to get 8 steeps from each pot of tea brewed. Zealong is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers or sprays, and is picked and processed on a farm and tea processing facility certified as meeting the ISO22000 food safety management standard. The result is a tea that is not only delicious, but that is unmatched for purity.
Zealong Oolong will be available for sale on Chicago Tea Garden’s website beginning June 28, 2010.The Chicago Tea Garden also welcomes wholesale inquiries from retailers.
I wonder if they do tea plantation tours - looks like a fantastic place to visit!
