Reviving Tea Production Quality on Reunion Island: A New Leaf for Local Agriculture
Hey there! Let's dive into the world of Johny Guichard, a fellow who's been on an incredible journey since 2005. He's been working tirelessly to revive tea production in Réunion, a place he fondly played as a child some 4 decades ago. As he explains, the project took off like a rocket once they started reorganizing the harvest fields.
A Special Recipe for a High-End Tea
Johny's tea is hand-picked twice a month! Once the few kilos are gathered, they're given an initial drying. Then, off to the kitchen Johny goes, where he decides on the tea's color—a secret that seems to rely on how the plant is prepared, regardless of the end product. This premium, artisanal tea sells for anywhere between 20 and 80 euros per 100 grams, making it a delight for all tea connoisseurs.
Check out the video above for a full report!
Now, let's get a bit technical. Artisanal tea production generally involves the following steps:
Artisanal Tea Production Process
- Cultivation: Tea bushes are grown on moderate to high altitudes, utilizing the island's volcanic soil and climate for unique flavor notes.
- Harvesting: The youngest, most tender leaves are hand-picked for premium quality.
- Withering: Fresh leaves are spread out to wilt and reduce moisture content.
- Oxidation (Fermentation): Depending on the type of tea, leaves may be bruised and left to ferment, developing flavor, color, and aroma.
- Firing: Leaves are heated to stop oxidation, preserving their quality.
- Sorting and Packaging: Tea leaves are graded and packaged, with emphasis on aesthetics and freshness.
Réunion's unique terroir, rich biodiversity, and focus on artisanal practices make its tea production truly special. So, even though we don't have the exact details on Johny's secret recipe, this should give you a taste of what's involved in creating such a high-end tea. Enjoy!
Johny Guichard's unique lifestyle not only includes the pursuit of employment in reviving tea production but also the enjoyment of food-and-drink as he prepares his premium, artisanal tea in his kitchen, blending secret techniques for a desirable color. Post-production, this high-end tea sold for a premium price, transforming his home-and-garden into a place where both work and leisure intertwine.
