Taiwanese Tea from Farm to Cup
Where does tea come from? That all depends on the type of tea, and the country of origin. For Taiwan, a country that is about two-thirds mountainous, the answer lies on the slopes. Here farmers cultivate soil that is rich, and harvest from bushes that are breathing in clear, humid air from a higher altitude.
Although tea is not something I normally enjoy, the possibility to explore this local tradition was too good to pass up. First stop: the Thousand Island Lake region. This off the beaten path view was incredible, but also humbling. As I strolled past homes and observed the landscape, two workers were toiling away at the hedges, using a specialized trimmer to take off a layer of tea leaves from the top. Try to count the rows of bushes and you’ll see that this is no automated walk in the park. Compared to the flat farmlands of middle America with heavy machinery that can produce many hay bales a day, this is a much more labor intensive endeavor. Sadly, it is one that may not last long - most of the tea farms in Taiwan are family owned, and the new generation is not returning to take over the business as their lifelong career.
Next stop, a traditional tea house in Taipei, and later a picturesque cafe in Jiufen (said to greatly resemble the bath house in Spirited Away). Am I a tea convert after my experience? Not exactly, but I will forever treasure those moments having a cup and relaxing like a local.
If you enjoyed these shots, be sure to check out the full gallery from Northern Taiwan here.
Shot on February 20, 2024 - Travel, Taiwan
