Alright, let's get down to the basics: tea comes from a plant called Camellia sinensis. Think of it as the rockstar of the tea world. Every type of tea you've heard of — black, green, wulong, white, yellow, dark — all of them start with this one plant. It’s like how all your favourite songs are played on the same guitar, just with different riffs.

Camellia Sinensis: The Source of All Tea

Camellia sinensis is a versatile plant that thrives in a variety of climates, but it loves the high-altitude regions with cool temperatures and lots of rain. Picture misty mountains and lush, rolling hills. That’s where this plant feels at home. The leaves are hand-picked, often by skilled workers who know exactly which leaves to pluck to ensure the best quality.

Small Farms, Big Flavours

What makes specialty tea special? It’s all about the care and precision. We're talking about small-scale farms where the tea is processed by hand, not machines. The farmers here aren’t just workers; they’re artisans. They grow the tea sustainably, meaning they take care of the land so it can keep producing year after year. Plus, these farmers get fair wages, which is a win-win: better quality of life for them, better quality tea for you.

The Dark Side of Tea Production

Not all tea gets the star treatment. The mass-produced stuff you see on supermarket shelves? It often comes from large plantations where the focus is on quantity, not quality. These teas are harvested by machines, processed in bulk, and lack the nuanced flavors of specialty teas. Workers on these plantations might not receive fair wages or work under sustainable conditions.

Our Commitment

Eighty Degrees magazine is all about celebrating the art of tea, the farmers who nurture it, and the sustainable practices that keep the tradition alive. We believe in supporting small-scale producers who care for their craft and the environment. When you choose specialty tea, you're not just indulging in a better brew—you’re contributing to a system that values people and the planet.

So next time you sip your tea, remember: it all started with the humble Camellia sinensis, nurtured by dedicated hands in a faraway field. It’s not just a drink; it’s a story of passion and craftsmanship in every cup. Let’s strive to support those who keep this tradition alive.