Module 4 – Terroir of Tea

Tea connoisseurs often speak of terroir (pronounced tear-wah). This French word refers to all the natural features of a tea garden: its aspect, its altitude, the general climate and microclimate, the topography of the land, geology, soil type and depth. In short, every factor that influences the growing conditions of a tea bush, and thus the resulting tea. For example, through absorption of aromas in the air over time, tea plants grown on a mountain covered with flowers might exhibit floral elements..

The decisions of the tea grower also impacts upon the terroir. For example, when grasses are used to fertilise the soil, the resulting tea could take on some grassy notes. There are an infinite variety of Ceylon teas, whose diversity stems from the mother plant, the terroir, and seasonal conditions.