🍃 From Leaf to Cup: The Journey of Tea

Every cup of tea tells a story — one that begins long before it reaches your teapot. From the first tender shoots of the tea plant to the final fragrant leaves in your cup, the process of making tea is an art form refined over centuries.

At Voyage 1610, we honor that journey by selecting only organic, ethically sourced teas from growers who respect both people and the planet. Here’s how your tea comes to life — step by step, from planting to pouring.

🌱 Step 1: Cultivating the Tea Plant

All true tea comes from a single species — Camellia sinensis. Yet within that single plant lies an entire world of flavor and aroma, shaped by geography, soil, and care.

Climate and soil: Tea thrives in warm, humid regions with rich, well-drained soil — often high in the mountains where mist and rain nurture the leaves.

Organic methods: Many small farms use natural compost and pest control instead of chemicals, creating teas that are both sustainable and vibrant in flavor.

Young shoots: Only the tender top leaves and buds are plucked — the youngest growth where the richest nutrients and flavors reside.

🍃 Step 2: Harvesting the Leaves

Tea harvesting is a delicate, labor-intensive process. Skilled workers pick only the top two leaves and a bud, ensuring that every harvest captures the plant’s finest expression.

Spring harvests yield aromatic, delicate teas.
Summer and autumn harvests bring bolder, more full-bodied flavors.

Hand-picking preserves leaf integrity, setting the stage for quality from the very first step.

🌤️ Step 3: Withering and Rolling

After harvest, the leaves are spread out to wither, allowing moisture to evaporate. This step softens the leaves, preparing them for rolling — a gentle process that breaks down the leaf’s surface and releases essential oils.

Rolling shapes the leaf and begins to unlock its complex aroma. It’s here that the transformation truly begins.

🍂 Step 4: Oxidation — Nature’s Transformation

Oxidation is the natural process that determines the type and flavor of the tea. As leaves interact with oxygen, they darken and develop new aromas.

Green teas are steamed or pan-fired immediately to stop oxidation, keeping them light and grassy.
Oolong teas are partially oxidized, balancing floral and toasty notes.
Black teas are fully oxidized, developing bold, malty, and rich flavors.

This is where nature and craftsmanship meet — turning fresh green leaves into golden or amber treasures.

🔥 Step 5: Firing and Drying

Once the desired oxidation is reached, the leaves are gently fired or baked to halt the process and seal in their distinctive flavor.

Firing also removes the last traces of moisture, ensuring the tea can be stored safely and retain its freshness for months — or even years.

🪶 Step 6: Sorting and Grading

Dried tea leaves are then sorted by size and quality. Whole leaves are prized for premium loose leaf teas, offering layered flavor and full aroma. Smaller or broken leaves often find their way into blends or tea bags, delivering a quicker, more robust brew.

At Voyage 1610, we celebrate the artistry of whole leaf tea, where you can see, smell, and taste the craft in every infusion.

🌎 Step 7: Packaging and Preservation

To protect tea’s delicate nature, each batch is carefully packaged away from light, air, and moisture.

At Voyage 1610, our eco-friendly packaging is designed to preserve freshness while honoring our commitment to sustainability. It’s how we ensure that the same care taken at the garden reaches you — perfectly preserved.

☕ From the Garden to Your Cup

The next time you brew your favorite Gyokuro, Oolong, or Classic Chai, remember the hands and hearts behind each leaf. Every sip reflects centuries of patience, skill, and respect for nature.

Tea is more than a beverage — it’s a living story of tradition, transformation, and connection.

When you choose organic loose leaf tea, you become part of that story — one steep at a time.

☕ Discover the craft behind every cup. Explore Voyage 1610’s organic loose leaf teas and experience the journey from leaf to cup for yourself.

From Leaf to Cup: The Journey of How Tea Is Made