What is the first step in the tea processing method?

The first step in the tea processing method is wilting. During this phase, freshly plucked tea leaves are allowed to wilt or lose some moisture. This is a crucial step as it reduces the leaf's moisture content, making it more pliable for subsequent processing stages. Wilting also begins the chemical changes that the leaves will undergo, setting the stage for flavor development. This step is important in preparing the leaves for bruising, oxidation, or other methods used to create different types of tea.

Other steps, such as bruising, oxidation, or fixation, occur later in the process. Bruising helps to initiate oxidation by breaking down cell walls, while oxidation is a key process for certain tea types, like black tea, that develops the flavor and color of the tea leaves. Fixation, often achieved through processes like steaming or pan-firing, prevents further oxidation and preserves certain characteristics of the leaves. Understanding the sequence of these processes highlights the importance of wilting as the foundational step in tea production.