Munnar - fifty shades of tea green

The green of Munnar, is like no other seen, Hills of tea plantations, Endless, and serene. The mist hangs low, In the early morning light, A quiet peace descends, A respite from the fight. The leaves are picked, And processed with care, The taste of Munnar tea, Is beyond compare. Oh, the green of Munnar, A sight to behold, Forever etched in memory, A story to be told.

Subramania Bharati, „The Green of Munnar“

Our first moments in the green tea plantation fields.

The Tea Plantation Architecture

Tea plantations are designed and maintained in a specific way to optimize the growth and harvest of tea leaves. The bushes are typically cut in a process called "pruning," where the top of the plant is trimmed to a certain height, usually around 1-1.5 meters.

This height is determined by a number of factors, including the climate and soil conditions of the region, as well as the desired yield of the plantation. In general, a higher pruning height can lead to a larger yield of tea leaves, but may also require more maintenance and care.

The smaller bushes and paths in between the rows of tea plants are also an important part of the design of tea plantations. The smaller bushes, often referred to as "skirting," are typically grown around the base of the tea bushes to help regulate the temperature and moisture levels of the soil, as well as to prevent erosion.

The paths between the rows of tea plants are important for both maintenance and harvest. They allow workers to move through the plantation to tend to the tea bushes, and also provide a clear space for harvesting the tea leaves. Harvesting is typically done by hand, so having clear paths between the rows is essential for efficient and effective harvesting.

Overall, the design of a tea plantation is carefully planned and maintained to optimize the growth and harvest of tea leaves, taking into account a variety of environmental and practical factors.

Munnar

Munnar is a picturesque hill station located in the southwestern state of Kerala, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats mountain range, at an altitude of approximately 1600 meters above sea level. Munnar is known for its lush green tea plantations, misty hills, and cool climate, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and travelers seeking a peaceful getaway. The town is surrounded by several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Eravikulam National Park and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, which are home to a variety of endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and the Indian elephant. Munnar's unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife makes it an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.

Some guys were talking about the height and how exhausting moving around can be. We were smiling after our 8 days Pamir tour :)

You can have a very nice 1-day tour to Munnar, e.g. from Kochi, but it‘s also a great destination for a 2-days trip with one night in the hills between the tea plantations. This is, what we did. If you don‘t have a lot of time, you can also do a one day tour from Kochi, 12 hours, with 2x4 hours drive. It‘s fine, definitely worth to do it, if your schedule is too packed.

Tipp: Better take a travel pill before you start your journey. It's up and down and right and left through the tea mountains and depending on the driver - the Indian way.

The importance of the Tea Plantations

Tea plantations are an essential part of India's economy, and Kerala is no exception. Kerala is one of the largest tea-producing states in India, and the tea industry plays a crucial role in the state's economy, providing employment and income to thousands of people. The tea plantations in Kerala are not only significant for the state's economy but also for the country's export industry. India is the second-largest tea producer in the world, and tea exports account for a substantial portion of the country's foreign exchange earnings.

The tea produced in Kerala is known for its distinct flavor and aroma, and the state's tea plantations are a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness the picturesque beauty of the tea gardens. Moreover, the tea industry in Kerala has contributed to the development of infrastructure and social amenities in the region, such as schools, hospitals, and housing facilities. Overall, the tea plantations are an integral part of Kerala's culture, history, and economy, and they continue to play a vital role in shaping the state's identity and growth.

Here are some figures about the tea production in Kerala:

1. Kerala is the second-largest tea producing state in India, after Assam.

2. The state accounts for around 10% of the total tea production in the country.

3. As of 2021, Kerala has around 64,000 hectares of land under tea cultivation, with an annual production of around 80 million kg of tea.

4. The tea produced in Kerala is known for its unique flavor and aroma, which is attributed to the region's favorable climate and soil conditions.

5. Tea exports from India account for around 13% of the global tea trade, and the country is the world's largest consumer of tea.

6. The tea industry in Kerala provides employment to around 5 lakh people, including tea garden workers, processing staff, and administrative staff.

7. The tea industry in Kerala has an estimated value of around Rs. 1,500 crores (approx. USD 200 million), contributing significantly to the state's economy.

Tea Factory

Our visit in the tea factory, our second one after Sri Lanka, always very interesting:

The tea production at a glance:

1. Plucking: The tea leaves are handpicked or machine harvested from the tea bushes.

2. Withering: The leaves are spread out on trays and left to wilt for a few hours, reducing their moisture content.

3. Rolling: The withered leaves are rolled to break down the cell walls and release the natural juices and oils.

4. Oxidation: The rolled leaves are left to oxidize in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment, where the leaves turn darker and the flavor profile develops.

5. Fixation: The leaves are heated to stop the oxidation process, usually by steaming or pan-frying.

6. Drying: The leaves are then dried to reduce their moisture content to around 2-3%, preserving the flavor and aroma of the tea.

7. Sorting: The dried leaves are sorted based on size, shape, and quality.

8. Packaging: The sorted leaves are packaged in foil or paper to preserve their freshness and aroma until they reach the consumer.

And if you have never heard about, here the most successful tea companies of India. Of course we often don‘t know the name, because it‘s branded differently in our supermarkets. And again, Tata is everywhere in India.

1. Tata Tea: Tata Tea is one of the largest tea companies in India, with a significant presence in Kerala. It is a subsidiary of Tata Consumer Products, which is part of the Tata Group, one of India's largest conglomerates.

2. Harrisons Malayalam: Harrisons Malayalam is one of the leading tea plantation companies in Kerala, with a history dating back over a century. It owns and operates several tea estates in the state and is known for producing high-quality tea.

3. AVT Tea: AVT Tea is a popular tea brand in Kerala, known for its premium-quality tea blends. The company sources tea from its own tea gardens and other tea estates in the region.

4. Jay Shree Tea: Jay Shree Tea is a leading tea producer in India, with a strong presence in Kerala. The company owns several tea estates in the state and is known for producing a wide variety of tea blends.

5. Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company: Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company is a joint venture between Tata Global Beverages and the government of Kerala. It operates several tea estates in the state, including the famous Munnar tea estates, and is known for producing high-quality tea.

What surprised us already in Sri Lanka, is, that all kinds of teas are from the same tea plant. Green, black, and white teas are all made from the leaves of the same plant, Camellia sinensis, but they are processed differently, resulting in different flavor profiles and nutritional benefits.

Green tea is made by steaming or pan-frying the fresh tea leaves soon after they are harvested. This process helps to preserve the natural antioxidants and polyphenols in the leaves, giving green tea its distinctive flavor and health benefits. Green tea is often described as having a grassy or vegetal flavor, and is popular in many parts of Asia.

Black tea, on the other hand, is made by withering and rolling the leaves, followed by a process called oxidation or fermentation. This process turns the leaves a dark color and gives black tea its rich, robust flavor. Black tea is the most widely consumed type of tea in the world, and is a staple in many Western countries.

White tea is the least processed of the three types of tea, made by simply drying the fresh tea leaves in the sun or in a low-temperature oven. This minimal processing helps to retain the delicate flavor and natural antioxidants in the tea leaves, resulting in a subtle, slightly sweet flavor. White tea is considered by many to be the most delicate and refined of all teas, and is often served on special occasions.

In terms of health benefits, green tea is often touted for its high levels of antioxidants, which have been linked to a reduced risk of various diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Black tea is also rich in antioxidants, as well as caffeine, which can help to improve mental alertness and focus. White tea is similar to green tea in its antioxidant content, but is less studied in terms of its health benefits. Ultimately, the type of tea you choose to drink will depend on your personal taste preferences and the specific health benefits you are looking for.

Our Sunset in Munnar

In the end of our tour we were lucky to find a great hotel - off-season is amazing (and cheap!!! hi five!) and we did not expect too much, but we had an amazing sundowner in the pool of the hotel.