St. James Tearoom imports its teas from China and India, but you can grow your own in your backyard. It might not be as delicate and subtle as store-bought tea, but it will still be just as relaxing to sip on.
Choose a Chinese camellia plant, because they are more impervious to cold than other tea plants. You will have to keep your tea plant indoors during the winter.
Plant it in slightly acidic soil, the same type you would use for a vegetable garden. The tea plant can survive droughts, but don’t plant it near trees that need a lot of water.
Sit and wait. Your tea bush won’t be ready for harvesting for two years.
Pick a few of the newest leaves, as well as the leaf bud on a stem.
To make green tea, steam or pan-heat the leaves at 480 to 570 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir the leaves constantly so they don’t burn.
Put the leaves in the oven heated to 300 degrees for the same amount of time.
Brew yourself a steaming pot and enjoy!
