Bao Zhu Fan

tea farmer


How long have you been growing tea and what got your started?
My family was in tea production, but I really didn't know about tea until I married my husband. His family has been making tea over 100 years, so I have been helping them now for almost 30 years.

Can you describe a typical day out in the field?
Wake up at 6 am to cook for my family and go to tea garden plucking tea around 7:00 am, then I will come back inside to process tea around 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, sometimes after I cook dinner I need to go back to work until midnight.

What is your favorite part of growing tea?
Plucking tea, I feel happy when I saw the tea leaf became big and beautiful, it means they are growing up healthy.

Conversely, what is the hardest part of your job?
Plucking work. People think plucking tea is the hardest job, because you have to stay in the sunshine throughout a day. Many of the plucking workers are getting old and it's difficult to find young workers to increase work efficiency.

Are there any tips you can give on how to best brew your tea?
This tea does not need to put into water for a long time, the best flavor and aroma come from the light liquid.

photo of formosa ruby 18 black
Bao Zhu Fan's
formosa ruby 18 black
Notes of spice, a hint of caramel, and a whisper of toasted vanilla bean.