Thai tea has grown into an increasingly common beverage all over the world, delivering an understanding of Thai culture as well as an unforgettable taste sensation that consumers from multiple cultures adore. Its aroma and strong orange hue distinguish it from other tea forms.
Thai tea, commonly referred to as Cha Yen in Thailand originates from the dried leaves of the plant known as Camellia sinensis. It expanded to many other countries, especially Thailand.
Now, the concern is in which part of the world does it grow?
Although the species of plant is native to China, it can be found in a number of different nations, including Thailand. Thailand’s primary tea-growing areas are in the northern part of the country, namely Doi Mae Salong, Doi Wawee, and the region nearby Mae Hong Son.
In the following article, I will take you through the history of Thai tea as well as how and where it’s cultivated. So, let’s hop on!
Basic History of Thai Tea
Initially, tea plants arrived from both China and Taiwan in the early 1980s and were grown in the highlands of Chiang Mai Province.
Thai tea, also referred to as Cha Yen in Thailand is produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Despite the reality that this particular plant is native to China, it has been produced in a variety of nations, including Thailand.
The tea plants required to make Thai tea bloom in Thailand’s northern parts of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Because the temperatures in these areas are considerably lower than in the rest of Thailand, this makes them suitable for tea harvesting.
Furthermore, in the milder environment, the soil that exists in these regions is rich in nutrients, enabling the plants that produce tea to mature healthily and strongly.
Tea leaves tend to be cultivated on terraces or slopes, which helps with circulation and minimizes the accumulation of water.
Regions Where Thai Tea Grows
The most widely recognized areas for the growth of Thai tea include the following:
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai
- Mae Hong Son
Let’s take a look at all three of these one by one.
Chiang Mai
North Thailand’s Chiang Mai is a town known because of its breathtaking natural scenery and its rich tradition and culture.
Various tea farms and gardens are scattered within the area, it also serves as one of the major regions of cultivation for Thai tea. The Doi Mae Salong tea estate, known for manufacturing exceptional oolong and black teas, is situated in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai
Another region in the north of Thailand known to grow tea is Chiang Rai. Plenty of tea farms and gardens can be discovered in that region, including the Pha Tang tea garden, which produces excellent green and black tea.
The Choui Fong Tea Farm, a popular destination for tourists seeking information about Thai tea production, is located in Chiang Rai.
Check this video out for more information about this farm.
Mae Hong Son
Thailand’s northernmost region of Mae Hong Son is famous for both its breathtaking scenery and its wide range of customs. It also has a number of tea gardens and farms, specifically the oolong and black tea-producing Ban Rak Thai tea garden.
Here is a data table showing the main tea-growing regions in Thailand.
| Region | Province |
| Northern | Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai |
| Northeastern | Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani |
| Northeastern | Chachoengsao, Nakhon Pathom |
| Southern | Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket |
As you can see from the above-mentioned information, the northern region of Thailand is the main tea-growing region, followed by the northeastern region.
How Is Thai Tea Cultivated?
Thai tea, similar to the rest of the teas, is mainly produced in tea farms or fields. Below are the main phases in the cultivation procedure:
- Picking a suitable spot: For optimal growth, the tea plants demand controlled environmental and soil combinations. Tea farms in Thailand tend to flourish in mountainous places with cooler temperatures, high levels of humidity, and fertile soil that drains well.
- Planting the tea bushes: Tea plants are normally grown through cuttings or seedlings, which are then planted in rows in the tea garden. To allow for proper development and airflow, the plants are normally spaced several feet apart.
- Pruning and upkeep: To guarantee healthy development and optimal yield, tea bushes require frequent pruning and maintenance. This may include pruning dead or diseased branches, structuring the plants for maximum sunlight exposure, and fertilizing the soil.
- Harvesting the tea leaves: Tea leaves can be gathered manually or by machinery. The leaves typically undergo harvesting multiple times a year in Thailand, with the most excellent leaves chosen in the cooler months.
- Processing the tea leaves: The dried leaves of tea are processed after they are collected through different methods to get them ready for drinking. Depending entirely on the type of tea, this may include slipping, transpiration, oxidizing, and drying each leaf.
Overall, growing tea demands close attention to the distinct growth environments and cultivation methods that are most appropriate for the area.
Types Of Thai Tea
Thai tea is available in plenty of kinds, with everyone having an individual taste and fragrance. Thai tea’s most popular types involve the following:
Cha Yen
This is the most frequently consumed kind of Thai tea, which is prepared with sugar, black tea leaves, and condensed milk. It is vivid orange in color and has a sweet, velvety creamy flavor.
Cha Dam Yen
Cha Dam Yen is the black tea of Thai tea. It is served without condensed milk. This version of Cha Yen is darker. Compared to Cha Yen, it tastes harsher and more bitter.
Cha Manao
This particular Thai beverage is a blend of black tea, lime juice, and sugar. It is frequently served cold and has a tart, cooling flavor.
Cha Kiao
This particular Thai tea is created with green tea, condensed milk, and sugar. It is greener in color and has a milder flavor than Cha Yen.
Conclusion
- Thai tea is a special and appealing drink that has grown more and more popular across the world.
- The northern region of Thailand is where the majority of the tea is heavily produced, and there are plenty of well-known tea gardens there, including Doi Mae Salong, Choui Fong Tea, and Pha Tang Tea Garden.
- Due to its combination of black tea, spices, and sweetened condensed milk, Thai tea stands apart from other tea kinds.
- Thai tea has many health advantages in addition to its delectable flavor, like a stronger immune system and improved digestion.
- Thai tea is a fantastic option for tea aficionados seeking a new and intriguing flavor experience.
- Thai tea is a delicious and interesting beverage that is definitely worth trying, regardless of whether it is enjoyed alone or as a compliment to spicy Thai food.
- The summary of the research says that Thai tea is a beverage that is likely to please almost anyone looking for a delightful and savory tea experience because of its popularity and distinctive flavor profile.