Tea Leaves

Tea Leaves

Tea leaves are small to medium in size and oval to elliptical in shape, averaging 5-10 centimeters in length. The shiny dark green leaves grow in an alternate pattern, are leathery in texture, and have serrated edges that taper to a pointed tip. Tea leaves are also known to have hairy undersides, and there is a central, light green vein running the length of the leaf.

The leaves grow on a thick, dark brown fibrous stem. Tea leaves have a bitter taste with herbal, grassy notes and may offer a tannic mouthfeel when steeped. Tea leaves contain vitamins C and B6, carotene, thiamine, and folic acid. They also contain potassium, manganese, and fluoride.