[Tea Terroir] Frost Damage to Tea Plants
Frost damage is widely discussed this year in the context of high mountain spring tea. Plants dissipate water vapor more slowly at night due to slower heat dissipation and lower ground temperatures, leading to the freezing of moisture on the surface of leaves. In the morning, tea gardens can appear scorched black. It`s essential to promptly prune the scorched parts (Taiwanese trimming) to allow the tea leaves to quickly enter the next growth cycle.
How to avoid frost damage?
A common method is the installation of electric fans to blow warmer air from above towards the tea plants. This method is commonly seen in Japan.
In the Lishan tea area of Taiwan, it`s also prevalent.
Closely examining the tea leaves after frost damage reveals them to be burnt, blackened, and brittle.
The presence of fresh leaves on the scorched ones is a result of Taiwanese trimming after frost damage, a practice that leaves behind this phenomenon.
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