Zealong

Zealong is a tea estate located in the Waikato region of New Zealand. It is notable for being the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand, producing 100% organic tea. The estate covers approximately 1.2 square kilometers and is situated near the town of Hamilton. Zealong offers a range of teas, including green tea, oolong tea, and black tea, which are marketed both domestically and internationally.

History

The inception of Zealong tea estate can be traced back to 1996 when a New Zealand resident, Vincent Chen, noticed a camellia tree thriving in the Waikato climate. Inspired by this, Chen imported 1,500 tea seedlings from Taiwan. However, the journey was fraught with challenges, as only about 130 of these seedlings survived the strict New Zealand biosecurity measures. Despite these initial setbacks, these surviving seedlings became the foundation of what would grow into the Zealong tea estate.

Over the years, Zealong has expanded and refined its tea production processes, adhering to strict organic farming practices. The estate has gained international recognition for its high-quality teas and sustainable farming methods, which include avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Production

Zealong's tea production process is meticulous, involving careful selection, picking, and processing of the tea leaves. The estate employs traditional and modern techniques to ensure the highest quality of tea. The tea leaves are hand-picked to select only the best leaves for processing. Following picking, the leaves undergo a series of processes including withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying - each step carefully controlled to achieve the desired tea type.

Varieties

Zealong produces several varieties of tea, which can be broadly categorized into green, oolong, and black teas. Each variety has its unique flavor profile and health benefits, attributed to the specific processing methods and the terroir of the Waikato region.

• Green Tea: Known for its fresh, vibrant flavor and high antioxidant content.
• Oolong Tea: Characterized by a diverse range of flavors, from floral to fruity, depending on the level of oxidation.
• Black Tea: Offers a rich and robust flavor, with a higher caffeine content than green or oolong teas.

Tourism and Education

Zealong Tea Estate is not only a production site but also a popular tourist destination. The estate offers guided tours, providing visitors with insights into the tea-growing process, from field to cup. The tours also include tastings of various Zealong teas. Additionally, the estate features a tea house and a retail shop, where visitors can purchase Zealong tea products.

Sustainability and Certifications

Zealong is committed to sustainable farming practices. The estate is certified organic by BioGro, New Zealand's leading organic certification agency. This certification ensures that Zealong's teas are produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, in a way that promotes ecological balance and conserves biodiversity.

Conclusion

Zealong stands as a testament to innovation and quality in the tea industry, showcasing the potential of New Zealand's unique climate and soil for producing premium organic teas. Its commitment to sustainability, combined with a dedication to producing a wide range of high-quality teas, has positioned Zealong as a notable name in the global tea market.