I often talk about the romantized idea of the tea farmers. I recently had a very friendly conversation with a woman that is strongly related to this subject that I wanted to share with you all. A question of if she knows anyone who makes handmade teas quickly transformed into a conversation about the use of machines and the effect on quality.

The last two images sum up the whole point very nicely. In the country side farmers will often use machines simply because they are more time and cost efficient.

The best part is that not only is this woman not a farmer, she doesn’t even drink tea.