The wet season poses significant challenges for tea factories, particularly when it comes to the withering process. During periods of high humidity, tea leaves contain more surface moisture, making it difficult to achieve even withering. Excessive moisture can also lead to bacterial growth, which negatively impacts the flavor and quality of the tea.
One of the biggest challenges during the wet season is controlling the moisture content of the leaves. When the air is already saturated with moisture, it becomes harder for the leaves to lose water. As a result, the withering process can take longer, and there is a greater risk of the leaves becoming over-hydrated, which can affect fermentation.
To address this, factories often introduce warm air into the withering process during the wet season. By increasing the dry bulb temperature, they can accelerate moisture loss and prevent the leaves from becoming too wet. However, it is important to carefully monitor the temperature to avoid overheating the leaves, as this can damage the delicate enzymes that contribute to the flavor of the tea.
Another challenge is maintaining consistency in withering during periods of fluctuating humidity. In some cases, factories may need to adjust their airflow or withering times based on the changing weather conditions. This requires careful monitoring of both the ambient air and the condition of the leaves to ensure that the withering process remains consistent.
Despite these challenges, the wet season can also offer some benefits to tea production. The increased moisture in the leaves can result in a more flavorful infusion, provided that the leaves are properly withered. By using warm air and adjusting withering times, factories can produce high-quality tea even during challenging weather conditions.
In conclusion, the wet season presents both challenges and opportunities for tea factories. By carefully managing moisture levels and introducing warm air when necessary, factories can overcome the difficulties of high humidity and produce consistent, high-quality tea.