Ahka Tribe Women Harvesting Tea Leaves at Mae Salong, Thailand

The Akha Hill Tribe, indigenous to Southeast Asia, practice a traditional tea harvesting method ingrained in their culture. Working communally, they meticulously hand-pick the youngest, most tender tea leaves during flush seasons, ensuring optimal flavor. These leaves undergo sorting to remove imperfections before traditional processing methods, including withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying, are applied. Drying, crucial for flavor preservation, is typically achieved through sun exposure or low-heat pan-firing. The processed tea is then carefully packaged, often in traditional bamboo containers or handmade pouches. Beyond sustenance, tea harvesting holds cultural significance, fostering community bonds through ceremonies and shared traditions. This ancient practice not only sustains the Akha Hill Tribe but also preserves their rich cultural heritage.

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