TWO LEAVES AND A BUD
- Beverley McNally
- Mar 26
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 26
"Two leaves and a bud" in tea refers to the ideal plucking standard for premium tea, selecting the tenderest and most flavourful parts of the tea plant for a richer, more complex flavour profile.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What it means:
"Two leaves and a bud" refers to the young, unopened bud and the two young leaves immediately below it, which are harvested to produce high-quality tea.
Why it's important:
Flavour: The tender young leaves and the unopened bud contain higher concentrations of essential oils and nutrients, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor profile.
Quality: This method ensures the tea is fresh, tender, and flavorful.
Labor Intensive:
This method of plucking requires manual selection and harvesting, which is why it's associated with higher-quality teas.
Beyond the Basics:
While "two leaves and a bud" is a common standard, some tea types, like white tea, are made using only the buds.
The term is often used as an indicator of tea quality, suggesting that the tea has been made with the most tender parts of the plant.
Thank you Angelo Vansanden Jansen – professional tea taster

Comentarios