Ye Hong

How long have you been growing tea and what got your started?
I have worked with tea for almost 20 years. I was born into a tea family. I followed my parents to the tea garden and factory very often when I was a little girl. I had a great interest in tea when I was very young. So, I would like to work in tea after finishing high school at 19.

Can you describe a typical day out in the field?
I go out every morning at 8 and finish around 3pm. In the afternoon I will go to the primary factory to send my leaves and get my payment. The tea area is in the mountains. It takes me long time to work outside because I need to climb mountains.

What is your favorite part of growing tea?
My favorite part of growing tea is plucking. I could not say I am a good farmer, but I do love plucking. I love the tender leaves and pleasant smell while plucking. I don't feel tired with the wonderful tea smell.

Conversely, what is the hardest part of your job?
Anxi is a mountain area. Sometimes plucking is not easy in the mountains because some roads are not very safe. I had bad experience twice. I fell and sprained my ankle many years ago. So I must be careful now.

Are there any tips you can give on how to best brew your tea?
Please use gongfu tea set or yixing ceramic teapot to brew the tea. Use hot water with temperature at 100 degrees celsius. I am sure you will get a wonderful cup of tea.