Yu Feng

How long have you been growing tea and what got your started?
I started to work with tea when I got married in Anji, Zhejiang. My husband is tea farmer. I followed him and starting to work in tea. I have worked with tea for more than 35 years.

Can you describe a typical day out in the field?
I get up at 6 and prepare the breakfast for my family. I go out to the tea garden around 7:30 am and start to pick up the tea leaves. I will work till 3 in the afternoon and go back home to take care of my grandchildren.

What is your favorite part of growing tea?
I love my job because I love drinking teas. Lots of people have retired. But I still want to work. I love the picking, which makes me happy. Besides, I think this is good for my health. The air is fresh, the tea smell is fresh, I am happy with this.

Conversely, what is the hardest part of your job?
Our anji white season is from Qing Ming to Gu Yu. So the tea leaves are very tender. I am older now so I have to work carefully. I hate to hurt the tea buds and leaves when plucking. As a result, I am slower than others which I do not like.

Are there any tips you can give on how to best brew your tea?
Please use a glass to brew this tender tea with temperature at 80 degrees celsius. High temperature will kill the tea. It is better use mineral water or spring water.