University of Hawaii's Tea 101: Tea Production and Processing Basics

The CTAHR Tea Project and Risk Management Hawaii present:

Tea 101: Tea Production and Processing Basics

*Space is limited to first 12 to pre-register; others will be on waiting list for future sessions. Cost: $25 cash or check at the door. RSVP to Didi or Perci at 887-6183 or email mddiaz@hawaii.edu by 02/05/14*

Wednesday, February 12, 2014
8:30 am – 3:30 pm
UH-CTAHR Mealani Research Station
64-289 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, Hawaii 96743

Crop diversification is one strategy for managing risk. Tea has potential as a new crop for Hawaii. Tea 101 is a monthly event where participants undergo basic training in tea production and processing. They will also learn about the tea research being conducted at the University of Hawaii - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR) Mealani Research Station in Waimea.

Some of the topics include:
  • Introduction and market feasibility of Hawaii grown tea
  • The basic types of tea (includes tasting)
  • Tea varieties at the station and propagation
  • Crop fertility management
  • Pest management
  • Pruning and harvesting tea
  • Hand processing of tea
  • Tea processing equipment
  • Evaluation of processed tea

    For your protection: REQUIRED – long pants and shoes (no sandals/slippers).  Come prepared for both full sun (sunscreen and other protection) as well as showers and chilly weather. No pets allowed. Please call 887-6183 or email mddiaz@hawaii.edu to reserve your spot and to receive last minute updates.

The Mealani Research Station is located at 64-289 Mamalahoa Highway (H19), just Hilo-side of the 53-mile marker.  There is a blue “Mealani Research Station” sign at the entrance of the driveway. The phone number is 887-6185.
From the Hilo direction: Going toward Waimea, Mealani Station is about 0.8 mile beyond the 52 mile marker. Turn left into the driveway immediately before the blue sign.
From the Kona direction: Drive past Waimea town toward Hilo. Drive past the Hawaiian Homes Halland Mana Road.  Prepare to turn right shortly after passing the 53 mile marker. Go up the driveway.

These workshops are supported by UH-CTAHR’s Risk Management Hawaii project, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Smith-Lever funds for Cooperative Extension and the USDA Risk Management Agency.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, contact USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, D.C., 02050-9410 or call 1-866-632-9992 Toll Free; or 1-800-877-8339 Federal Relay Service; or 1-800-845-6136 (In Spanish); or 1-800 795-3272between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time; or (TDD) 720-2600. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.  For information or to request an auxiliary aid or service (e.g. sign language interpreter, designated parking, or materials in alternate format), contact Maria ‘Didi’ Derval Diaz-Lyke (mddiaz@hawaii.edu) at (808) 887-6183 at least seven days before the activity/event.

Risk Management Hawaii (RMH) is a team of Cooperative Extension Service agents and specialists with an established network of government and industry partners.  It is a grant funded collaborative project between the University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR), UH-CTAHR Risk Management Hawaii (RMH) Program, and the United States Department of Agriculture - Risk Management Agency (USDA-RMA). 

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