Tea Harvest and Carrying It with Horse In Dreamy Hills of Iran

Tea harvesting in Iran is a communal effort, with men and women working together. Tea cultivation in the country began in 1896 when Mohammad Mirza Kashif al-Saltaneh, serving as Iran’s consul general in India, successfully brought tea plants to Iran. Based on his research on tea varieties and cultivation methods, he chose Lahijan in Gilan province due to its ideal climate. Today, Lahijan is the center of tea cultivation in Iran, producing various types of Iranian tea from Gilan.

Over time, tea farming spread across many cities in Gilan province, particularly in mountainous and hilly regions. However, the expansion of tea cultivation led to deforestation and the loss of forest cover in some areas.

Tea was first discovered in China around 5,000 years ago, with its medicinal properties gradually recognized. It is an aromatic beverage made by steeping processed leaves, buds, or twigs of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water. As the second most consumed drink worldwide after water, tea holds a special place in Iranian culture, where it is enjoyed daily and believed to relieve fatigue.

The tea plant originates from eastern and southern China, northern Myanmar, and India’s Assam region. The Assamese variety grows rapidly in areas stretching from Yunnan province to northern Myanmar and Assam. Though the exact location of tea’s first production remains unknown, its historical use is described in many legends.

In ancient times, tea was harvested by hand. Later, special scissors with attached cloth sacks were developed to improve efficiency. Once harvested, tea leaves are packed into large sacks and transported by car to processing factories.

Throughout history, tea has been valued for its healing properties. Drinking brewed tea is believed to enhance breathing, boost circulation, reduce drowsiness, strengthen mental focus, aid digestion, and promote perspiration. It has been traditionally used to relieve fatigue, nervous weakness, migraines, heart conditions, and asthma.

Watch this video and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of northern Iran.