Sumatra
Tea has been cultivated on Sumatra, Indonesia, since 1826. Plucking
takes place year-round, but the climatic conditions of the two islands
differ. The rainy season on Java takes place in winter and plucking
takes place when it ends which is also when the best teas are plucked.
Sumatra, which lies directly below the Equator, has a more even climate
so that the season does not play an important role. Teas from Indonesia
are strong and dark in the cup, similar to Assam teas and are often
mixed with these. Approximately 135,000 tons of tea are produced
annually and 71,000 of these are exported. Main customers are the USA,
Pakistan and Egypt.