With a noticeable rise in temperatures in the Tea-growing regions of Zunyi, Spring Tea harvest has begun in areas such as Meitan, Fenggang, Zheng'an, Yuqing, Wuchuan, Daozhen, and Renhuai. It is expected to enter the peak picking period next week. To increase the efficiency of tea picking, improve the rate of tea shoots being harvested, and enhance the income of tea farmers, Zunyi City is promoting the double-hand picking technique. Here are the key points:
First Point: Master the Left Hand
a. In single-hand picking, the left hand usually holds the branch while the right hand picks; in double-hand picking, both hands pick simultaneously, and it may feel awkward at first to pick with the left hand.
b. When initially practicing with the left hand, do not rush or try to pick too much; focus on accuracy and quality. Start by picking one Bud at a time; once you become proficient, learn the method of picking two or three buds at once with your right hand.
c. Initially, the efficiency of double-hand picking might be low, and sometimes both hands may not coordinate well, potentially picking less than with a single hand. Generally, after about a week of training, the left hand will become as dexterous as the right, and the coordination between both hands will gradually improve.
Second Point: Sequential Picking
a. Upon arriving at the tea field, observe the sprouting situation of the tea buds around you to determine which plants should be picked and which should be left; then start picking immediately.
b. Pick in a sequence, from bottom to top, and from outside to inside, then back out again. Start from the side closest to you, move to the center of the plant, and then to the opposite side. Move around the plant in a direction that feels natural, keeping your body close to the plant. This ensures that you work efficiently, pick quickly, and completely.
Third Point: “Three Fast and One Calm” – Eyes Fast, Hands Fast, Feet Fast, Mind Calm
a. Eyes Fast: Focus your gaze and direct both hands accurately, looking for the next bud to pick even as you pick the current one.
b. Hands Fast: Your hands should follow where your eyes lead them.
c. Feet Fast: Move your feet in tandem with your hands to ensure smooth picking. Stand rather than sit to facilitate quick movement and save time.
d. Mind Calm: Stay focused and attentive while picking, avoiding distractions.
The “three fast and one calm” principle is crucial for speed, helping maintain a consistent rhythm and ensuring organized and efficient actions.
Fourth Point: Alternating Hands and Using Eight Fingers
a. Alternating hands involves picking with one hand while the other hand holds another bud ready to be picked. However, keep the distance between the hands minimal, especially on trees without a well-established picking surface, where both hands should ideally pick from the same branch.
b. Typically, the thumb and index finger pinch the bud, while the middle and ring fingers hold it. When half a handful is gathered, use the index finger to hook the bud and the middle finger to pinch it off, then press it into the palm with the thumb. Once a full handful is collected, deposit it quickly into the basket; place the left-hand pick on the left side and the right-hand pick on the right side. Use whichever two fingers are most convenient for you.
Fifth Point: Two-Handed Picking in Batches and Combining Techniques
a. When implementing double-hand picking, apply the technique of batch picking based on the picking standards and the sprouting situation of the tea buds. Pick the earlier sprouts first and the later ones last; avoid sweeping all at once in pursuit of quantity.
b. At the same time, leave the fish leaf (the small leaf below the bud), trim the top sprout, and leave the belly sprout (a young leaf further down the branch) to achieve a significant increase in yield.