What initial preparation step is required when using the Simple Shade Drying method for harvesting leaves?
Answer
The leaves must be hand-crushed slightly before they are thoroughly dried in the shade.
When preparing *Ceanothus americanus* leaves via the Simple Shade Drying route, a preliminary physical step is necessary to optimize the drying process and flavor development. This involves gently hand-crushing the gathered leaves. This slight crushing action helps prepare the cellular structure for efficient moisture loss during drying. Crucially, this drying must take place in the shade to prevent sun-scorch, which can negatively impact the delicate compounds responsible for the desirable flavor profile of the resulting tea.
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