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[00:00.41] Heat in an oven or toaster oven set to 148 degrees Celsius (300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 to 15 minutes or until the leaves are completely dry.

[00:19.54] Brew immediately or cool and keep them in an airtight container for future use.

[00:28.57] For making oolong tea, put the leaves in one layer on a baking tray.

[00:36.27] Put the tray in a sunny outdoor spot to let the leaves wilt.

[00:42.38] After 30 to 60 minutes, move the tray into the shade and move the leaves every hour for 8 to 10 hours.

[00:55.13] Next, place the leaves in a wide pan and cook them over low heat for 15 minutes, moving gently as needed to prevent burning.

[01:09.47] Let the leaves cool.

[01:11.86] And roll each leaf individually to keep its oils and flavors.

[01:18.76] They should be completely dry before storing in an airtight container.

[01:25.94] To make black tea, place leaves on a baking sheet in the sun for 10 to 12 hours to remove only 50 to 75 percent of the water.

[01:40.55] Then, cut the leaves into long pieces and roll into small balls.

[01:49.05] Place the balls in a warm room between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius (78 to 80 degrees F) that is not too dry of a room until they turn reddish-black.

[02:08.44] Then, dry them in an oven at 93 degrees Celsius (200 degrees F) for 5 minutes.

[02:19.06] Lower heat to 60 degrees C (140 degrees F) and continue drying for an additional hour.

[02:31.02] Cool and store in an airtight container.

[02:36.33] Native to China, camellia sinensis var. sinensis is cold-hardy.

[02:43.77] That means it can survive in cold weather.

[02:47.49] However, it may need some protection to survive cold winters.

[02:54.12] The same is true for another variety of this flower, camelia sinensis var. assamica.

[03:04.48] Native to India, this kind is more like a tree.

[03:09.79] You will have to research which kinds of camellia sinensis can grow in your area.

[03:17.50] On its website, the International Camellia Society gives you suggestions for how to protect these plants during a cold weather.

[03:30.51] Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots.

[03:39.01] Covering: Use a cloth to cover the plant during extreme cold.

[03:46.72] Watering: Water the plant well before the first freeze.

[03:52.82] Location: Plant your camellia in a sheltered spot, such as near a building, to protect it from cold winds.

[04:04.51] Pruning: Avoid pruning late in the season.

[04:09.29] New growth may not survive colder weather.