Unintended consequences and the tale of bug-bitten tea

Don't we love clean and happy endings? We plan events in our Google calendar, budget our retirement based on a projected rate of return and buy ultra-pasteurized milk to avoid any potential bugs. These action plans can make our lives more structured but do they allow for the unexpected? After all, most of the wonderful and innovative things in life come from the unexpected.

Penicillin was rediscovered because Alexander Fleming was too lazy to maintain a clean lab area. After some of his cultures were contaminated, he noticed that some of the bacteria could not grow due to the then unknown antibiotic. The rediscovery of penicillin and subsequent culturing of it led to treatments for gonorrhea, meningitis, pneumonia and other diseases.

Another accidental discovery happened with Bai Hao tea. Normally, farmers detest parasites. However, Bai Hao tea is produced when the greenleaf cicada bites into the tea leaf. The combination of the tea leaves producing a natural enzyme to fight off the insects, the saliva of the cicada and possibly the light oxidation that occurs due to the "wounds" create a unique growing environment. These leaves are then handpicked in small batches for harvesting.

If you've ever had a quality Bai Hao, you'll understand that it's worth all the effort. High grade Bai Hao looks fluffy and has the five colors (orange, red, green, black and white). The flavor is light but has more body than a green tea and levels of complex flavor. The aroma can be mildly floral and sometimes has fruity notes. I encourage all of you to try this wonderful "accidental" discovery when you get the chance.