The Origin Series introduces directly-sourced herbs and direct trade teas from farms that pass our rigorous standards for quality, ethics in labor, and agricultural responsibility. From Darjeeling to Malawi to Ferguson, this series represents a big step in our company's goals of full supply chain transparency and sustainability in trade.
This is the moment we have been waiting for. The opportunity to introduce tea from farmers, producers, and humans that we adore — Earthdance Farms, Yanki Tea, and the Satemwa Estate.
Earthdance Farms
Earthdance Farms, Ferguson, MO, USA
EarthDance Organic Farm School is a woman-run teaching farm located in Ferguson, Missouri, dedicated to sharing the craft and science of organic farming. EarthDance is the oldest organic farm west of the Mississippi. 100 percent of the profits from this tea benefit Earthdance Farms and their mission to grow food, farmers, and community through hands-on education.
This certified organic blend of peppery, healing tulsi and crisp, sweet mints was grown and harvested by our friends right here in St. Louis.
Yanki Tea
Yanki Tea, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India (photo by Tealet)
Yankhu Tamang founded the Darjeeling Small Growers Society in Darjeeling, India to provide local farmers better pay for their tea leaf. I met Yanku last year on the company’s first sourcing trip with friend and importer, Elyse Petersen of Tealet. Read more about that here.
Everyday Darjeeling is a second flush black tea, grown and harvested by a co-op of 60 farmers, produced in small batches with so much love.
Satemwa Estates
Satemwa Estate, Shire Highlands, Malawi, Southeast Africa (photo by Tealet)
Established in 1923, the Satemwa Estate is the last family-owned tea estate in the region, growing in the unique Malawian and Shire Highland terroir. For nearly 100 years, the estate has prioritized a high standard of living for its employees and their families.
Single-origin black tea from the Satemwa Estate in Malawi is blended with hibiscus gathered from neighboring farms, producing a deep red tea that’s naturally sweet, citrusy, and tart.
[Update: these specialty teas are now sold out]
Quality.
Ethics.
Sustainability.