No Products in the Cart
This month, we proudly highlight the small farmers who are revolutionizing the Indian tea industry with their creativity and dedication. India is mainly known for black tea production but this box shows the evolving landscape of Indian tea production, innovative techniques used by small farmers as well as their willingness to experiment.
Below we have some photos from visiting Yanki and Allan in Mirik that we wanted to share with you. Driving to their farm we found the most delicious tea and samosa shop, and at the farm our girls had a wonderful time planting tea saplings and then Yanki made the most delicious lunch with momos (dumplings), soup and noodles.
This rare Darjeeling Yellow Tea from Yanki and her son Allan, small farmers from Mirik, Darjeeling, offers a delightful and complex flavor profile. The first infusion reveals savory notes of honey-toasted sesame seeds, ghee-roasted greens, and buttery croissants. As the tea evolves through subsequent steeps, it unfolds floral hints of yellow roses and earthy notes of moss, bringing a fragrant, rich experience to your cup. To know more about our Indian Yellow Tea and also purchase outside the fine tea club you can view more information here.
Yanki, a former tea plucker, and Allan, now in his mid-20s, are redefining small-scale tea farming in their own distinct ways. Despite their growing success, they continue to live simply in their village, close to the factory, so they can oversee tea production and remain deeply connected to the community they aim to empower.
Steeping Instructions:
Gongfu Style: Use 6g of tea in 5 fl oz of water at 175°F. Steep for 45 seconds for the first infusion, then 30 seconds for the second and third infusions.
Western Style: Use 4g of tea in 12 fl oz of water at 175°F. Steep for 1-2 minutes.
We are excited to present this rare purple tea processed like an oolong from Donyi Polo Tea Estate in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. While many associate purple tea with Kenya, it has deep roots in the Asian subcontinent, particularly in the tea regions of Northeast India and Yunnan. Purple tea bushes are rare to find in India now, but on occasion with the evolving germplasm in north eastern India, an astute tea farmer might stumble upon some bushes in the farm. Purple Tea isn't a specific type of tea but is rich in anthocyanins, pigments that give the leaves their purple hue.
This purple oolong offers a subtle sweetness with delicate notes of pink rose petals and sugar cookies. Donyi Estate also offers a green tea style of the purple tea, which is perfect for cold brewing. The crisp, refreshing flavors shine through, and we’ve included a bonus sample for you to enjoy. Enjoy our blog on purple tea or give our Darjeeling Purple Tea a try.
Steeping Instructions:
Gongfu Style: Use 6g of tea in 5 fl oz of water at 190°F. Steep for 50 seconds for the first infusion, 40 seconds for the second, 30 seconds for the third, and 40 seconds for the fourth.
Western Style: Use 4g of tea in 12 fl oz of water at 190°F. Steep for 1-2 minutes.
This green tea from Doke Estate offers a refreshing twist for those familiar with Camellia sinensis var. assamica green teas from India’s lowlands, which are often known for their bitterness. Doke Estate’s green tea, however, is smooth and flavorful, especially when steeped at lower temperatures. Expect crisp, savory notes of green apple skin, bok choy, and seaweed, making it both refreshing and satisfying. The dedication and innovation at Doke Estate, a small tea acre farm, under the guidance of owner Rajiv Lochan truly shines through in this standout green tea.
As a bonus, we've included a sample of Nilgiri Green Twirl, our favorite green tea from the high mountains of South India, made from Camellia sinensis var. sinensis. It boasts delicious notes of spinach, artichoke, edamame, and citrus. We hope you enjoy comparing the two!
Steeping Instructions:
Gongfu Style: Use 6g of tea in 5 fl oz of water at 165°F. Steep for 15-20 seconds for the first infusion, and 15 seconds for subsequent second and third infusions.
Western Style: Use 4g of tea in 12 fl oz of water at 165°F. Steep for 1-2 minutes.
Subscribe To Fine Tea Club