Stepping into the world of organic tea is like opening the door to a garden filled with aroma, flavor, and a touch of Mother Nature's magic. It's not just about sipping a hot beverage; it's a journey that connects you to the earth, the farmers, and the timeless tea-making tradition.
Let's get to know the big players in this field, the top 5 organic tea brands that have been turning heads and warming hearts. These aren't just names on a shelf; they're stories, experiences, and a promise of quality that resonates with every tea lover.
Arbor Teas
Arbor Teas, a family-owned organic tea venture, has its roots in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Founded by Aubrey and Jeremy Lopatin in 2004, it has grown from humble beginnings, with the first website built in exchange for painting a friend's kitchen. The daily mission is to find the world's most fantastic organic teas and deliver them sustainably, reflecting a concern for environmental sustainability and social welfare.
The offerings include a wide range of organic teas such as Black Tea, Green Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea, Pu-Erh Tea, Rooibos, Herbal, and Decaf Tea. The dedication to organic farming is evident in their commitment to quality, fair trade, sustainability, and compostable packaging.
Arbor Teas is not just about selling tea; it's about being an agent of positive change in the world. The enthusiasm, focus, and convictions have grown with the company, and they hope this shows in their work. Arbor Teas aren't complete without animated conversation and fits of laughter around the lunch table, reflecting a vibrant and passionate team.
Tielka Tea
The Art of Tea has its roots in Los Angeles, California, and was officially founded in 2004 by Steve Schwartz. The journey began in 1996 when Steve started his study in preventative medicine at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico. Since its inception, the brand has become known for hand-blending and custom crafting some of the world's finest organic teas and botanicals.
Offering a wide variety of organic teas, each one is carefully selected directly from growers, each with a unique story. Their close relationships with farmers and distributors worldwide enable them to provide top-tier organic teas and select botanicals. The focus is not solely on organic farming but quality control, aesthetics, and flavor.
Steve Schwartz is recognized as a Master Tea Blender, and his passion for expanding people's knowledge and history of tea is captivating. The offerings include customized tea menus, retail teas, pyramid tea bag lines, hospitality tea programs, and customized blends. The brand's commitment to excellence and innovation is reflected in selling tea and sharing the art and passion of tea blending.
The Art of Tea
The Art of Tea has its roots in Los Angeles, California, and was officially founded in 2004 by Steve Schwartz. The journey began in 1996 when Steve started his study in preventative medicine at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico. Since its inception, the brand has become known for hand-blending and custom crafting some of the world's finest organic teas and botanicals.
Offering a wide variety of organic teas, each one is carefully selected directly from growers, each with a unique story. Their close relationships with farmers and distributors worldwide enable them to provide top-tier organic teas and select botanicals. The focus is not solely on organic farming but on quality control, aesthetics, and flavor.
Steve Schwartz is recognized as a Master Tea Blender, and his passion for expanding people's knowledge and history of tea is captivating. The offerings include customized tea menus, retail teas, pyramid tea bag lines, hospitality tea programs, and customized blends. The brand's commitment to excellence and innovation is reflected in selling tea and sharing the art and passion of tea blending.
Numi Organic Tea
Ahmed Rahim and Reem Hassani, siblings passionate about sharing tea's healing power, founded Numi Organic Tea. Ahmed, the Chief Visionary Officer, creates Numi's distinctive blends. Before co-founding Numi, he pursued his interests in theater and psychology in New York City. Following that, he spent ten years traveling and working in Europe as a filmmaker and photographer. While in Prague, he designed teahouses and learned about tea's culture, ceremonies, and health benefits.
In Oakland, California, Numi Organic Tea specializes in unique and innovative blends of green, black, white, oolong teas, Pu-erh, and more. They are a premium, Fair Trade sustainable company, and their dedication to organic farming is reflected in their commitment to quality and ethical sourcing.
Numi's offerings are not just about flavors; they are about a philosophy that honors the earth and the intricate art of tea-making. With a focus on sustainability and social responsibility, they have created a brand that resonates with tea lovers across the globe. Their commitment to organic practices is balanced with a passion for travel, art, and sustainability, making them a distinctive presence in the tea community.
Equal Exchange
The foundation of Equal Exchange was laid with a vision to establish long-term trade partnerships that are both economically fair and environmentally sustainable. Founded by Rink Dickinson, Jonathan Rosenthal, and Michael Rozyne, it began importing fairly traded coffee from Nicaragua in 1986, despite a U.S. embargo against the Sandinista government. Located in the United States, Equal Exchange has proudly supported authentic fair trade, partnering with over 40 small farmer organizations worldwide.
The offerings include a wide range of fair trade and organic coffee, chocolate, tea, cocoa, and snacks. The focus is not solely on organic farming but extends to knowing and working directly with the food farmers. By implementing this approach, farmers can democratically organize themselves, distributing resources and decision-making equally among members and investing back into their communities.
Equal Exchange operates as a worker co-op, a business model that upholds democratic principles. Every worker-owner has an equal vote, access to shared financial information, and contributes the same amount of investment to the company. The organization's ultimate goal is to establish alternative supply chains that empower farmer co-ops and provide them with equal opportunities. They aspire to foster a more democratic food system that empowers small farmer communities, alternative traders, and citizen-consumers.
Conclusion
Exploring the realm of organic tea is an invitation to a rich and flavorful experience. These top 5 organic tea brands are not just about the taste; they represent a connection to the earth, the farmers, and the art of tea-making. It's a journey beyond the cup, offering stories, experiences, and a promise of quality that resonates with tea lovers.
If you find yourself in the Atlanta area, stop by Nature's Own Herb Shop in Hapeville to purchase a box of organic tea today.