Unlike sprawling tea estates, Uttarakhand tea is a boutique product from the high altitudes of the Kumaon hills. The industry was revived in the 1990s, focusing on quality over quantity. This means our teas are from younger, vibrant bushes, grown in small batches in a pristine environment, making each harvest a limited and precious offering.

Many tea families in Uttarakhand follow age-old techniques: leaves are hand-plucked at dawn, sun-withered on bamboo racks, and gently pan-fried in small batches. These artisanal steps preserve volatile aromas and lend each cup a nuanced, handcrafted quality.

Uttarakhand is gaining acclaim for its exquisite and delicate White Teas. These are made from the youngest, unopened buds and are minimally processed to preserve their sweet, floral notes. You will also find exceptional Green Teas that are remarkably smooth and non-bitter, with a distinct, crisp vegetal character unlike any other.

While both are Himalayan teas, they have distinct personalities. Uttarakhand tea is often described as having a clearer, sweeter, and less astringent flavour than its famous neighbor, Darjeeling. It possesses a unique light, fruity, or even slightly woody aroma, a direct result of the specific soil and climate of the Kumaon region.

This speaks to the heart of our tea's quality and social impact. Most tea gardens in Uttarakhand are owned by small, independent farmers, not large corporations. The tea is hand-plucked, primarily by skilled local women (often called 'bais'), ensuring only the finest "two leaves and a bud" are selected, which is crucial for the tea's final flavour and aroma.

Yes, and this is crucial for ensuring you get the genuine article. "Uttarakhand Tea" has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This is an official certification that guarantees the tea was grown in the specific geographical region of Uttarakhand and meets the strict quality standards and traditional methods defined for its production.