MILAN – SerendipiTea just imported its first shipment of certified organic, black tea from The Small Farmers Tea Project located in Peermade, a subdivision of the Idukki district, a fertile, lush, densely forested and mountainous region in the Western Ghats of South India. With a long history of spice growing, the focus is now on the organic production of black pepper, white pepper, ginger, nutmeg, mace, cloves and turmeric as well as herbs such as oregano, sage, thyme and rosemary. More recently coffee, tea, cardamom, and coconut are prevalent.
The Small Farmers Tea Project is a consortium of 1,088 tea farmers who have been divided into 50 groups varying from 15-30 farmers depending on locality. The general body of these farmers has elected group leaders, coordinators and model farmers for each group. The general body of the farmers has elected 10 consortium members to look after their interest in each zone. Green tea leaves are collected by members in five zones and then sent to a central factory for processing. Extra premiums earned by the consortium are used only for social and community development.
The overall objective of The Small Farmers Tea Project is to improve the living conditions of small and marginal farmers in the Idukki District by income generating measures through organic tea cultivation and processing.
In addition, strong emphasis is placed on empowering the women in the communities and on social projects including education of children, improving and in some cases implementing public utilities services such as drinking water, by providing medical and health awareness and old age pensions.
This tea has a unique aroma and flavour, reminiscent of Nilgiri but distinctly its own. The brisk, light-medium bodied, bright copper-hued tea is ideal for all day sipping.
And, the story behind the leaves ensures that each cuppa is full of delicious goodness.
The Small Farmers Tea Project mission is, “Empowerment of village communities especially the tribal, women and the marginal farmers towards sustainable development by conserving and enhancing local resources in order to have fullness of life.”
SerendipiTea, an artisanal NY-based operation established in 1995, is known for its wide assortment of Specialty Tea and Tisane, including an extensive variety of certified organic, certified kosher, single estate, traditional and creatively blended options. All blending and packing is done on site, by hand at their NY facility.
SerendipiTea is served nationally at the finest restaurants, cafes and tea houses and can be found in select Specialty Food stores throughout the country.
For additional information: tea@serendipiTea.com.
