In The Field: Okayti

Friday 17 February 2012 by Editor

In The Field: Okayti Estate, Darjeeling in India

In this blog we want to show you our pictures, taken by our staff, from across the world. This week's subject is Okayti Estate. Okayti Estate is found In Darjeeling Region in India. It produces some of the worlds finest teas. See some of the pictures taken whilst we visited the estate.

Expansive View Across the Okayti Estate

Darjeeling Okayti

A huge range of teas is produced at Okayti, ranging from traditional first and second flush Darjeelings to white teas, green teas and even oolong teas. While we were visiting, first flush teas were being produced. 

Tea Pickers Taking a Break from the Intense Sun

Okayti Estate Pickers in Sun

The estate employs 1000 permanent staff. All staff and dependants, totalling around 4000 people live on the estate, living almost entirely self sufficient lives. There are schools, hospitals, shops and markets located on the estate. Okayti Estate also boasts the oldest tea processing factory in Darjeeling, established in 1888.

Tea Pickers on the Steep Slopes of Okayti Estate

Okayti Pickers on Slope

 A truly breathtaking view of the startling green tea bushes and the dramatic topography of the region.

 

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In The Field: Puerh

Thursday 9 February 2012 by Matthew

In this blog we want to show you our pictures, taken by our staff, from across the world. This week's subject is Puerh Tea. Puerh is a unique tea only made in the south of Yunnan Province in China. It is a fermented tea, so the longer left, the better it tastes.

Puerh Tea Leaf   

Puerh Leaf

The leaf at the base of all Puerh teas: a wild tea plant harvested by farmers in subtropical forests of South Yunnan China. The plant's characteristics determine the  specific processes involved in making puerh tea and the distinctive taste of puerh tea. 

Picking Puerh Tea

Puerh Picking

Harvesting Puerh is not on your conventional tea plantations. Here harvesters venture into the wilderness of Xishuangbana to gather the puerh tea leaves. 

Withering Puerh Tea 

Puerh Withering

The Puerh Leaves after being picked are withered. Because of the hot climate in South Yunnan, this is process has always been done by harnessing the power of sweltering hot sun.

 Final Puerh (Loose)

Puerh

 The final product. Puerh comes in a many shapes and sizes. This is a loose variety but you can buy it in large, circular, compressed cakes (called bing) or small, individual portions (called tuo). Puerh teas have a delicious silky texture often with rich notes of chocolate, peach or nuts and a deep earthy aroma. 

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Glass One Cup Teapot

Wednesday 8 February 2012 by Matthew

The One-Cup Teapot

300ml Glass Round Teapot for Web White

Our One Cup Teapot is a practical and easy solution to making loose tea. Set aside time for the tea making process and enjoy the results. Ideal for any one who wants to linger over a cup of tea and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Mornings and lazy Sunday afternoons are when my One-Cup teapot really comes into its own. Equipped with teapot, my favourite loose leaf teas and a kettle, my tea needs are fulfilled for as long as my tea supplies last.

To make tea, our main advice is to control the infusion temperature and length as much as you can. The One-Cup teapot allows for just this.

  • The size means the capacity of the teapot is just right for your cup and so you can pour the tea out when it is ready.
  • The crystal-clear glass lets you see the infusion is at the strength you like.
  • Made from borosilicate glass, this teapot is not only modern and elegant, it is also convenient as it can be put in the dishwasher.
  • An integrated coil filter keeps your tea leaves out of our cup and in the pot where they belong. 

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