Guide to Organic Tea
As our climate continues to change, so must out purchasing decisions if we truly wish to reduce our own impact on the planet. Sourcing organic products (like organic tea) where possible usually can - and does - make a difference, so always look for recognised symbols of trust to ensure that your favourite brands work to the standards and values that you believe in. We work with both the Soil Association and the Ethical Tea Partnership to adjudicate and help inform our sustainability priorities. When it comes to tea, what does organic mean?
What is organic tea?
Organic production standards for tea focus on restricting the use of artificial pesticides and fertilisers and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices such as crop rotation. This means working with nature, not against it. It means higher levels of animal welfare, lower levels of pesticides, no manufactured herbicides, artificial fertilisers or colours/preservatives, and more sustainable management of the land and natural environment. As a result, there is more wildlife and biodiversity.
JING focuses on buying the best quality tea within the context of our ethical values and we would generally prefer an organic tea to a conventional tea of the same quality when given the choice. Organic certification does, however, come at a price and this is not always realistic for our smaller suppliers, who are organic by Chinese standards, but cannot afford or justify further adjudication. For this reason, not all of our teas are organic. Where possible, we will work closely with our tea gardens to help them on the journey if they wish to take it.
JING Organic Tea
JING seeks out in China small, artisan producers focused on producing high-quality, seasonal teas that are crafted with care and attention to their environment. The results are unique and highly valued teas that represent and respect the traditions and culture of tea growing in their area. There is much local demand for these teas and the small production volumes cannot support the fees for organic certification as an export market requirement.
Nevertheless, many of the conventional teas we buy are grown with organic principles in mind, as producers focused on quality in traditional tea growing regions also understand that long term sustainable production is required to protect their livelihood. For high quality tea pesticide use is generally minimal as such teas are picked early in the season before the warmer weather encourages infestations of insects and other pests.
Picking the Right Organic Tea for You
Organic Gunpowder
Our Organic Gunpowder is a bold and full flavoured green tea without being overpowering or bitter - the perfect balance of sweet, refreshing and moreish flavour. As with all our green teas, this tightly rolled tea is made from tea grown in Spring for the freshest flavour.
Organic Jade Sword
Our Organic Jade Sword is everything we love about green tea. It converts even the most timid of green tea drinkers - never astringent, Jade Sword is simple to make and bursting with sweet spring flavour. It’s no wonder that it’s one of our bestselling green teas.
Organic Bohea Lapsang
The steep, rocky mountains of Wuyi in Fujian are the home of this famous tea. Drying the leaves slowly over barkless pine wood fires gives our Bohea Lapsang a soft, lingering smokiness, making it an incredibly easy-to-slip-down and sophisticated after dinner tea.
