It takes about three years to convert a garden from conventional plantation to an organic one. This involves not only a total ban on chemical fertilizers and pesticides but there are also restrictions on the use of some natural items. “For instance, use of tobacco extracts for pest control, is not allowed,” sources said. Pointing out that the movement toward organic production of teas started about 15 years ago, Darjeeling sources said that it commanded a huge premium in the international market.

Happily, we carry a variety of teas from one of Darjeeling’s finest organic estates, Makaibari, including organic first and second flush darjeeling black teas, an organic oolong, and organic silver tips white tea.  If you haven’t already, you need to find out what’s so special about these teas right away!