What does "single-origin" mean?

Single origin teas are becoming increasingly popular among tea lovers for their unique flavors and health benefits. But what exactly is single origin tea, and why is it important?

Single origin tea, also known as single estate or single plantation tea, is tea that comes from a single source, typically a specific region or estate. This means that all of the tea leaves used to make the tea come from the same place, allowing for a consistent flavor profile and ensuring that the tea is of high quality.

One of the main benefits of single origin teas is their unique flavors. Because the tea leaves are grown in a specific region with its own unique climate, soil, and growing conditions, the resulting tea will have distinct flavor characteristics. This is in contrast to blends, which are made by mixing tea leaves from different sources and regions, resulting in a more generic flavor.

Single origin teas also offer health benefits due to their unique composition of nutrients and antioxidants. Because the tea leaves are grown in a specific region, they are exposed to specific environmental factors that can affect their nutrient content. This means that single origin teas can have a different nutrient profile compared to blended teas, providing a wider range of health benefits.

In addition to their unique flavors and potential health benefits, single origin teas are also important for supporting the livelihoods of tea farmers and the sustainability of the tea industry. By purchasing single origin teas, consumers can support small-scale tea farmers and help to preserve traditional tea-growing regions and methods.

Peak blooming season of late May of our high mountain roses and the farm ladies are working hard to hand pick them! This is the prized Spring First pick Rose Tea. 

when I arrived about a week later on a misty cloudy/rainy day this is what the farm looks like. Still so beautiful!

In conclusion, single origin teas offer unique flavors, potential health benefits, and the opportunity to support small-scale tea farmers and the sustainability of the tea industry. Tea lovers who want to experience the full range of flavors and potential health benefits that tea has to offer should consider trying single origin teas.