THE DIRT

Tea Leaves can't be washed after picking, so if they are sprayed with harmful synthetic pesticides, you are likely to find residues in your cup. That's sure to leave a bitter after taste!

Choice magazine found pesticde residues in seven out of 17 green teas, eight out of 20 black teas and six out of 18 herbal teas. While some pesticide residues were within maxiumum residue limits (MRLs), some teas were found to have up to 20 times the MRL. Read Report

ADI or acceptable daily intake levels may indicate that current pesticide residue levels in tea are safe HOWEVER, ADIs are based on animal studies with exposure to a single pesticide, rather than multiple pesticides daily, as humans are!  Many also need to be reassessed in light of recent toxicity research.

Water soluble pesticides such as Organophosphates are the most likely to end up in your cup.  Ethion is one such Organophosphate. There are many more questionable pesticides used in conventional tea plantations including Dicofol.

Read more about the Tea Industry in this Tea Report.

G SPOT
We had the wonderful luck of a private tour of Makaibari Biodynamic Tea Estate near Darjeeling in India last year. Rahjah Banerjee the wonderfully eccentric owner, was our host and taught us the art of Tea tasting. Click here for Photos and our full account. 

COME CLEAN
A good chat over a pot of tea is one of life's great pleasures, so here are some organic teas we love..

Hampstead Tea's Biodynamic and Fairtrade credentials are your guarantee that their teas and herbal infusions have been produced using the finest of ingredients and in the fairest way possible. This award winning range includes a fine selection of Black, Oolong, Green and White Tea and Herbal Infusions in loose leaf and individually wrapped bleach and staple-free tea bags. These wonderful Teas are grown at Makaibari Estate.

Sip Organic Infusions incorporate the finest quality ingredients from Australia and around the world. SIP produce an exceptional range of certified organic teas and herbal infusions that are uniqely Australian and designed for the discerning individual. Available through organic retailers, gourmet food stores, cafes and restaurants nationwide, and also through our web store.

Tea tonicT is dedicated to providing exceptional quality using only the highest grade ingredients including freshly picked herbs and fruits in unbleached tea bags and loose leaf tea to ensure maximum potency and goodness is delivered in every cup of tea.