From the first ray of sunshine over the tea gardens to the careful processing of the freshly picked leaves, we accompany every step with the utmost care. Our teas thrive in selected, renowned growing regions under ideal climatic conditions - characterized by soil, altitude and centuries-old tea culture.
Careful selection, gentle processing and precise blending create flavor profiles full of character that make the origin tangible. This is how tradition and craftsmanship become a quality whose origin you can discover in every cup.
WHERE TEA HAS ITS ORIGIN
Selected top qualities from all over the world
EILLES TEE sources its qualities from the world's most renowned tea gardens. Tea is grown in over 40 countries - each region characterized by its own climate, soil conditions and centuries-old tradition.
China is considered the cradle of tea culture and impresses with an extraordinary variety of tea types, while Japan is particularly appreciated for its characterful green teas. India combines several top origins: the high-altitude gardens of Darjeeling in the Himalayas with their fine, elegant teas, the powerful Assam in the north-east and the aromatic Nilgiri teas in the south. Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, is still one of the most important export countries for high-quality black teas.
Africa is also becoming increasingly important: in addition to the well-known Rooibos from South Africa, Kenya and Malawi in particular stand for expressive black teas of high quality.
The result is an international variety from which EILLES TEE carefully selects the qualities that meet the highest standards.
We find the tea you love
tea harvest
The path from the bush to the cup
Step 01
The tea bush - two leaves and a bud
The quality of a tea begins on the bush. Only the so-called "two leaves and a bud" are harvested - the tender leaf bud and the two young leaves underneath. They contain the highest concentration of aromas and ingredients.
Depending on the climate, a tea bush can be picked again every seven to ten days. In temperate regions, a year-round harvest is possible, while in higher growing areas - such as Darjeeling in India - growth stops in the cooler months from November to March.
Step 02
Picking - precision by hand
Harvesting is traditionally done by hand in many top growing regions. This careful picking technique requires experience and a trained eye. Depending on the region, between eight and twelve kilograms (e.g. in Darjeeling) or up to 25 to 30 kilograms (e.g. in Assam) are harvested every day.
Around four kilograms of fresh leaves are ultimately turned into one kilogram of finished black tea - proof of the elaborate processing and concentration of aromas.
Step 03
Yield - terroir and character
The yield and flavor profile are largely determined by the terroir: Climate, altitude, soil conditions and rainfall shape the plants just as much as the chosen processing method.
This results in regional characters - from delicate and flowery to strong and malty - that make each origin unmistakable.
Step 04
Drying - preserving the aroma
After oxidation, the tea is gently dried. This process stops the enzymatic processes and stabilizes the developed aroma profile.
At the end, a residual moisture content of around two percent remains - ideal for ensuring lasting quality, shelf life and taste.
Step 05
Grading - Precise grading
In the final step, the tea is carefully sorted. Manual selection and the use of vibrating sieves are used to classify the tea into four leaf grades: leaf, broken, fannings and dust.
This grading influences the infusion time, intensity and character of the infusion - and ensures that each tea corresponds exactly to its intended quality and use profile.
ORGANIC AND FAIRTRADE
Because sustainability is important to us
For EILLES, quality and responsibility are inextricably linked when purchasing our teas. Original taste, carefree enjoyment and respectful treatment of people and nature form the basis of our actions.
In the cultivation of our organic teas, we consistently avoid genetically modified organisms and chemical-synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Instead, we promote natural cycles and sustainable cultivation methods that protect the soil, plants and environment.
At the same time, we take responsibility for the people behind the product. Fair working conditions, adequate income and protecting the health of the plantation workers are just as important to us as the quality of the tea itself.
The result is sustainable enjoyment - responsible, transparent and in harmony with nature and society.
