Our Values
We are committed to offering the finest pure leaf teas with great flavor, artistry and soul. Our values guide everything we do, from sourcing to serving.
Promoting Tea Culture
Like Tao, the art of tea is universal. We began our work with tea to be a connecting thread for tea culture. Based in Portland, Oregon since 1997, we are a pure leaf tea company comprised of tea enthusiasts from different backgrounds and countries. We travel, learn about, find, take delight in, and offer pure leaf teas with great flavor, artistry and soul. All our teas are in their original form, as they were intended, with no artificial flavors, additives or preservatives.
Pure Leaf Artistry
Our focus is to offer teas from the Camellia Sinensis tea plants. Tea plants have many regions, varietals, processing methods and seasons. More importantly, good tea sells out very fast and is seldom made in large quantities. We as merchants are particular in securing exceptional tasting leaf each season by working with the growers. We pledge to share with you the artistry of the leaves, their origin, processing method, flavor vocabulary and spirit.
Eminent Freshness
As with flowers, fruits and other specialty foods, tea flavor is most enjoyable during a certain period of time. All tea begins to lose freshness after it is made. We pledge to offer leaves with inherent freshness and a full flavor profile.
Journey Relationships
All of our products are a result of establishing relationships with tea people. Although the products mostly originate in Asia, they pass on to various places in the world as a result of our efforts. Along the way, there is also a sharing and appreciation of various tea cultures. We hope you join us in promoting the art of tea at its highest level and sharing the traditions, culture and flavors that enhance our understanding of each other. We pledge for our relationship to savor the journey of wellness and conscience.
Honoring Old Wisdom
The practice of making handcrafted tea has been replaced over the years by more modern, mechanized methods. In China, old style roasting of green tea leaves in a wok over fire has given way to electric woks or industrialized ovens and roasters. Rolling of Oolong tea leaves by hand in Taiwan has given way to mechanical presses that mimic these hand movements. Probably the most sophisticated modern methods can be found in Japan, where color sorting of leaves is done by laser guided machines. Although these methods have allowed more yield for the farmers, they are a departure from the art of the leaf. Our focus is to offer teas that have been made per old-style methods. These approaches vary with the landscape and few remain committed to the raw form of tea spirit. Our work attempts to provide new infusions of energy and channels for traditional skills to be recognized.
Being Organic is Not Enough
Care for the soil and tea plants must be coupled with recognition and sustainability of surrounding ecosystems. The genesis of the tea plants was in naturally occuring tea forests, where much bio-diversity provided true flavor. Although we are proud to be among the leading group of companies to offer certified organic teas, we seek to raise awareness for sustainable tea farming methods. Tea farming today is primarily a mono-crop agriculture method. Very few areas still exist where tea is grown alongside other species of plants within self-sustaining and healthy ecosystems. Our recent projects include working with the Biodiversity Research and Development Center in Yunnan, China to help expose these farming models.
Focus on Camellia Sinensis
We are dedicated to sourcing and offering teas exclusively from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Our commitment ensures that every cup you enjoy comes from authentic tea leaves, celebrating the natural diversity and unique characteristics of this remarkable plant. From delicate white teas to robust black teas, each variety showcases the plant’s versatility and rich heritage. We also source various botanicals and herbs to complement our teas.
Colors of Tea
From the pale gold of white tea to the deep amber of pu-erh, tea presents a stunning spectrum of colors. Each hue tells a story of processing methods, oxidation levels, and traditional craftsmanship. We celebrate this rainbow of tea, offering selections across all color categories to help you explore the full visual and sensory experience that pure leaf tea provides.
More Than Fair Trade
Our commitment goes beyond fair trade certification. We build lasting, direct relationships with tea farmers and producers, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable practices. By working closely with our partners, we support their livelihoods and help preserve traditional tea-making methods while fostering economic stability in tea-growing communities around the world.
Serving Knowledge
We believe that understanding tea enhances the experience of drinking it. Through our educational resources, tastings, and expert guidance, we share knowledge about tea origins, processing techniques, brewing methods, and cultural traditions. Our goal is to empower tea enthusiasts with the information they need to deepen their appreciation and enjoyment of this ancient beverage.
Exceptional Service
Our commitment to you extends beyond providing quality tea. We strive to offer exceptional customer service, from personalized recommendations to prompt responses to your questions. Whether you’re a tea novice or a seasoned connoisseur, our knowledgeable team is here to ensure your tea journey is both enjoyable and fulfilling. Your satisfaction is our highest priority.