Kumari Gold Tea — Origin and Story Kumari Gold tea is produced at Kanchanjangha Tea Estate and Research Centre, located in the eastern region of Nepal, nestled in the foothills of Mt. Kanchanjangha, the third highest mountain in the world. At altitudes between 1,300 and 1,800 meters, the tea estate thrives in pristine Himalayan climatic conditions that concentrate the natural essential oils and complex flavors found in every leaf. Founded in 1984 by Deepak Prakash Baskota, the Kanchanjangha Tea Estate is the first certified organic tea garden in Nepal, established with the mission to alleviate poverty in the local community. The estate sits between the famous tea growing region of Illam to the north and the western borders of Darjeeling, India, benefiting from the terroir of both worlds. The name Kumari honors the woman who started it all. Kumari is the middle name of Deepak's mother, who planted the very first tea bush on the estate in 1984, back when it was still the family's backyard. Every cup of this tea carries her legacy and the humble origins of what would become Nepal's first certified organic tea garden. Kumari Gold is positioned at the meeting point of two world-class growing traditions. Young tea bushes at this elevation produce green leaves rich in essential oils, and the summer second flush harvest draws out the brown sugar aromas and baked fruit character that define this tea. Only the terminal bud and one or two leaves are hand-picked at peak ripeness, ensuring the golden tips that give this tea its name and its glow. Production follows a carefully refined method. After harvest, the delicate leaves wither for several hours to remove moisture while keeping them intact. Rolling then takes place in multiple stages, moving through low, medium, and high pressure to coax out the essential oils without breaking the leaf. Oxidation runs for 8 to 10 hours, during which the leaves are rotated frequently, developing the deep color and golden hue of the buds. The leaves are moved to drying at the exact moment their aroma peaks, capturing the caramel, honey, and baked fruit notes that make this one of the most celebrated Nepal teas available. Tea lovers who enjoy Golden Monkey, Yunnan Gold, or similar golden tips teas from India and China will find Kumari Gold black tea to be a natural next favorite. Its full bodied cup, sweet flavor profile, and long lasting finish set it apart from other teas in the category, and its minimal astringency makes it accessible to a wide range of drinkers, including those who do not usually reach for black tea. If you'd like to learn more about this tea and its special estate, you can read more here on our blog! Features: Harvest: Summer 2024 (Second Flush) Origin: Kanchanjangha Tea Estate and Research Centre, Nepal Elevation: 1,300 to 1,800 meters (4,200 to 6,000 ft) Certification: USDA Certified Organic Caffeine: High Ingredients: Black Tea, Golden Tips (Camellia Sinensis) Packaging displayed is only for 40 g size Ingredients: organic black tea
