At GRBR Enterprise LLP, we recently had the pleasure of hosting Miss Veronica Paredas, a certified tea sommelier from Santiago, Chile, during her visit to witness the 2025 season plucking session at Tezalpatty Tea Estate in Assam. Her visit was an opportunity to showcase our commitment to sustainable and organic tea farming while highlighting the meticulous processes our small growers follow to maintain high-quality standards.
Exploring the First Pluck of 2025 at Tezalpatty Tea Estate
The visit coincided with the first flush plucking of 2025, where tender tea buds and leaves were carefully harvested to capture the season’s delicate flavors. Tezalpatty Tea Estate, known for its commitment to sustainable practices, provided a perfect setting to demonstrate how we balance tradition with innovation in tea cultivation.
Miss Paredas was introduced to:
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Selective Plucking Techniques: Our pluckers meticulously follow the two leaves and a bud method, ensuring that only the most tender and nutrient-rich parts of the plant are harvested. This technique enhances the flavor profile and nutrient content of the final product.
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Soil Enrichment Through Organic Composting: We demonstrated how organic compost made from natural plant materials and waste enriches the soil, promoting microbial activity and improving overall soil health.
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Natural Pest Management: To preserve the integrity of our teas, Tezalpatty uses integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, including introducing beneficial insects and neem-based sprays, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Understanding Seasonal Variations and Cultivar Selection
During her garden round, Miss Paredas gained insights into the different tea cultivars used at Tezalpatty, including high-quality Assamica clones like:
- P-126 and TV22-23: Known for their robust flavor and strong malty notes, these cultivars are carefully nurtured to thrive in the unique terroir of Assam.
- S3A3 Clonal Varieties: These clones produce leaves that yield rich, full-bodied liquors with complex aromas, making them ideal for both specialty teas and traditional CTC production.
Fermentation, Oxidation, and Crafting the Perfect Cup
After observing the plucking process, Miss Paredas toured the estate’s micro-processing unit, where the leaves undergo various stages of fermentation and oxidation. She witnessed the fine balance between time, temperature, and moisture that transforms raw leaves into exquisite black and oolong teas.
Traceability and Quality Control
We highlighted our traceability process, where each batch is tagged and tracked from plucking to packaging. This ensures that every cup of tea can be traced back to its origin, promoting transparency and consistency.
A Deep Dive into Microbial Ecosystems in Organic Tea Farming
To give her a complete picture of organic farming, we demonstrated the role of microbial ecosystems in maintaining soil fertility and enhancing plant immunity. Tezalpatty encourages microbial diversity by avoiding chemical fertilizers, allowing natural microorganisms to thrive, which supports healthier root systems and higher yields.
Fostering Strong Partnerships Through Knowledge Sharing
Miss Paredas’ visit not only strengthened our relationship with our Chilean partners but also provided her with a deeper understanding of the science and craftsmanship behind each batch of GRBR tea. Her keen interest and insightful questions further enriched our discussions on sustainable practices, organic certifications, and market trends.
Continuing Our Mission to Promote Sustainable Farming
At GRBR Enterprise LLP, every visitor’s experience adds value to our journey of promoting sustainable farming and delivering high-quality teas to the world. Miss Paredas’ visit reinforced our dedication to quality, sustainability, and global partnerships, ensuring that our teas remain a reflection of care, craftsmanship, and respect for the environment.
As we look forward to sharing the exceptional 2025 harvest with the world, we remain committed to supporting small growers and bringing their authentic, organic teas to discerning tea lovers worldwide.
