Before the tea leaves we lovingly steep and sip each morning are processed and packed neatly into tins and silver packets, they thrive in fields and terraces, soaking up the nurturing light of the sun. Like any other plant, Camellia sinensis is just a small part of each ecosystem it resides in, cooperating with and contributing to the larger whole.
Imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of a tea estate. Spiders weave intricate webs in the branches of tea shrubs. Singing birds soar overhead. Crickets chirp. The rich, sweet smell of decomposing tea leaves feeding the soil permeates the air. Tea plants, cultivated by humankind but growing in harmony with nature, are home to many small creatures. But in the Darjeeling region of India, our beloved tea fields are frequented by a special, larger-than-life visitor: the Asian elephant.
According to the World Wildlife Foundation, Asian elephants are the largest living land mammals in Asia. These gentle giants are social animals that roam their territories in family herds. Perhaps it is the elephants’ relatable social nature that endears them to people.
Elephants are a beloved cultural icon—animals of significant importance in mythology and popular culture. They are muses for artists, depicted in paintings, carvings, statues and sculptures across the continent. And who doesn’t love a cute elephant video?
Unfortunately, while revered, Asian elephants are also endangered and face a myriad of threats in this modern world. The ongoing development of civilization creates many opportunities for human-elephant conflict. Outside of protected areas, elephants roam unchecked, facing the possibility of human retaliation for the destruction of property. Habitat loss is a factor where development and industry encroach on elephant habitats.
The agriculture industry is making strides in sustainable practices to coexist with these majestic creatures.
Have you ever heard of elephant friendly tea?
Where elephants were threatened by agricultural practices, certified elephant-friendly tea estates consciously strive to maintain a harmonious balance between farmer and elephant. We are pleased to announce that Upton Tea Imports has partnered with certified elephant-friendly Snowview Estate to offer a premium first flush Darjeeling!
Snowview Estate is located in the Darjeeling region of India. It is a 1,451-acre tea garden teeming with wildlife, and operated with the intention of keeping the elephants safe.
Cultivating premium teas since 1870, the Snowview Estate coexists with the migratory path of elephant herds, which travel across the estate regularly between the forests in order to drink and bathe in the Moortee river on the lower border of the tea garden. The tea estate has recently partnered with The Wildlife Enterprise, an independent organization striving to protect elephant populations. In 2020, Snowview Estate became the first tea garden in Darjeeling to be awarded with Elephant Friendly Tea Garden certification.
With its invigorating, full-bodied cup, our 2024 Snowview Estate first flush offering exhibits a classic “European style” character. The heady aroma is a rich bouquet of sweet flowers, fresh corn silk, and spring greens. These notes enliven the flavor of the sparkling gold liquor as well. Hints of tropical fruit and apricot linger in the finish, delighting the palate with a refreshing crispness. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a decadent dessert:
SNOWVIEW ESTATE FIRST FLUSH SFTGFOP1 (2024 EX-4) DARJEELING
Of course, in the spirit of the Elephant Friendly tea estate, you can also purchase this tea with an adorable baby elephant tea pet:
GOOD FORTUNE TEA PET AND TEA SET
Try it today!