We have been always very serious about worker safety at Teatulia, but this heart-rending tragedy has, of course, reminded us of its cardinal importance.  We are not only committed to abide by the rules and codes that apply to the industry, but, moreover, to keep trying to take that extra step beyond requirements to make the lives of our workers safer and better as we go forward.  Most of our workers are, of course, in the field, so the collapse of an ill-constructed building is not a concern for us.  The few built facilities we have – factory, storage, office and living-quarters – are all one-storied and built very sturdily.

Our focus is rather on health, hygiene and safety of workers in the field.  Apart from standard but critical programs such as training and provisions for fire safety and safe operation of machines, we also focus on how to be safe in the field: against snakes, insect bites, even dehydration.  We have a residential doctor, regular check-ups and first aid and respondents for instant or small issues.  We assist in securing safe drinking water and safe sanitary systems for our workers, and also on educating them on matters of nutrition and hygiene for themselves and their families.  The fact that we are organic already removes the dangers posed to individuals or workers from any exposure to chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

We are proud to say that in over 12 years of operation we have not experienced a fatality or casualty of any serious nature in case of a single individual that might be considered ‘industrial,’ meaning stemming directly from work conditions.  We are, however, keenly aware that even a perfect record in the past is not inherently a guarantor of future safety, and have renewed our vows to stay vigilant.

Even as we find relief in the relative easier conditions of our workplace, our thoughts are currently very much with our fellow workers who face far more difficult circumstances.  But we also believe that Bangladesh, given its track-record of resilience and renewal, and especially given the signs of unity in the face of crisis seen during the recent rescue efforts, can emerge from this terrible moment of tragedy to build a safer future.

The term organic is used to describe a complete, ecologically balanced approach to farming. 

Organic Does Not Contain Synthetic Chemicals Or Pesticides

Conventional growers manage pests and disease using synthetic pesticides and feed plants with chemical fertilizers. These pesticides and chemicals leave residues that can be ingested when the plant is consumed.  The USDA claims that an organic plant carries significantly fewer pesticide residues than a conventional plant.

Organic Helps Conserve And Protect The Environment

The pesticides and chemicals are transferred into groundwater and can pollute water in nearby streams, rivers and lakes. They can also rid the soil of its nutrients, destroy the soil structure, and leave the ground vulnerable to erosion.

Organic growers feed plants and soil with natural fertilizers—such as manure or compost—and use natural pesticides and beneficial insects to help manage pests and disease.

“Organic production is not simply the avoidance of conventional chemical inputs, nor is it the substitution of natural inputs for synthetic ones. Organic farmers apply techniques first used thousands of years ago, such as crop rotations and the use of composted animal manures and green manure crops, in ways that are economically sustainable in today’s world.” – USDA

Organic Tastes Better

Taste is definitely an individual preference, but an increasing number of consumers believe organic plants have a superior taste and quality.  Because organic food is grown in well-balanced soil, it makes sense that these healthy plants have a great taste.

• Organic plants that do not contain pesticides tend to build up higher levels of flavor-producing phytochemicals in order to defend themselves against their natural predators.
• Organic plants are often allowed to blossom and ripen at their own natural pace, instead of being sped to harvest with chemical feed. This allows them time to develop more of their natural sugars and other chemical compounds which contribute to the plant’s final flavor.
• Organic crops benefit from soil that is higher in nutrients, so plants are better nourished and fed.

USDA-Certified Organic is a Process

The USDA established a rigorous, government-regulated organic certification program that states how foods must be grown and processed to be labeled organic.  A government-approved certifier must inspect the farm where the food is grown to make sure it is following all USDA organic standards. 

The certification process is not only time consuming but the certification standards are extremely demanding, guaranteeing consumers that when they buy something labeled organic they’re buying a product free of toxic chemicals, and supports farming methods that benefit the environment.

Organic and Teatulia’s Mission

Teatulia’s mission is to support the land and the people while producing top-quality tea.  Because we use natural farming practices that don’t harm the environment, we’ve created a diverse and thriving environment that is highly sustainable and provides a bright future for the Bangladeshi men and women who help cultivate our exquisite teas, so it only makes sense that we are a USDA-certified organic tea garden!

For all you tequila fans out there, the Tequila Cilantro Cocktail is the drink for you.  This mélange pairs perfectly with nachos. (Recipe below) The infusion has the right amount of kick and is pretty easy to make.  The lemongrass simple syrup balances the bold tequila flavor while highlighting the freshness of the cilantro and lime. This recipe is a culinary touchdown.

The Tequila Cilantro Cocktail

(Submitted by Sarig Agasi)

Muddle 2 Cilantro leaves with a splash of lime juice
Mix, 2 1/2 oz. Blanco Tequila
1 oz. Lemongrass Simple Syrup
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
Shake over ice and strain into a cocktail glass
Float a thin slice of Jalapeno on the top.

For Lemongrass Simple Syrup– steep 2 bags of Teatulia Lemongrass Tea in 16oz of hot water with 6 oz. of sugar.  Cover and allow to cool completely.  Refrigerate after use.  Holds up to a week. http://www.teatulia.com/recipes/the-tequila-cilantro-cocktail.htm

Whether your team takes home the Lombardi Trophy or not, your taste buds will be winning after sipping on the White Punch.  This punch is perfect for your Super Bowl party! The peach liquor naturally brings out the peach notes in Teatulia’s White tea and the Cava adds some bubbly to the mix.  The recipe makes plenty for a smaller gathering which means less work for the hostess.  This is one of my favorites.

White Punch

(Submitted by Anika Zappe from Punch Bowl Social)

8 oz strong Teatulia white tea
6 oz Lemon Juice
4 oz simple syrup
4 oz Leopold’s peach liqueur
6 oz St Germain liqueur
8 oz Boca Loca Cachaca
12 oz Cava (or another dry sparkling wine)
5 dashes of angostura bitters
Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl with a large ice block. Serve in punch cups. http://www.teatulia.com/recipes/white-punch.htm

Looking to make a quick drink before kickoff?  The Green Tea Ginger Cooler is the so simple, yet so refreshing.  The ginger vodka and Teatulia Green Tea make a great duo in this potion.

Green Tea Ginger Cooler

(Submitted by Anika Zappe from Punch Bowl Social)

3/4 oz Lemon Juice
3/4 oz Simple syrup
1 1/2 oz ginger vodka (we use Skyy)
2 oz strong Teatulia green tea
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain and serve in a 12 oz glass with fresh ice and a lemon wedge. http://www.teatulia.com/recipes/green-tea-ginger-cooler.htm

Now go and have yourself a tea cocktail before game day! (For practice, of course!)

To get other tea recipes, click this link to Teatulia’s website: http://www.teatulia.com/cooking-with-tea.htm

 Friend us on Pinterest today! We have loads of recipes, DIY projects, and products:  http://pinterest.com/TeatuliaTeas/

I have got the newest craze for you!  Tea Cocktails!  Tea cocktails are innovative, refreshing, and healthier than other high-caloric options and what better way to delight your family and friends than by making handmade drinks poolside or at a barbeque? More importantly, they are a breeze to prepare and one of life’s simplest pleasures.

The White Tea Smash created by Kevin Burke of Colt & Gray is seriously amazing.  (See recipe below.)  This tea tonic uses fresh herbs, lemon, honey, vodka, and Teatulia White Tea.   Another one of my favorite drinks is the Green Tea Mint Julep. (See recipe below.) The Green Tea Mint Julep contains Teatulia Green Tea, whiskey, simple syrup, lemon, and mint.  It is the perfect drink for a hot summer night.

Creating your very own tea concoction can be fun!  All you have to do is mix and match various types of tea and alcohol with your favorite herbs, fruit, and citrus.  Half the fun is experimenting!  You can also find additional recipes such as the Tequila Cilantro Cocktail and Green Tea Ginger Cooler on Teatulia’s website.  www.teatulia.com

If you are still stumped or would like to learn more about making iced tea and tea cocktails, I suggest watching the tips given on this short clip featuring Teatulia on the Everyday Show:

White Tea Smash

(Submitted by Kevin Burke from Colt & Gray)

Glass: Tall Collins Glass
Garnish: Thyme Sprig

Ingredients:
2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
1/6 Lemon
.25 oz. Honey
1.5 oz. Vodka
3 oz. Chilled, brewed White Tea

Method:
Muddle 1 sprig Thyme with Piece of lemon in honey to extract oil. Add Vodka, tea, and ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with remaining thyme sprig.

Green Tea Mint Julep

(Submitted by Justin Russell from Corridor44)

2 oz. Teatulia green tea
1.5 oz. Stranahans Colorado whiskey
Half a lemon squeezed
1.5 oz. simple syrup
Mint

To make the drink, start with a sugar rim cocktail glass. Muddle the mint, lemon juice, and sugar in the glass. Then add crushed ice, and pour the tea and the whiskey over the ice. Garnish with mint and lemon. Drink!

Neem Trees surround the woman as they pluck the tea leaves in the Teatulia Garden in Northern Bangladesh.

Teatulia is the first company to offer a premium Neem Tea.  Teatulia’s Neem Nectar Tea is a blend of Teatulia’s Signature Black Tea and organic neem leaf.   It is a full-bodied black tea with a delightful brightness at the finish and is exquisite on ice. It is a tea unlike any other.

Teatulia’s Neem Nectar may be purchased a specialty retail stores nationwide. To learn more or to order online, visit www.teatulia.com today.

The Tea Bar features 18 different top-quality, whole leaf teas from all over the world (including Teatulia Organic Single Garden Teas from Bangladesh), artisan pour-over coffee, and delicious sweet and savory food from locally produced sources.  You will find delectable sandwiches, salads, cheese plates, scones, muffins as well as vegetarian, gluten-free, and kid-friendly meals.

Ultimately, we want Denver and the Highlands neighborhood to know this is a community space for all to use.  We invite people to stay as long as they want.  Since Tea Bar has free Wi-Fi, it is a great place to bring your laptop and work for a couple hours or hold meetings over lunch.

Tea Bar by Teatulia is already becoming a hot spot for locals. Jana Everett, the Tea Bar Manager says, “We are trying to create a friendly environment where tea can be more accessible to the community.  It’s a place for connecting!  The space is so cool that we would love to throw parties, have art showings, and hold fundraisers here”.  Tea Bar serves to all lifestyles whether you are a here to work, meet up, or just want to relax.

We welcome you to stop by and enjoy a refreshing tea soda or Zuni Cup the next time you are in the neighborhood!

Tea Bar by Teatulia

(303) 573-0710

2900 Zuni St. Denver, CO 80211

http://www.facebook.com/TeatuliaTeaBar

Co-Founder & CEO
Teatulia 100% Organic Single Garden Teas

As the warmer months sneak up on us, many people will begin to drink iced tea instead of hot tea to cool off.  One of my favorite iced tea drinks is an Arnold Palmer, with half iced tea, half lemonade.  It is refreshing, crisp, light, and the perfect springtime/summertime drink to compliment any meal.   One of the reasons I love iced tea so much is because it is fun to play around with.

I often make my own iced tea blend by combining Teatulia Green Tea with Teatulia’s Peppermint Herbal Infusion.   The Peppermint Herbal Infusion offers a smooth, buttery finish and the Teatulia Green Tea brings a refreshing, cooling quality to the blend.  It’s a thirst-quencher! Alternatively, by simply adding slices of orange or lemon to your iced tea, the flavor transforms entirely.  Just have fun with it!

Many people find the process of brewing iced tea complex, but really it’s super easy. Actually, brewing iced tea is a fairly simple process and can be done more ways than one.  The below three options are some of the best ways to make this tasty drink!

Ratios:

-1 Teatulia pyramid tea bag per 12 ounces of water

-10 Teatulia pyramid tea bags per gallon of water

1. Brew your hot tea as usual and pour over ice

It is recommended to chill the tea before pouring over ice to prevent dilution.

2. Make a concentrate and dilute

Brew your tea with a higher ratio of tea to water than usual.  For example, use 15 Teatulia pyramid bags per gallon of water to make a concentrate.  Dilute the concentrate as you are ready to enjoy it.

3. Cold brew

Place your tea bags into a container of cold water and leave in the fridge over night.  Since no heat is applied to the tea, no (or fewer) tannins are extracted from the leaves resulting in an unbelievably smooth and refreshing beverage.

To Health. To Life. To Tea.  Learn more at www.teatulia.com

We are now well into the winter season here, which is my favorite time in the garden. The Teatulia Gardens are one of the coldest places in Bangladesh, and we have already had temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius (that is 60 degrees Fahrenheit). In a country where most days are in the 80s and 90s, this is really cold. And, frankly, for the poorest people who don’t have very well-insulated homes or sufficient warm clothes, this is not a very pleasant time at all. On rare occasions, for the very elderly or ill, this weather can even be fatal. We distribute from Teatulia and its sisters in the region no less than a few thousand blankets and warm clothes to folks who need them in the area. This year we are also doing the same for the kids in our Co-op school. But, such serious social impact of the weather aside, it is also a beautiful time that most people enjoy in a variety of ways.

Special molasses cakes (pithas) are made for breakfast this time of year. Fireside gatherings in the evenings are popular throughout rural compounds and bazars. Cricket, badminton and a number of other sports, though year-round now, are played with much more enthusiasm in the winter. It’s also time for all sorts of vegetables that will begin to show up in curries and other preparations. This is also a time for fairs, weddings and other festivities.

In the garden, it is a time of winding down. The final leaves are picked by now, and we are preparing for the annual pruning and other maintenance activities. It’s been a great year. The weather was normal and conducive throughout, with timely and adequate rains. No big or destructive storms, and now the advent of dewy-foggy winter days. This kind of weather, along with the efforts and diligence of all our team members, has allowed us to exceed the expected crop target for the year. So, everyone’s in a happy mood, and I’m looking forward to going back to the garden to enjoy the cold and the pithas with everyone there!

To Health. To Life. To Tea.  Learn more at www.teatulia.com.

Buddhist Monks are known to drink a cup of tea during long meditations to stay focused yet calm, because L-Theanine simultaneously eases the mind and boosts concentration.  Meditation is about living in the present moment.  By preparing a cup of tea thoughtfully, you can truly meditate in this act alone.  Sipping tea and embracing the moment is one of the best ways to reconnect with your mind, body, and soul.   Through meditation, you can also connect with your energy centers, also known as the Seven Chakras.

Deepak Chopra, an internationally celebrated expert on mind-body wellness, has teamed up with Teatulia Organic Teas to bring Leela, the journey of mind and body, to your home through Kinect for Xbox 360 and Wii.  Deepak Chopra’s “Leela Meditative Experience” aims to help people embark on a path of greater well being by connecting to their own Seven Chakras.

Each Chakra relates to a different part of our body and mind: The Root Chakra, Sacral Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra, Heart Chakra, Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra, and Crown Chakra.  With the help of Leela, you can learn how to engage each Chakra through various moments that stimulate mind and body.  To experience the Leela journey yourself, grab a cup of Teatulia tea and visit http://www.deepakchopraleela.com/.

To Health. To Life. To Tea.  Learn more at www.teatulia.com

Through this cooperative, workers of the Teatulia tea garden receive a milking cow that they pay for over time with milk and cow dung rather than money. The cow dung is used as fertilizer for the tea garden, and any surplus milk may be kept by the members for their own use or it may be sold at the local market. By using this system, many members of the cooperative pay off their cow within two to three years.

With the assistance of the co-op, the members are afforded benefits that they otherwise would not have had. Twice a week, the women at the garden are offered – while being paid – to learn to read, count and write their names. During a visit to the garden, Teatulia’s Don Peck had a chance to see the program in action. “Each with a small chalkboard to practice on, they went up in front of the class, to show us how they had learned to write their names. Literacy programs took on a new meaning for me as we listened to their pride. What struck me the most was the down to earth reasons they gave for learning. ‘So that they couldn’t be cheated out of money’, ‘So they could sign their name instead of giving a thumb print’. I’m awed by their courage and in the difference this garden has made in the lives of the community. “

One Bangladeshi mother, Laili Begum, dreamt of a better life for her children, and she knew that a world of opportunities would unfold for them if they were educated. Unfortunately, like many Bangladeshi families, Laili and her husband did not have the funds to send their children to school. However, after joining and working with the KKTE cooperative, she eventually achieved her dream. She is now able to see her children off to school every morning. As of today, Laili and her family have received several cows that she has been able to pay for through the simple bartering system provided by the co-op.

Every Teatulia Tea drinker, whether they know it or not, is contributing to this great cooperative and helping more dreams come true everyday.