ABOUT
“We all dream of that secret place, hidden from the world where peace and kindness abides. High in the Himalaya many have searched for such a place and sought wisdom there. The village of Bandar sits in the middle of a hanging valley a few days trek from the base of Mt. Everest. It is a place where the thin air, rich soil and sun make it possible to grow the finest tea in the world. In the middle of this valley is a hill. On the hill is a stone cottage, a glacier fed well, a small outbuilding for workers and the Norbolungie Tea Estate. A few yards behind the cottage is a Lamasery dedicated to the 17th reincarnation of Guru Karmapa Urken Thirnely Dorjee. Dozens of prayer flags gently wave in the breeze. There Lamas study, meditate and drink a very special infusion. No machines. No chemicals — only weathered hands and gentle hearts mind the rare camellia plants that produce this incredibly rare, aromatic and flavorful tea."
DESCRIPTION
Norbolungie tea garden is situated near Bhandar village at an altitude of about 7500ft about 45km east of the town of Jiri. Jiri is connected by a 190km asphalt road to Kathmandu, the capital. It is also on the trekking route from Jiri to Namche Bazar and Everest BC of the victorious Tenzing and Hilary Everest Expedition of 1953 that made the first successful ascent of the mountain.
Nepalese tea is became grown primarily by small holders unlike tea grown in some other countries. The benefit of small producers is artisan quality and care.
The average wage for a tea-picker in Nepal is less than a coolie (porter). The average income in Nepal is less than $200.00 for an entire year. A tea picker (always female) makes less because it is seasonal and because she is a woman. Men won't pick tea because it is too difficult and requires many hours reaching and bending.
Because of the altitude, the place has a very nice mild climate, never too hot in the summer and neither too cold in the winter. Altitude slows leaf maturation, which results in smaller crop yields, and encourages flavor complexity.
The harvest season begins in mid march and can go till the beginning of November. Harvesting can be continuous during the time with short interval of about 2 weeks.
The Norbolungie tea garden is producing some of the most exquisite teas in the world. However like all precious things, the Bhandar tea available in small quantities and is TeaVert’s exclusive imports from Norbolungie tea garden.
PREPARATION
Heat water to 212 F, steep 2 minutes.
TASTE
The tea has brisk, stylish flavor, and an elusive delicacy. The flavor of some suggests ripe peaches and apricots.
OUR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PACKAGING:
Our hand-crafted packaging is simple, visually sophisticated, and sustainable. It reflects our values, and the values of our customers.
All our packaging is 100% recyclable and biodegradable, made of paper and non-toxic soy ink. We would like to make sure that you pay for quality tea, and nothing more.
Each canister includes a reusable bamboo tea infuser. The infuser is hand made from natural bamboo. We recommend using separate infuser’s for each type of tea because it will absorb the fragrance of the tea.
Each container includes approximately thirty-five one-teaspoon servings. Some of our teas can be infused as many as 3-6 times. The weight of the tea ranges from 50-100 grams depending on volume.
