On the subject of tea, I have become obsessed with loose leaf tea. Why mess around with tea bags? Loose leaf tea is better quality, for one. The key is setting yourself up with the right steeping options. But perhaps, more importantly, make sure the tea is organic. Think about it. Pesticide soaked tea leaves equals pesticide steeped tea. None of us care to drink DDT on a regular basis.

Happily, I’ve found Mountain Rose Herbs company. These Oregon folks just won a business ethics award and are highly compliant with sustainable, organic agriculture and pesticide free standards. The company is genuinely passionate about providing the best products and respecting our planet. This is good. Very good. Also, their tea is excellent. My current favorite is the Dao Ren Green Tea.

Their website is a little on the busy and earthy side, but don’t let it stop you. You can peruse their products on the site, download an online PDF catalog, or request a printed catalog. The tea is very reasonably priced. They also offer many other products, including bulk spices, jars, and other natural health supplies. Read up on the history of tea and the company’s green culture from beaucoup literature on recycled paper that comes along with their products.

Most of all, may you drink loads of tea, worry-free!

The post Organic, Please: Mountain Rose Herbs Tea appeared first on EcoSalon.

It’s amazing how many people are going to be a part of EcoSalon Shops!

Zhena’s Gypsy Tea is one, and I’m so glad they are, for several reasons.

One, I can’t wait to enjoy the fruity notes of Gypsy’s hot and cold tea samples that will be shared at the event.

Two, I love their story.

In 2000, founder Zhena Muzyka’s son, Sage, was born with a severe birth defect. Zhena had no health coverage to manage Sage’s mountain of medical bills, and she was struggling to make ends meet. But she was determined to earn the money it would take to pay for the surgeries that would save Sage’s life. Drawing on her degree in aromatherapy and a love of tea, and backed by a little seed money from friends and family, Zhena embraced her Ukranian Gypsy heritage and became a tea cart peddler on California street corners.

Zhena was undeterred, believing that her tins would purvey much more than tea – she saw hope for the future and her son. These days, Sage is a very healthy boy, and Zhena’s Gypsy Tea is an award winning brand.

Zhena’s Gypsy Tea offers not only teas but herbal infusions, producing hand-crafted, all natural and organic beverages that are 100% organic and 100% Fair Trade certified.

Come meet us this Friday, and stay for some tea, won’t you?

The post EcoSalon Shops! Presents: Zhena’s Gypsy Tea appeared first on EcoSalon.