Special features in location, cultivation & processing
The Nilgiri Blue Mountains lie within the Western Ghats, a mountain range in western India that spans the southernmost state of Tamil Nadu and encompasses South India’s major tea-growing regions. The Western Ghats are recognised as one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots. In 2012, 39 protected areas within the range were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, while the Nilgiri Hills themselves are designated as a biosphere reserve.
Above 1,000 metres lies the South Western Ghats Montane Rainforests Ecoregion – the most species-rich in all of India. Around 80% of all flowering plant species found across the Western Ghats occur here; approximately 35% of the plants, 42% of the fish, 48% of the reptiles and 75% of the amphibians are endemic. The surrounding slopes and hills remain largely untouched, with dense forests and open grasslands shaping a striking natural landscape. With at least 24 peaks rising above 2,000 metres, the Nilgiri Mountains enjoy a noticeably cooler climate than the tropical lowlands of southern India. Annual rainfall averages 1,845 mm, falling predominantly during the summer monsoon. Located just north of the equator and influenced by both the south-west and north-east monsoons, the Nilgiris benefit from conditions that allow tea leaves to be plucked throughout the year.
United Nilgiri Tea Estates Company places particular emphasis on organic and Demeter-certified cultivation. To enhance soil fertility, the tea estate relies extensively on natural fertilisers such as compost and vermiwash, a highly nutrient-rich liquid derived from worm compost (vermicompost; from the Latin vermis, meaning worm). This deep black, fertile substrate is created through the breakdown and transformation of organic matter and is rich in essential nutrients including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Many tea growers use prunings from shade trees alongside animal manure as feedstock for vermicomposting. The resulting compost is a sustainable, nutrient-dense fertiliser that aerates the soil, improves drainage, and draws organic matter into the worms’ burrows, where it decomposes more rapidly and enriches the soil further. It is a compelling example of a local circular system in practice, supporting both the health of the tea plants and the exceptional quality of the harvest. The estate also maintains a strong commitment to sustainable and fair working conditions for all employees, both in the fields and in production.
The winter flush of the Assamica cultivar, grown in the south-western tea gardens, is hand-picked at 8 a.m. and processed using the traditional orthodox method.
Organic Certification
PL-EKO-01
Nicht-EU-Landwirtschaft
