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Black Tea

Nilgiri Black Pearl

$27.99

Nilgiri Black Pearl is a whole leaf black tea with pearls that release layers of dried cherries and savory bay leaf as they unfurl. This unique black tea is made by one of India's first female tea producers, Muskan Khanna, who is leading an all-women tea-making team in the southern Nilgiri mountains. 

Preparation

Steep 1 0.5 Tbsp /2.5 g  |  8 oz  | 210° F  |  3.5 min
Steep 2 8 oz  | 210° F  |  4 min

Tasting Notes

Dried cherry & herbaceous bay leaf

Origin

 Nilgiri mountains of Southern India

Tea Makers

 Tea Studio

Certifications

None (organically grown, verified through testing)

Flavor & Aroma

This high-elevation black is defined by its shaped pearls, which give it striking aesthetics and unique cup qualities. Upon steeping, the pearls open, carrying Nilgiri’s signature fruitiness, but with a depth that is redefining expectations for the region’s tea. Notes of dried cherries and dates run through its body, complemented by a savory note of herbaceous bay leaf that lingers into that wonderful space between sips. Drinkers of blacks from Taiwan’s Sun Moon Lake are sure to enjoy this rare Indian black tea

Origin Story

  The Nilgiri region contains India’s southernmost mountains. While the district is only slightly larger than Darjeeling, it produces nearly four times as much tea. The prolific growth can be attributed to the lush tropical climate that allows for year-round growth. Unlike other regions, most of the land is owned by small growers who sell their green leaf to “bought leaf” factories. Nigiri teas are generally known to be less bitter and difficult to oversteep. They also don’t get cloudy as they steep, which makes them popular for high-end iced tea. Read our blog about this region here.

  • Origin Story
  • Production
Young Mountain Tea Tea Nilgiri Gold

Tea Makers

 Tea Studio is a state-of-the-art processing facility in the Nilgiris, run by Muskan Khanna and jointly owned by several international partners. Muskan’s father, Indi, has been experimenting with just about every aspect of tea since Muskan was a child--from growing the leaf, to sourcing the equipment, to exporting tea by the container. Indi is a fearless self-made tea man, and Muskan inherited her father’s love for tea. Her creativity and passion is evident in the teas her team makes--they all incorporate traditional Chinese methods and machines. Under Muskan’s leadership, Tea Studio is currently run and operated exclusively by a team of women–rare for the tea industry in any part of the world, let alone India. Tea Studio is also an educational space designed to host groups and teach professionals how to make fine whole-leaf teas.

Impact

 In a trade dominated by men, Muskan and the all-women team at Tea Studio show change is possible. They are exercising a level of creativity unheard of in India tea, rethinking every aspect of tea’s production, from the field to the factory. And with women leading the way, social norms are being transformed in Nilgiri villages, as locals see women creating teas that are getting attention from buyers from across the globe. Through Tea Studio’s educational offerings, they are creating opportunities for more small growers to gain the skills needed to make high-quality teas, raising up their entire community. 

Our Packaging

Our commitment to sustainability means we offer our teas in several types of packaging:

Tins

Durable and reusable, made from 100% recyclable steel. Labels are not recyclable but made from 50% hemp and 50% post-consumer waste.

Bulk Bags

Tough, resealable stand-up pouches with storing moisture and oxygen barriers. Not recyclable due to a 3-layer structure that serves as a food-safe barrier to keep your tea fresh as long as possible.

Pyramid Tea Bag

Recyclable stand-up pouches with tea bags, strings, and tags made from 100% sugarcane PLA, commercially compostable and degrades into organic matter. For best results, use a commercial compost facility.