From Plant to Cup: The Ooty Oasis Story

Nestled in the breathtaking Nilgiri Hills of Southern India, Ooty Oasis Tea Estate has been cultivating some of the world’s finest teas for over a century. Our story begins in 1905 when British tea planter Arthur Wellesley first recognized the potential of this pristine landscape for growing exceptional tea.

The unique microclimate of the Nilgiris, characterized by cool temperatures, high altitude, and abundant rainfall, creates the perfect conditions for slow-growing, flavor-rich tea leaves. This environment, combined with our commitment to sustainable farming practices, results in teas of unparalleled quality and character.

At Ooty Oasis, we believe that the finest teas can only come from a healthy, thriving ecosystem. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just organic farming; it’s a holistic approach that considers the well-being of our land, our workers, and our community.

• Organic Farming: We use only natural fertilizers and pest control methods, ensuring our teas are free from harmful chemicals.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Our tea gardens serve as a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
• Water Conservation: We’ve implemented rainwater harvesting systems and efficient irrigation methods to minimize our water footprint.
• Fair Trade Practices: We ensure fair wages and good working conditions for all our employees, supporting the local community’s development.

Creating the perfect cup of Ooty Oasis tea is a meticulous process that combines time-honored traditions with modern expertise. Here’s a glimpse into our tea-making journey:

1. Harvesting: Our tea leaves are hand-picked at the peak of flavor, typically during the early morning hours when the leaves are most succulent.
2. Withering: The freshly plucked leaves are spread out to wither, reducing moisture content and preparing them for rolling.
3. Rolling: The withered leaves are gently rolled to break down the cell walls, releasing the leaves’ essential oils and initiating oxidation.
4. Oxidation: For black teas, the leaves are fully oxidized, while our green teas undergo minimal oxidation to preserve their fresh, vegetal flavors.
5. Drying: The oxidized leaves are carefully dried to halt the oxidation process and lock in the flavors.
6. Sorting and Grading: Our expert tea masters sort and grade the processed tea leaves, ensuring only the highest quality make it into our signature blends.

At Ooty Oasis, we take pride in offering a range of distinctive tea blends that showcase the unique character of Nilgiri teas. Each blend is carefully crafted to offer a unique sensory experience:

• Nilgiri Mist: Our flagship blend, featuring high-grown black tea with notes of malt and a subtle floral aroma.
• Frost Tea: A rare, seasonal white tea harvested during winter frost, known for its delicate sweetness.
• Blue Mountain Oolong: A partially oxidized tea with a smooth, creamy texture and hints of orchid.
• Emerald Green: A refreshing green tea with a light, grassy flavor and a clean finish.
• Nilgiri Spice Chai: Our robust black tea blended with traditional Indian spices for a warming, aromatic cup.

The journey of our tea doesn’t end at our estate. We take great care in ensuring that the quality and freshness of our teas are preserved as they make their way to you:

1. Packaging: Our teas are packed in airtight, light-resistant containers within hours of final processing to seal in their flavor and aroma.
2. Quality Control: Every batch undergoes rigorous quality checks and tasting before leaving our facility.
3. Sustainable Shipping: We use eco-friendly packaging materials and optimize our shipping routes to minimize our carbon footprint.
4. Freshness Guarantee: Each package is marked with a harvest date and best-by date to ensure you enjoy our teas at their peak.

When you brew a cup of Ooty Oasis tea, you’re not just tasting a beverage; you’re experiencing the culmination of over a century of passion, expertise, and the natural beauty of the Nilgiri Hills.

We invite you to become a part of the Ooty Oasis story. Whether you’re a seasoned tea connoisseur or new to the world of fine teas, there’s always something new to discover:

• Visit Our Estate: Experience the beauty of our tea gardens and the art of tea-making firsthand with our estate tours.
• Tea Tasting Workshops: Join our expert tea sommeliers for immersive tasting sessions and learn to appreciate the subtle nuances of different tea varieties.
• Tea of the Month Club: Embark on a flavor journey with our curated monthly tea selections delivered straight to your door.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Participate in our eco-friendly programs, from tree planting to community development projects.

Every cup of Ooty Oasis tea connects you to our rich heritage, sustainable practices, and the serene beauty of the Nilgiri Hills. We look forward to sharing our passion for exceptional tea with you.