Made by Marin

MADE BY MARIN

Silk Road Teas

NEXT TO WATER, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. And one growth trend forecasted for 2018 and beyond is, you guessed it, the leafy stuff — especially green tea. This is good news to Catherine and Ned Heagerty, tea importers and owners of San Rafael–based Silk Road Teas. Even though they don’t follow trends, they follow what they believe in and in this case that is sharing rare and artisan teas from out-of-the-way markets, tea farms and specialty tea companies in China. Actually, it’s simpler: “Our goal is to provide our customers the very best cup of tea,” says Ned. Many of the teas Silk Road Teas sources are not well known or TEA FACTS widely offered in the U.S., but through the com• White, green, pany’s diverse distribution channels it is able to oolong and black give tea drinkers an opportunity to enjoy a cup teas all come from the Camellia sinensis plant and experience new flavors, fragrant qualities and health benefits of artisanal, unadulter• Many doctors now recommend drinking 4 to 6 cups of green ated tea not easily found otherwise. Catherine says, holding a warm cup of oolong, “In that first taste, they often become loyal customtea daily to promote ers.” PHILOSOPHY Always cognizant that the health process begins with suppliers (farmers and • To brew tea, always specialty tea factories) that craft the teas, Silk use spring or filtered Road Teas highly values its long-standing overwater, never tap water seas relationships, at the same time nurturing • Cover your teapot those closer to home. THE SCOOP Silk Road or cup as it steeps to Teas increasingly sources third-party certified preserve the benefi cial essential oils - organic teas to complement its line of traditionally grown teas and to encourage organic • As with wine, farming. The company is a certified USDA NOP region, elevation, soil and sun exposure are important to the (Natural Organic Program) Organic Handler, its bulk tea bags are biodegradable and susquality of tea tainable, and its tea sachets are made from • Pu-erh tea is aged and fermented biodegradable, non-GMO cornstarch. Silk Road Teas can be found nationwide in 50 stores such as Whole Foods, in top restaurants including Chez Panisse and Slanted Door, and in local shops like Equator Coffees and Teas. BEYOND MARIN Believing in fair trade and following a direct procurement model, Silk Road Teas pays the farmer’s asking price, which supports traditional specialty tea production and the viability of organically grown tea. In its San Rafael operation, the company hires adults with disabilities to package the teas. Silk Road Teas is also partnered with Ceres Community Project and donates a portion of every tea box sale to support that organization’s efforts, as well as contributing tea bags to accompany the meals Ceres provides. WHAT THEY SAY “One of the most rewarding aspects of our business is when we receive a phone call or a letter from our customers telling us how much they enjoy our tea and how tea has become an integral part of their daily lives.” silkroadteas.com KIER HOLMES

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