From the Pantry Posts

We stock various pantry items. This month we highlight Tea Total Teas.

Source: Tea Total

Anna Salek,  founder of Tea Total Ltd, “… was working as a sports masseuse in Sydney some years ago, and read about a shop in Paddington that sold all these different blends.” She tracked the place down and was amazed by the hugh variety of teas. As the owner wasn’t interested in opening a stall at The Rocks she bought 12 of the most colourful teas straight off the shelf and booked a stall at herself. It was, she remembers, a lot of hard work and a huge success – one that prompted her to come home to New Zealand and open the first Tea Total in Auckland in 1995.

Since then Tea Total has gone from strength to strength and now operates out of a warehouse in Albany on Auckland’s North Shore. Selling tea to many cafes, delicatessens, hairdressers, health spas & boutique hotels throughout NZ.

On Fair Trade and Chemicals Anna says,

“While we do not advertise our products as Fair Trade, we buy our breakfast blends and some traditional black and green teas direct from the tea estates in India, Japan and Sri Lanka. There are no middle men involved and while we pay what for us is a good price, it is far in excess of the amount they would receive from giants such as Liptons or Twinings. Workers are unionized, they work eight hour days, five days per week, receive free housing, electricity, schooling and medical clinics. Because of these conditions positions are much sought after and often handed down within families. We don’t have the Fair Trade label but I can personally guarantee the teas above are more than fairly traded.

Our blended teas (fruit infusions, herbal teas and Earl Greys) are sourced in Europe where teas, once bought directly from the grower, are blended with finest quality flavourings, fruits and herbs. All these products are tested by law in German laboratories for 203 chemicals and pesticides. This doesn’t make for a cheap product but does ensure a level of quality that is without equal.”

The Paper Mulberry is delighted to serve these teas in the cafe and sell them in our pantry.

We stock 100g zip-lock resealable pouch packs, in Pure Camomile, Tropical Fruit, Earl Grey Green, Revive, Ginger & Lemon, Peppermint, Breakfast, Earl Grey and Green Tea. Cost varies from $7 to $9. You will find these in our Pantry section by the entrance.