A Journey into BiodiversiTEA

I love to incorporate sustainable activities into my travel itinerary.I usually do a lot of research on this topic.I found Monsoon Tea in an eco market in Bangkok and was intrigued by their story.I went through their website and loved the idea that tea can be grown in biodiversity.Their story on empowering farmers in Northern Thailand and growing tea in harmony with the forest really touched my heart.I know that sounds very cliche but that is how I feel..hahaha.

I really enjoyed learning the process of making green tea.The tea from this particular forest is sold in the Prada cafe in Milan which means I made tea for Prada..haha..just kidding!!This tea was packaged and gifted to me,I guess they wanted me to be the scapegoat for the tea I made.Making tea is a beautiful and artistic process,I was so happy to sit with this family and enjoy this unique travel experience.

I really enjoyed the time I spent with this family.They were so welcoming and patient with me, they made their speciality lunch for me using sustainable local ingredients.They did not once comment on my decision to wear gold shoes to go hiking in their forest which I later was not the smartest decision:)

I absolutely love the philosophy behind Monsoon Tea. Every time I drink their tea,I feel like i am taking a sip of Biodiversitea.I just made up that word but you know what i am trying to say.

At monsoon tea, they specialize in unique native tea grown in harmony withy the forests of Northern Thailand.This particular forest was en route from Chiangmai to Pai. They prevent deforestation and provide local communities with a stable source of income.  

Is it possible to make profit and not destroy the planet?Apparently,

the answer is yes.At Monsoon Tea, they do not disturb the biodiversity of a natural forest.They plant tea bushes amidst all this biodiversity.

I asked Kenneth Rimdahl,CEO,Monsoon tea on what inspired him to grow tea in this manner.It is definitely not as convenient to pluck and why would anyone care so much to put planet and people over profit?What drives people like him?He told me he did it because he is stupid, haha .

Well, the answer makes sense, you need an insane amount of passion to do something like this and I was laughing uncontrollably with joy because i love meeting stupid people who believe they can mitigate climate change.Jokes apart, what he is doing is incredible and I wish more businesses can put planet and people over profit.

There were pomelo trees, banana trees etc etc.They grow by themselves in this rainforest, the pomelo falls down and another tree comes up.

Monsoon Tea organizes small customized tours and treks for anyone who is interested in learning how to grow tea sustainable or just immerse in a local, sustainable cultural experience.