Why are pesticides found in tea?
Tea leaves are cultivated in countries with warm, humid climates. For this reason, China, India, and Sri Lanka are among the world's largest tea producers. The leaves are harvested without being washed with water before or after the various processing stages they undergo. Leaving the tea leaves unwashed concentrates their flavour and preserves all of their aromas.
However, to protect their harvest, farmers often turn to pesticides or fertilisers. High temperatures and humidity encourage the spread of fungi and pests that ravage the leaves of tea plants. As the leaves are not rinsed with water after spraying, the chemicals remain and then infuse into the water of our teacups.
European regulations on organic teas
Since 1 January 2021, the European Organic Regulation (EC) No. 2018/848 sets and enforces organic standards for imported consumer products. Europe established these specifications so that tea from non-EU countries meeting them can be certified organic. Organic farming must be built on quality production that minimises the contamination of crops and soils.
Organic regulations therefore authorise the use of certain products – fertilisers, insecticides, and pesticides – provided they are derived from natural substances. As for synthetic products, they must not exceed specific thresholds. To ensure safety during production as well as consumption, a product must be 95% organic to be certified.
How to choose the right organic tea leaves?
Certification bodies inspect and test organic agricultural production several times a year to grant their certification. For teas to be labelled as "organic products", the certifying body must approve compliance with strict specifications. Checks are therefore carried out in the fields, manufacturing plants, before importation, and upon arrival within European territory.
This is the case with Ecocert, which ensures that a product has been grown, prepared, and packaged according to organic farming standards. Organic teas are therefore guaranteed to comply with European requirements, with chemical residues remaining below the required thresholds. To ensure you enjoy the benefits and flavour of loose-leaf tea, an herbal tea, or a quality infusion that protects your health, opt for a certified organic variety. What's more, they aren't necessarily more expensive! You gain the peace of mind of enjoying a drink with authentic aromas throughout the day, free from potentially harmful effects. It is the assurance of tasting a flavourful drink, prepared with tea from virtuous, high-quality agriculture.
Each year, we renew our commitments to offer you all the benefits and finest flavours of tea while respecting the planet. Tinned teas, herbal tea, loose-leaf infusions, or tea bags: Kusmi Tea is proud to offer a wide range of quality certified organic products. From organic Japanese matcha with its inimitable taste, to original organic creations like Label Impérial or Prince Vladimir in loose leaf or tea bags, savour the flavour of premium organic teas.